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Malaysian-made ‘Mirugasirisham' will have you screaming

The trio at the centre of 'Mirugasirisham' find themselves caught up in a series of terrifying paranormal encounters. (Five Star Trading pic) PETALING JAYA : Malaysian films are levelling up fast – and a new Tamil horror-comedy that hit cinemas on Thursday serves as a solid example of that. 'Mirugasirisham' is written and directed by Vijay Ganesh, the familiar face behind Sage Heroes, the online team known for their popular comedic skits. This is their first full-length feature, and it's also noteworthy in that it's the first local Tamil film to be released with Dolby Atmos. The story revolves around a trio who get caught up in a series of terrifying paranormal events. Odd noises turn into full-blown supernatural attacks, prompting them to seek help from a tok guru, which in turn sparks a wild ride filled with twists, laughs, and some real scares. Indeed, the movie starts on a spooky note: a man's motorbike breaks down in the middle of the night in an estate, and the poor guy meets a violent end at the hands of a mysterious presence. From there, we're flung into the present, where we meet the central characters. Senthil (Jegan Shanmugam) is the kind of naive (read: clueless) IT guy who sleeps soundly while his wife is nearly killed in the next room, or casually leaves the car for a bathroom break even though a ghost is on the loose. His earnest stupidity is oddly charming. His wife Sridevi (Nirmala Tharmarajan) is sharp-tongued with a healthy fear of the paranormal. Her dynamic with Senthil – and later with the tok guru to whom she clings for protection – is comedy gold. Director Vijay Ganesh takes on the lead role of Guruji, who is joined by his intern Soo Koon, played by Kumari. (Five Star Trading pic) Siva (Joshua Shashi Kumar), Sridevi's brother, is a flamboyant head chef with framed photos of Chef Wan and Gordon Ramsay to prove his culinary credentials. He pretends not to be scared – but we all know better. His banter with junior chefs and reactions to the ghostly goings-on are laugh-out-loud funny. The spooky elements start subtly: scratching sounds, loud footstep, eerie chalkboard writing with the phrase 'Looking for me?' Then it quickly escalates, with floating chainsaws and bookshelves unexpectedly toppling over. Viewers in the cinema literally screamed during some of these moments! The trio soon seeks help from Guruji (played by the director himself, Vijay), a spiritual healer and paranormal investigator who is accompanied by his intern, Soo Koon (Kumari). The two make quite the entertaining pair. Happily, Guruji isn't your over-the-top, all-knowing hero – though he's equipped with cool gadgets like heat-sensing goggles, which makes him feel like a modern spiritual detective. 'Mirugasirisham' does depend on some tried-and-tested horror clichés, but what sets it apart is the humour it injects into these moments. One particularly hilarious scene involves Senthil barging into an occupied bathroom stall, thinking he's talking to a colleague – only to find out otherwise. No further spoilers here! Then there's the talking cat: Guruji has a full-on chat with a black feline who's been trying to warn Sridevi. It's so unexpected, it's brilliant. The entity's origins trace back to the eerie estate, scenes of which are executed remarkably well. (Five Star Trading pic) The horror-to-humour transitions are never jarring; in fact, the film arguably handles this even better than the popular 'Aranmanai' franchise. Add to that a mysterious book found by Siva that eerily mirrors current events, and you've got yourself a layered plot that keeps things interesting. As with most Tamil horror stories, there's a backstory to the haunting. Here, it's a tragic one. Without giving too much away, four actors take on double roles, appearing in both past and present timelines. The payoff is emotionally satisfying and showcases the cast's range. Komalaa Naidu also delivers a memorable performance in the flashback sequence, which stands out as one of the strongest parts of the movie – and wisely, none of it is spoiled in the trailer. Technically, the film holds up well. The cinematography, editing and stunt sequences – especially the chase scenes through plantations – are well-executed. But it's the sound design that steals the show: Dolby Atmos is put to good use here, heightening tension and creating full-bodied immersion. Shane Xtreme's music adds an emotional layer, with a sweet romantic melody in the mix. All in all, this isn't Oscar bait or genre-defining. But in an era where even big-budget names can let you down, 'Mirugasirisham' is a solid entertainer. As of press time, 'Mirugasirisham' is screening in selected cinemas nationwide.