The Rainmaker

Movie: In Ghost House Inn
Language: Malayalam
Date: 25th March, 2010

Review
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'In Ghost House Inn' has the by now Lal formula in place. A first half that tries to be comical. A second half which turns serious and delves deeper in to the premises of the story. A pre-climax conundrum and finally the grand twisted climax. The only differences this time around are that the foursome from 'Harihar Nagar series' are not chasing girls but they are chasing (or being chased by) ghosts. The premise is horror. Playing with Nostalgia which was a major part in the previous edition is completely non existent. So does the formula work this time around? Yes, to some extent.

The backdrop - Horror
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'Horror' is always an interesting backdrop to have for a comical movie and Lal has presented the setting well. As the first half begins with the story explaining the 'Ghost House the mood is perfectly set. Then begins the jokes and gags which are not that great but you still feel the fun because its quite creepy setting to say the least. The proceedings move at a smooth pace and as the interval arrives the feeling is about not a great movie but still engaging watch. Second half is when Lal last time caught the viewer in surprise with the pace. This time around things start to take creepy edges. Pre-climax conundrum is where Lal almost looses the game but salvages it with a wonderfully executed twist and end credits.

Director's Game
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'In Ghost House Inn' is whatever it is only because of one man and that is Lal. Like a master chess player and a captain tightly holding his ship against raging seas, Lal manages to engage the viewer and keep him hooked for most parts of the movie. A good director is always a good story teller and Lal uses such tools, techniques and takings to move the story forward, that its impressive to say the least. The kind of scenes designed to give the horror backdrop and presentation is worth mentioning. Lal will have a tough time breaking away from the formula he has set especially the famous 'twist' in his forthcoming movies. His amazing story telling ways should be applauded big time.

Cast
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The foursome have nothing much to do. Its Nedumudi Venu who takes the cake with the best role of the movie. Followed by Radhika who is somewhat competent with a not so easy role. Execution could definitely have been better though. The four leading ladies also are passé.

Negatives
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None of the four characters actually have a growth in 'In Ghost House Inn'. They remain where they were after the 2nd part. None of them have a proper sketch neither they play a major part or role in the movie. It is the horror setting and the Ghost house which is the main character followed by Nedumudi. This aspect may leave the foursome's fans tad disappointed.

The pre-climax portion is very loud and over the top. Could have been better executed seeing the way Lal has command over rest of the movie. This is the only time the audience feel like giving it all up and the only time when the director who
is a master story teller looses his grip on the audience. Screeching and Screaming with gory scenes and stunts. Nothing looks good, subtle or deft here.

Technically the movie is good. You may wonder whether some such horror scenes have ever been done in Malayalam before. But the music is pathetic to say the least. Tracks have been forced in. Looks completely formulaic and out of place.Background score is better.

Finally, 'In Ghost House Inn' is not a good or great cinema. You can watch it once because its engaging. Its like 2 hours spent in some fake haunted house ride. It will keep you hooked when it lasts and once you are out of it you will soon forget it as well. That is kind of ok in these transient and fast times. Isn't it?

Verdict - 3/5 as Rating
'Engaging' as an Opinion

'In Ghost House Inn' - A Director's Game Plan