Others Movie Review – Premise with Promise, Fails in Execution

OTHERS unfolds around the chilling murders of several visually impaired girls residing in an orphanage. Aditya Madhavan steps into the narrative as the protagonist investigating the case, only to discover unsettling parallels when his partner, played by Gouri Kishan, encounters an inexplicable incident at her hospital. What initially appears to be two distinct threads slowly begins to interweave, setting the stage for a suspenseful journey toward unveiling a shared, dark secret.

On paper, OTHERS holds the potential to be a gripping psychological thriller in the vein of Ratsasan. The storyline is inherently strong, filled with intrigue and emotional gravitas. However, the execution lacks finesse. The film’s pacing falters, weighed down by an inconsistent narrative rhythm and an overwrought screenplay that fails to sustain tension. The first half builds an aura of mystery but doesn’t resolve enough of it, leaving the second half overburdened with revelations. What could have been an edge-of-the-seat experience instead feels like a series of loosely connected moments, struggling to maintain narrative cohesion.

Aditya Madhavan delivers a solid performance, embodying both intensity and restraint with commendable conviction. His screen presence anchors several key moments. Gouri Kishan lends emotional depth in her limited yet effective role. The cinematography stands out — visually striking and atmospherically consistent, elevating the film’s mood even when the storytelling stumbles. The chase sequences in the latter half are well executed, offering brief glimpses of the thriller OTHERS could have been with tighter control.

Despite its promising concept and commendable performances, OTHERS succumbs to uneven writing and unpolished direction. The lack of clarity in narrative progression and the amateurish staging prevent the film from achieving its intended impact. With more meticulous writing and a sharper edit, it could have easily joined the league of modern Tamil thrillers that blend intelligence with intensity. For now, it remains a watchable yet underwhelming mystery that leaves you wishing for what it could have been.