"Murmur" - Tamil Cinema’s First ‘Found Footage Horror' Film Delivers a good Theatrical Experience!
Written and directed by Hemnath Narayanan, ' Murmur ' is produced by Prabhakaran under S.P.K. Pictures and Stand Alone Pictures International. The film follows a found footage narrative, where the entire story unfolds through the lens of a video camera, from start to finish.
The plot revolves around four YouTube content creators who set out to document the eerie legends surrounding Katoor, a mysterious village. According to local folklore, the village is haunted by the spirit of a woman who allegedly claims human sacrifices. Another legend speaks of seven virgins who bathe in the river under the full moon. Curious to uncover the truth, the team-Melvin, Rishi, Ankita, and Jennifer-two men and two women—venture into the village with their cameras.
Initially, they rely on a local guide to navigate the area, but when he is unexpectedly bitten by a snake and hospitalized, his daughter, Kantha, steps in to assist them. What begins as a casual and adventurous video project soon takes a sinister turn. Despite the villagers’ warnings, the group remains unfazed and continues their exploration. As night falls, they start experiencing supernatural occurrences—eerie sounds, ghostly footsteps, and unexplained movements in the darkness. When they decide to communicate with spirits using an Ouija board, things spiral out of control. What follows is a terrifying unraveling of the myths-are they mere tales, or is there truth behind them?
While horror films are not new to Tamil cinema, Marmar stands out as the first attempt at the found footage horror genre, a style widely explored in Hollywood and even in Bollywood but never before in Tamil. This bold attempt deserves appreciation, and director Hemnath Narayanan must be credited for bringing this unique cinematic experience to Tamil audiences.
Visually, the film immerses the audience in its dark and claustrophobic atmosphere. Unlike many films that shoot daytime footage and modify it with night lighting effects, Marmar was actually filmed in the deep forest during the night, adding to its authenticity. The cinematography by Jason transports viewers into the dense wilderness, making them feel like they are part of the eerie journey. Scenes set during the day show the team venturing through dried leaves and towering trees, while the nighttime sequences rely on torches and firelight, creating a genuinely unsettling experience.
In found footage horror films, background music is typically avoided to maintain realism, and sound effects are kept raw. Composer Kevin Frederick has perfectly adhered to this rule, using natural soundscapes to intensify the fear factor. The crisp and haunting sound design, particularly the unsettling crunch of footsteps on twigs, heightens the tension, making the horror feel incredibly real. The film’s lighting and color grading further enhance the eerie atmosphere, making it a perfect experience for the darkened movie theater.
Due to its shaky cam cinematography, some viewers might experience dizziness or nausea-hence, the film carries a disclaimer at the beginning. Those prone to motion sickness, especially while traveling in vehicles, might feel a similar sensation during certain sequences.
Despite its minor drawbacks, Murmur successfully delivers a spine-chilling experience as Tamil cinema’s first-ever found footage horror film. It is definitely a film worth watching in theaters for an immersive, nerve-wracking ride into the unknown.
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