Baida Movie Review: A supernatural thriller that blurs the lines of time and reality
Baida Movie Review: Critics Rating: 2.5 stars, click to give your rating/review,While not without its flaws, its experimental storytelling and unique premise make it a decent watch
Critic's Rating: 2.5/5
Story: Former detective Ram Babu, now a salesman in rural Uttar Pradesh, takes shelter in the hut of a mysterious man—only to find himself inexplicably transported to British India, where he is sentenced to death. As reality bends and time unravels, he must rely on his detective instincts to escape the noose and return to his world. But will he succeed before time runs out?
Review: What happens when a man unknowingly steps into a realm where time is fluid and reality is an illusion? , directed by Puneet Sharma and written by Sudhanshu Rai (who also stars as the protagonist), attempts to answer this question through a mix of mystery, fantasy, and supernatural elements. Set in rural Uttar Pradesh, the film blends black magic, science, and a desperate struggle for survival into a haunting narrative.
The 109-minute film opens with a chilling pre-independence execution scene, setting the stage for an eerie, mind-bending thriller. We are then introduced to Ram Babu (Sudhanshu Rai), a former intelligence officer who has traded his high-stakes career for a quiet life as a salesman in a remote village. However, his search for peace is short-lived when he encounters the enigmatic Pishaach (Saurabh Raaj Jain), who drags him into a web of supernatural horrors.
The first half unfolds at a slow pace, keeping the audience intrigued but craving more momentum. It’s Pishaach’s entry that shifts the story into darker, more thrilling territory. As Ram is suddenly transported to British India and faces imminent execution, the film takes on deeper sci-fi and fantasy elements. Just as the audience begins to connect the dots, Ram is thrust back into the present, blurring the lines between time and space.
While boasts a compelling premise, its execution falters in several areas. The film’s low-budget constraints are evident in its choppy editing and overuse of saturated lighting, where red and green hues—intended to enhance the eerie atmosphere—often feel distracting instead. The climax, unfortunately, wraps up too conveniently, diminishing the tension that had been building throughout.
One of the film’s strongest aspects is its performances. Saurabh Raaj Jain delivers a chilling and sinister portrayal of Pishaach, shedding his well-known divine persona from previous roles. Shobhit Sujay, in the comic relief role of Golu, adds much-needed humor to balance the film’s intensity. Manisha Rai provides a grounding presence, while Hiten Tejwani and Tarun Khanna leave an impact despite their brief screen time.
As progresses, it introduces the idea of a parallel universe, merging black magic with scientific curiosity. While this concept is intriguing, the film doesn’t fully explore its supernatural potential, making certain elements feel underdeveloped. Pishaach’s sinister ambition—manipulating life, death, and the afterlife—adds an ominous layer to the story but lacks the depth needed to be truly haunting.
Ram and Golu’s dynamic is a highlight, offering both tension and comic relief in equal measure. Their struggle to outwit Pishaach leads to several gripping and suspenseful moments, and a brief yet significant cameo by Tarun Khanna as ‘The Doctor’ adds another layer of mystery.
Though the film starts slowly, picks up steam in its latter half, delivering a mix of suspense and supernatural intrigue. While not without its flaws, its experimental storytelling and unique premise make it a decent watch for fans of the supernatural thriller genre.
Review: What happens when a man unknowingly steps into a realm where time is fluid and reality is an illusion? , directed by Puneet Sharma and written by Sudhanshu Rai (who also stars as the protagonist), attempts to answer this question through a mix of mystery, fantasy, and supernatural elements. Set in rural Uttar Pradesh, the film blends black magic, science, and a desperate struggle for survival into a haunting narrative.
The 109-minute film opens with a chilling pre-independence execution scene, setting the stage for an eerie, mind-bending thriller. We are then introduced to Ram Babu (Sudhanshu Rai), a former intelligence officer who has traded his high-stakes career for a quiet life as a salesman in a remote village. However, his search for peace is short-lived when he encounters the enigmatic Pishaach (Saurabh Raaj Jain), who drags him into a web of supernatural horrors.
The first half unfolds at a slow pace, keeping the audience intrigued but craving more momentum. It’s Pishaach’s entry that shifts the story into darker, more thrilling territory. As Ram is suddenly transported to British India and faces imminent execution, the film takes on deeper sci-fi and fantasy elements. Just as the audience begins to connect the dots, Ram is thrust back into the present, blurring the lines between time and space.
While boasts a compelling premise, its execution falters in several areas. The film’s low-budget constraints are evident in its choppy editing and overuse of saturated lighting, where red and green hues—intended to enhance the eerie atmosphere—often feel distracting instead. The climax, unfortunately, wraps up too conveniently, diminishing the tension that had been building throughout.
One of the film’s strongest aspects is its performances. Saurabh Raaj Jain delivers a chilling and sinister portrayal of Pishaach, shedding his well-known divine persona from previous roles. Shobhit Sujay, in the comic relief role of Golu, adds much-needed humor to balance the film’s intensity. Manisha Rai provides a grounding presence, while Hiten Tejwani and Tarun Khanna leave an impact despite their brief screen time.
As progresses, it introduces the idea of a parallel universe, merging black magic with scientific curiosity. While this concept is intriguing, the film doesn’t fully explore its supernatural potential, making certain elements feel underdeveloped. Pishaach’s sinister ambition—manipulating life, death, and the afterlife—adds an ominous layer to the story but lacks the depth needed to be truly haunting.
Ram and Golu’s dynamic is a highlight, offering both tension and comic relief in equal measure. Their struggle to outwit Pishaach leads to several gripping and suspenseful moments, and a brief yet significant cameo by Tarun Khanna as ‘The Doctor’ adds another layer of mystery.
Though the film starts slowly, picks up steam in its latter half, delivering a mix of suspense and supernatural intrigue. While not without its flaws, its experimental storytelling and unique premise make it a decent watch for fans of the supernatural thriller genre.
