Manvat Murders (2024) Review: A Rural Thriller with Rich Cinematography and Unsettling Themes
Manvat Murders, available on SonyLIV, is a Marathi-language thriller that delves deep into the psychological terror of superstitions in rural India. Directed by Ashish Avinash Bende, the movie captivates with its rich cinematography and intriguing storyline.
Cinematography: A Visual Masterpiece
One of the standout aspects of the film is its cinematography, helmed by Vijay Soni. The rural setting of the film is captured with an atmospheric quality, often using natural lighting to enhance the eerie mood of the village. The camera work, characterized by slow pans and lingering shots, builds tension in every scene.
Vijay Soni uses contrasting colors to emphasize the clash between tradition and modernity. For example, the village’s dark, earthy tones are juxtaposed with the police officer’s clean, crisp uniform. The use of shadows and light creates a visual metaphor for the struggle between truth and superstition.
Technical Aspects: A Study in Suspense
The editing, handled by Shubham Suryavanshi, is tight, ensuring that the audience remains on edge throughout. The sound design complements the visuals, with subtle but impactful background noises like rustling leaves and distant animal sounds, which add to the village’s foreboding atmosphere.
The score, composed by Rohan Pradhan, is minimalist, relying on ambient sound to heighten tension. Pradhan’s music avoids melodrama, allowing the scenes to breathe while still providing an undercurrent of unease.
Plot and Storytelling
Manvat Murders follows Ramakant Kulkarni, played by Ashutosh Gowariker, a city police officer sent to investigate a series of murders in a remote village. The village is steeped in superstitions, and the murders seem connected to an ancient curse. As Ramakant digs deeper, he finds himself questioning his own beliefs.
The film expertly weaves together elements of mystery, drama, and thriller, with the supernatural aspect never fully clarified. This ambiguity keeps the audience engaged, forcing them to decide whether the events are driven by superstition or something far darker.
Production Design and Atmosphere
The film’s production design deserves special mention. The village, with its narrow, winding paths and decrepit buildings, feels lived-in and oppressive. The interiors of the homes are sparse but filled with cultural artifacts that add authenticity to the setting.
The filmmakers use the village’s isolation to their advantage, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere. Every frame is packed with detail, from the cracked walls of the houses to the intricate patterns of the villagers’ traditional clothing. These details ground the supernatural elements in a very real, tangible world.
Comparison to Other Rural Mysteries
In its exploration of rural life and mysticism, “Manvat Murders” can be compared to films like “Tumbbad” and “Parched.” However, Bende’s film focuses more on the psychological implications of belief, rather than diving headfirst into fantasy.
Unlike the fast-paced thrillers of Bollywood, Manvat Murders takes its time, building a slow-burn narrative that mirrors the pace of life in the village. This deliberate pace, while perhaps too slow for some viewers, allows the tension to mount steadily, making the final reveal all the more impactful.
Box Office and Reception
The film’s release on SonyLIV has garnered a positive reception, particularly for its cinematography and production design. While some viewers may find the pacing a bit slow, the film has been praised for its atmosphere and the complexity of its themes.
Star Rating
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cinematography | 4.5/5 |
| Sound Design | 4/5 |
| Plot | 4/5 |
| Production Design | 5/5 |
| Pacing | 3.5/5 |
FAQs
What makes the cinematography of “Manvat Murders” stand out?
The cinematography captures the eerie atmosphere of the village, using natural lighting, slow pans, and rich color contrasts to build tension and visually represent the clash between tradition and modernity.
Is the film more of a supernatural thriller or a psychological one?
The film leaves the supernatural elements ambiguous, allowing the audience to decide whether the events are driven by superstition or rational explanations, making it more of a psychological thriller.
How does the production design contribute to the film’s atmosphere?
The village setting is meticulously crafted, with every detail from the homes to the clothing adding to the oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere, grounding the story in a tangible reality.
Conclusion
“Manvat Murders” excels in its technical aspects, especially in terms of cinematography and production design. Its slow pace may not appeal to all, but for those who appreciate a detailed, atmospheric thriller, it’s a rewarding experience. With themes of superstition and belief interwoven with a tense narrative, the film stands out in the genre of rural mysteries.
Disclaimer: Ratings may vary.
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