Petromax

Petromax is a 2019 Indian Tamil-language comedy horror film directed by Rohin Venkatesan and produced by Eagle's Eye Production. The film features the talented Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead role, complemented by a strong supporting cast, including Prem Kumar and Munishkanth.

The movie's title, 'Petromax', is an intriguing nod to a popular brand of pressure lamps in India, often associated with spooky stories and unsettling ambiance.

The film opens with an eerie yet compelling element that sets the tone of mastery between horror and comedy. The storyline centers around a sprawling mansion that seemingly holds a mysterious and unsettling secret. The residence is set in an uneasy environment that is allegedly haunted by unseen entities, causing great distress to the potential buyers. The property is inherited by a Malaysian returnee, portrayed by Tamannaah Bhatia, who, unfazed by the rumors, decides to sell the property.

However, she quickly understands that the rumors about the haunted house dissuade potential buyers. Not one to be easily intimidated, she decides to employ four quirky characters to stay in the house for a few days and prove once and for all if the house is haunted or not. This ensemble includes Prem Kumar, a popular Tamil actor, and Munishkanth, a veteran in the comedy genre.

Their stay in the house leads to the film unravelling a comedic yet frightening narrative, giving the audience a thrilling rollercoaster of humor and horror. The constant tug-of-war between the hilarious interludes and spooky moments serve as the unique selling points of 'Petromax'.

Tamannaah Bhatia's powerful performance stands out through the film as the fearless protagonist who drives the story forward. Her commanding screen presence and coveted acting skills align seamlessly with the film's narrative, making her character memorable. Prem Kumar and Munishkanth enlighten the screen with their comic timing, providing the intended levity to the story's serious undertone.

Under Rohin Venkatesan's direction, 'Petromax' successfully harmonizes comedy and horror, ensuring that neither is compromised for the other. Venkatesan’s handling of the film is commendable, keeping the narrative balanced and interesting, despite the horror-comedy genre being quite saturated in Indian cinema.

A noteworthy aspect of 'Petromax' is the cinematography. The well-thought-out shots and mood lighting, especially within the haunted mansion, effectively generate the necessary spooky atmosphere. The jump scare scenes are well-executed, making the horror segments far more impactful. The humor, on the other hand, runs smoothly, creating refreshing moments amidst the horrific events.

The music by Ghibran enhances not only the eerie mood of the film but also underscores the light-hearted moments, thus playing a significant role in rendering the desired effect to every scene.

'Petromax' is layered with a running theme of superstition and rationalism, markable through interesting trivialities. The film retains a clean approach without leaning into the stereotypical horror clichés, making for a more authentic scare-fest coupled with hearty laughs.

In conclusion, 'Petromax' offers a unique spin on the comedy-horror genre, featuring a talented cast and clever storytelling techniques. The film successfully portrays the perfect amalgamation of humor and horror, effectively delivering thrills and chuckles in balanced proportion. The performances, direction, narrative style, cinematography, and music all contribute to the film's overall appeal. With Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead role offering a power-packed performance, 'Petromax' stands tall as an entertaining cinema piece to be relished by fans of the genre.