A Wedding Story, directed by Abhinav Pareek, attempts to weave a horror narrative around the traditional Hindu concept of Panchak, a period deemed inauspicious. The film follows the Nain family, particularly focusing on Vikram (Vaibhav Tatwawadi) and his fiancée Preeti (Mukti Mohan), as they navigate supernatural disturbances following the death of Tarun’s (Lakshvir Singh Saran) father during this critical time. While the premise holds potential, the execution ultimately falls short, leading to a mixed viewing experience.
The film’s initial setup is intriguing, leveraging the cultural backdrop of Panchak to introduce an atmosphere of dread. The cinematography by Supratim Bhol effectively captures the eerie landscapes, contributing to the film’s unsettling mood.
The performances by Tatwawadi and Mohan are commendable, showcasing their chemistry and emotional depth, even if their characters lack substantial development. The first half of the film manages to build tension and suspense, drawing viewers into the unfolding mystery.
However, the film’s shortcomings are glaring. The screenplay, penned by Shubho Shekhar Bhattacharjee, suffers from a lack of coherence and depth. The narrative feels rushed, particularly in the second half, where unresolved plot threads lead to a disjointed viewing experience. Key elements of horror are underexplored, and the film often resorts to clichés, failing to deliver genuine scares. The dialogues, while occasionally humorous, do not contribute meaningfully to character development or plot progression.
Moreover, the direction lacks the finesse needed to sustain tension throughout, resulting in a film that feels more like a collection of disjointed scenes rather than a cohesive story. The pacing issues and abrupt tonal shifts, particularly with the inclusion of a party song, detract from the horror atmosphere that the film strives to maintain.
In summary, A Wedding Story is a film that shows promise but ultimately falters due to its execution. While it introduces an interesting concept and features solid performances, the lack of narrative coherence and depth hampers its effectiveness as a horror film. It may appeal to viewers looking for a light horror experience, but those seeking a more immersive and chilling narrative might find it lacking. Thus, it earns a modest 3-star rating for its potential and moments of intrigue, despite its many flaws.
