Pechi Movie Review

An Engaging Trek into Supernatural Horror
Five young trekkers and their tour guide embark on a weekend adventure in the Kollimalai hills. Despite warnings, they venture into a restricted area of the Aranmanai Forest, unknowingly entering the domain of a malevolent spirit. The film follows their harrowing encounter with the supernatural force and their struggle for survival in the haunted woods.

“Pechi” impresses right from the start with its striking visuals and immersive atmosphere. The story revolves around friends Meena (Gayathrie Shankar), Charan (Dev), Charu (Preeti), Jerry (Mageshwaran), and Sethu (Jana), who set out on a weekend trek with their guide Maari (Bala Saravanan).
The trek begins with a hint of mystery as a forest guard gives Maari a significant nod, suggesting something ominous. Tensions rise between the group and Maari due to his constant warnings about the dangers lurking in the forest, which the group finds irritating.

Ignoring Maari’s warnings, the group stumbles upon a hidden warning sign for a restricted area and decides to enter. Charu and Sethu discover an old house with a voodoo doll of an old lady, awakening the Pechi (Seeniammal) and leaving one of them severely affected. The rest of the film delves into the forest’s curse and the reasons behind these supernatural events, featuring unique horror elements like doppelgangers, unexplained movements, invisible forces, and eerie noises.

The director earns praise for choosing a dense, hilly forest location that becomes a character in itself, heightening the film’s eerie ambiance. “Pechi” avoids typical horror clichés, offering a fresh take on the supernatural genre. However, the backstory of Pechi could have been more clearly narrated for a stronger impact.

Gayathrie Shankar stands out in her well-written role, while the rest of the cast delivers convincing performances. Bala Saravanan impresses with a restrained performance, showcasing his versatility beyond comic roles.

Technically, Parthiban’s camerawork is exceptional, capturing the forest’s haunting beauty, and Kumar Gangappan’s art direction adds authenticity. While “Pechi” offers some chilling moments, it struggles to deliver a fully coherent supernatural tale. Nonetheless, it remains an engaging watch for horror enthusiasts.

Cast – Gayathrie, Bala Saravanan, Preethi Nedumaran, Dev, Janaand others.

Director: Ramachandran B.

Rating..3.7/5