Movie Review: "The Great Indian Suicide" A Unique Take on Cult Suicide!

Movie Name: The Great Indian Suicide

Star Cast: Hebah Patel, Ram Karthik, Pavitra Lokesh, Naresh VK, Jaya Prakash, and others

Release Date: 6 October 2023 on Aha OTT Platform 

Plot: Hemanth (Ram Karthik) runs a café, and his life takes an unexpected turn when Chaitra (Hebah Patel) persuades him to sell her homemade cookies in his café, becoming his cookie supplier. As their relationship blossoms, Hemanth eventually proposes to Chaitra, only to have her reveal that she cannot marry him because she is facing an imminent tragedy - her family is planning a cult suicide. Determined to save her, Hemanth seeks the help of a psychiatrist who advises him to infiltrate the cult and uncover the reasons behind their suicidal intentions. To do this, he marries Chaitra and becomes part of her family, all the while trying to persuade them against their fateful decision. What unfolds next? Will Hemanth succeed in saving Chaitra from the cult suicide? Who is the driving force behind the family's decision, and what motivates them? Will Hemanth's true intentions be discovered by Chaitra's family? Find the answers to these intriguing questions in the film.

Review: "The Great Indian Suicide" is a truly compelling movie that delves into the unconventional theme of cult suicide. In recent times, we've heard about such incidents, and this film delves into the intricacies, shedding light on what motivates people to engage in group suicide, their planning processes, the mentality of those involved, and how they manipulate others in the name of religion and faith. The film also delivers a powerful message against blind belief in superstitious ideologies.

The film is well-crafted, with impressive direction that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. While the first half may seem a bit slow, the second half picks up pace and adds a sense of urgency to the storyline. There are a few scenes that might feel unnecessary, seemingly prolonging the narrative unnecessarily, but overall, the movie holds up well.

The screenplay is thoughtfully written, building suspense and constantly piquing the audience's curiosity about what will happen next. The dialogues are particularly noteworthy, especially the exchanges between Chaitra and Hemanth as they argue about the morality of group suicide. The initial dialogues where Chaitra convinces Hemanth to buy her cookies for his café are heartwarming.

The ensemble cast delivers exceptional performances, with perfect casting choices. Hebah Patel stands out with her portrayal of Chaitra, and Pavitra Lokesh, who plays Hemanth's mother-in-law, delivers a stellar performance. Even in a small role, actor Jayaprakash does justice to the character of the psychiatrist.

The film features just one song, primarily to depict the growing love between Hemanth and Chaitra, but it's a movie that doesn't necessarily require songs to enhance its storytelling.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a suspenseful film on a unique topic like cult suicide, "The Great Indian Suicide" is a must-watch. It offers both entertainment and thought-provoking insights into a seldom-explored subject matter. If you're tired of formulaic movies, this one provides a refreshing change of pace. Overall, it's an entertaining and informative cinematic experience, deserving of a 4 out of 5 rating.

Review by: Diptesh Thakore (Notable Movie Critic)