Ezra

Ezra is a 2017 Indian horror-thriller movie directed by Jay K and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Priya Anand, and Tovino Thomas in the leading roles. The movie, which is heavily influenced by Jewish mythology, blends together supernatural occurrences with a story about love, deceit, and retribution. Ezra movie's plot is based in Fort Kochi, a scenic location in the Indian state of Kerala.

Prithviraj Sukumaran, one of South India's rising stars, plays the character of Ranjan Mathew, an up-and-coming employee at a nuclear waste management facility based in Mumbai. Extended work hours and high-pressure situations have strained his relationship with his wife, Priya Raghuram, played by Priya Anand. When Ranjan is reassigned to an assignment in the tranquil coastal town of Kochi, they both see it as an opportunity to mend their faltering relationship.

The couple, eager to settle into their new surroundings, buy an antique box from a local shop to decorate their colonial-style mansion. Unbeknownst to them, the box is a 'dybbuk' (a malicious possessing spirit in Jewish mythology). The sale of the dybbuk has always been forbidden, for it binds the spirit of a deceased person, who, if disturbed, wreaks havoc on the vessel bearer.

These elements lend themselves to many scary scenes and plot twists as the story continues to unravel. The couple must face an impending doom that won't relinquish its bond. Suddenly, their life in Kochi isn’t as serene as they once thought it would be. Ranjan and Priya are forced to fight supernatural forces way beyond their understanding. With the help of an Rabbi David Benyamin, played by Sujith Shankar, they unravel the disturbing history of the spirit and its purpose.

The screenplay of Ezra is well-managed, weaving the terror in a backdrop of visual beauty and cultural richness. Director Jay K creates an atmospheric horror movie that relies not just on jump-scares but builds a looming sense of unease and dread. Combining spooky folklore with traditional horror elements, Ezra is carefully threaded with suspense, surprises, and periodic scares that keep viewers on their toes.

In his portrayal of Ranjan Mathew, Prithviraj Sukumaran once again showcases his acting prowess. He successfully conveys the fear, intensity, and helplessness of a man facing an unseen and powerful foe. Priya Anand also delivers a noteworthy performance. Her portrayal of Priya Raghuram, dealing with the terror of their haunted home while handling her crumbling relationship, is commendable. Tovino Thomas makes a significant contribution to the film as ACP Shafeer Ahammed, bringing a breath of reality and logic to the supernatural plot.

It's important to appreciate the layer of cultural depth the director has infused into the horror by exploring Jewish mythology, instead a more traditional resort to the classic Indian mythologies, making this film truly standout. Thorough research and accurate representation in the film underline Jay K's commitment to his vision.

The cinematography and production design deserve special mention, creating a haunting but beautiful portrait of Kochi. The eerie and cinematic portrayal of this coastal city fuels the narrative of this supernatural horror story. Babu Ratnam’s editing aptly supports the story flow, and Rahul Raj’s score is hauntingly beautiful, enhancing the chill of the narrative.

Ezra challenges the traditional genre of horror in Indian cinema. It does not depend on overused horror clichés but offers an intriguing plot line with relatable characters. It keeps the viewers engaged with its suspense-filled sequences and well-timed reveals, while still delivering enough scares to satisfy horror fans. This film is a must-watch for those wanting an intelligent horror film that offers well-executed scares while crafting a solid story. The film's unique blend of horror, mystery, history, and drama results in an enticing package for a wide range of audience.