‘Bouma’ movie review: Despite the familiar setting, an engaging gothic horror until the last twist

Rejin S. Babu, the writer and director of Bouma, probably believes in the old adage that the journey is more important than the destination. The predictable destination of this gothic horror flick is an old haunted bungalow, where the film culminates in a rather crushing, open-ended ending. The mysterious happenings in the bungalow give one a “been there, done that” feeling as the setting is familiar from many movies.

However, the action outdoors, where the film spends much of its run, raises a lot of curiosity. This is something that the film manages to maintain almost until the last act. The choice not to confine the characters mostly to the bungalow paid off in a way. Bouma unhurriedly takes off with the sight of Celine (Revathy Sarma), a resto-bar singer, and her live-in partner Jacob (Sagar Surya), a food delivery worker. The struggling couple seem to have hit the jackpot when she learns that she has been bequeathed an ancestral property of immense value.

Running parallel to the couple’s story are two separate police procedurals in two separate timelines. The way the writer and editor structures and plays with these disparate timelines drives the film, especially since many events from the past affect the present. Since the film doesn’t linger on any scene longer than required, it runs at a comfortable and even pace. While the familiarity of some plot points kills the excitement, some genuinely surprising moments and revelations keep the film going. Some of the ideas are also exciting, such as a secret support group for insomniacs who meet at otherworldly hours.

Movie: Boom

Directed by: Rejin S. Babu

Starring: Dileesh Pothan, Vineeth, Revathy Sarma, Sagar Surya, Madhupal, Aditi Balan, Merin Philip, Lenaa

Plot: A resto-bar singer and her boyfriend seem to have hit the jackpot when they learn that she has been bequeathed an ancestral estate of immense value, but there is more to it than meets the eye.

Duration: 115 minutes

A film of this nature lacks jump scares as well as overly violent visuals, although some extreme acts of violence are hinted at. However, the occult part of the plot remains interesting only during the process of unraveling the mystery. The strange behavior of the family members and the growing uneasiness of the strangers builds tension. However, the visualization of some occult practices somewhat removes the terrifying effect present until then. The only memorable bit from this section is a haunting piano melody that reappears later in the narrative in a highly effective scene. It often works best when things are left to our imaginations.

Dileesh Pothan and Vineeth’s performances stand out among the cast. Even though we’ve seen many variations of Pothan’s cop avatars, he still manages to bring a level of freshness to the role. Vineeth’s voice alone works wonders and he makes full use of it in several scenes.

Despite the familiar setting, Bouma is a somewhat satisfying experience if one can ignore the weak third act.

(The movie is currently playing in theaters.)

Published – 12 Nov 2026 20:05 IST