Have you ever felt a chill crawl down your spine, the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end, and a feeling of unease settle in the pit of your stomach? If so, then "Victoria - Ek Rahasya," the latest Marathi horror-thriller, is guaranteed to send you on a thrilling ride through the corridors of a haunted Scottish hotel.
Ankita and Siddharth, our protagonists, arrive at the imposing Hotel Victoria, eagerly anticipating a romantic getaway. However, their idyllic escape quickly transforms into a nightmare as they uncover the hotel's dark secrets and encounter its sinister inhabitants. The creepy owner, Adhiraaj, with his ever-present smirk and veiled intentions, adds to the unsettling atmosphere. Ankita, with her heightened intuition, begins to sense a malevolent presence lurking within the old walls, a presence that threatens to consume them both.
As the story unfolds, directorial duo Virajas Kulkarni and Jeet Ashok skillfully weave together suspense, mystery, and chilling horror. The film's greatest strength lies in its ability to build tension gradually, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. The haunting cinematography, with its long, dark hallways and flickering candles, expertly captures the eerie atmosphere of the hotel. Every creak of the floorboards and flicker of light becomes a potential source of terror, keeping viewers engaged throughout the film.
While the storyline offers a refreshing twist on the classic haunted hotel trope, the pacing can feel uneven at times. Certain scenes linger longer than necessary, momentarily breaking the spell of suspense. Additionally, the film's reliance on jump scares, while effective initially, eventually becomes predictable and loses its impact.
The cast delivers compelling performances, particularly Sonalee Kulkarni as Ankita. She portrays the character's growing fear and determination with remarkable nuance, drawing viewers into her emotional journey. Pushkar Jog as Adhiraaj, however, feels somewhat one-dimensional, lacking the depth and complexity that could have elevated the character.
Despite its flaws, "Victoria - Ek Rahasya" manages to deliver a chilling and suspenseful experience. The film's atmosphere is its greatest asset, successfully evoking a sense of unease and dread. While it may not break new ground in the horror genre, it offers a compelling and well-executed narrative that will resonate with fans of the genre.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars
Comments