Strawberry

"Strawberry" is a captivating Indian-Tamil film from 2015 that masterfully melds the elements of horror and suspense, entwining a gripping theme of retribution with an emotional subtext. With the dial setting on a ghostly revenge plot, the movie sends a compelling message about education and traffic awareness, defying the traditional norms of Indian horror films which conventionally trade only on scares and thrills. An electrifying performance by Pa. Vijay, Samuthirakani, and Devayani adds to the ominous atmosphere of this intriguing film, introducing a fresh vigor in the Tamil film industry.

Directed and written by Pa. Vijay himself, the movie opens up its narrative with the sight of unnerving accidents. The crux of the plot is fashioned around the plight of young schoolgirl Anu, who becomes a prey to an unwarranted traffic accident. This tragic event is followed by an eerie succession of mysterious circumstances that form the backbone of "Strawberry".

Pa. Vijay embodies the character of a benign taxi driver, Saravanan, who develops a strange connection with the spirit haunting his car. His unwavering determination to help the spirit realize its need for vengeance becomes the motivating force behind the stirring narrative. His character is customized with a fine blend of bravery and compassion, aligning with the audience's universal longing for a fearless and empathetic hero.

Similarly, Samuthirakani plays the character of a hard-hitting traffic policeman, exhibiting awe-inspiring resilience and an iron-will to deliver justice. His performance is packed with intensity, setting the tone for the suspense-filled plot.

As the plot develops, Saravanan's taxi, infused with the spirit, enlightens the audience about the grotesque reality of accidents ignited due to intimidating traffic rules. The film's ghostly ambience, poignant storyline, and powerful performances instill an emotional depth, creating a lingering impact on the spectators.

Apart from its haunted aura, "Strawberry" is further colored with tones of love and friendship, brilliantly showcased by the actress Devayani. She embodies the role of Anu's mother, encapsulating a profound sense of grief and despair with her soulful acting. Her character vividly portrays the pain of a mother suffering from an irreplaceable loss while trying to trace her daughter's footprints.

The additional characters, spotlighted in the narrative, including Robo Shankar and Thambi Ramaiah, integrated their comic timing quite effortlessly with the flow of the story. Their comic relief works splendidly, adding a dash of light-heartedness to the overall grim setting of the movie.

The film's novelty does not just end with an unconventional narrative, it further extends to its technical aspects as well. The film's cinematography and background score blend perfectly with its narrative flow, magnifying the evocative and eerie atmosphere. The dynamic camera movements, close-up shots, and the effective use of lighting amplify the movie's chilling thrills, portraying a ghostly visual narrative that engages the viewers throughout the film.

The powerful, haunting background score composed by Taj Noor further accentuates the film's suspense and horror elements, stirring up an enthralling audience experience. The exceptional blend of the screenplay, dialogues, and the soundtrack convert "Strawberry" into a captivating audio-visual journey.

Through eerie scares, heart-tugging emotions, and a strong moral message on road safety measures, "Strawberry" proves itself to be an exemplary horror film that strays away from the clichéd routes of Indian horror cinema. Its zeal to elicit a ripple effect of traffic consciousness has turned it into an unconventional social-thriller introducing a new schematic in the field of horror cinema.

"Strawberry" holds a mirror to society, calling attention to the devastating consequences of violating traffic rules. It's a film that not only offers spine-chilling scares and an intriguing narrative, but also serves as a somber reminder of our roles and responsibilities as conscientious citizens.

In summary, "Strawberry" is a captivating blend of horror and sentiment, equipped with an unforgettable message about traffic safety. More than just a horror film, it's a poignant social commentary that warrants engagement and reflection within the audience. Anyone with a taste for horror, riveting drama, and meaningful cinema would find "Strawberry" a feast for the senses. It's a must-watch, especially for those looking to experience a fresh take on the realms of Indian horror cinema.