THE THRILL OF THE SCARY 'N SPOOKY

The unknown and the uncertain in a story creates suspense. Sudden twists and unexpected turns in the narrative adds tension...and, that is the standard formula for a thriller on the big screen. "ಆಗಂತುಕ" ('Aagantuka', which means: 'Newcomer') is a 1987 Kannada suspense thriller made with that template. The film based on A Balakrishna's story was well-received by critics and the masses alike.

The film starts with a woman's paramour brutally murdering her; the killer is on the loose and the cops are clueless. The film cuts to Dr. Anand (Suresh Heblikar), who is affectionate towards a speech-impaired young girl in the neighborhood, Suma (Vanita Vasu). He hopes to get Suma's impairment cured.

Suma too is very attached to Anand; in fact, romance seems to be blossoming between the two. The doctor's classmate, Chandru (Devaraj) walks in. The three spend some quality time together. But, that is when the psychopath surfaces again and wrecks fear, havoc and mayhem all around.

The rest of the movie is about bringing the killer to book.

Reasonably well-directed by Suresh Heblikar, the film has all the ingredients of a suspense thriller– sex, greed and death to go with alarm, panic and terror. It starts with a bang; but, fails to keep the intensity up. The background score of Taranath is alright. Technically, the flick is run-of-the-mill.

Suresh Heblikar and Vanita Vasu have done well in their pivotal roles. Devaraj has acted well, save the over-the-top display of apoplectic rage in the climax. Seetharam and others have supported well. The comic relief in the narrative, courtesy Aravind (of Shankanada fame) is a disappointment; it is sloppy, shoddy and slapsticky.

I rate this suspense thriller: 6.5 on 10!

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