Bougainvillea

A pulpy mystery thriller with the typical Amal Neerad visual flair, nothing more, nothing less. Excluding the finer details, most of it was predictable but still engaging enough. The cast did well but didn't feel anyone did anything extraordinary. Can't believe Fahadh is doing such an insignificant cop role. The climax could've been choreographed better for more impact. The three-against-one scene could've been utilized better. With Amal Neerad's style, the film's problem is that it's neither grounded nor really stylish enough. A lot of the twists and turns ended up very flat. The flashback portions didn't feel really convincing. I expected a bit more than that, so I ended up feeling underwhelming. Still, the whole thing is stylish and atmospheric enough to be an okay watch.

The movie was clearly inspired by *Before I Go to Sleep*, which was itself an average thriller. Unfortunately, this remake doesn't improve upon the original and is riddled with plot holes that make the story less believable. While the acting is commendable, with the cast delivering strong performances, the screenplay lacks depth and coherence. The music and cinematography are well-executed, creating a tense atmosphere, but they are not enough to save the weak narrative. The pacing feels uneven, and the lack of logical consistency prevents the film from being truly gripping. Overall, a style over substance movie.

I watched the movie on its release day, and the first half was absolutely gripping. It's a slow-burner, but if you're invested, you'll feel the anticipation and excitement building as the story unfolds. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat, with a narrative path reminiscent of movies like The Sixth Sense or The Prestige-constantly surprising you with twists you can't predict.

However, the second half didn't quite live up to the expectations set by the first. The suspense, while intriguing, missed the mark it was aiming for. Still, it's a great watch overall. The cinematography, background score, music, and acting are all top-notch. I just wish the second half had delivered more impact. Nevertheless, it's definitely a must-see.

Bunch of Talented actors and still had to drag to finish.

Dont get me wrong. It was okay but being a thriller which had so much potential it lacked the omphs which usual thriller of this sort have.

All actors were like under performing of their usual calibre. Felt like FAFA too.

Disappearance of girls were the highlight and investigation rolled out, we were moving along the story. The story should have paced up a bit in my opinion then only we could feel the thrill it was meant to be.

The main twist was fed to us just like that which no extra drama that it deserved. All for what? Somethings is missing. Anyways one time watch.

I normally enjoy watching Amal Neerad's movies, even his Varathan, which despite being a copy of Straw Dogs, was eminently watchable. So I sat down to watch Bougainvillea with great expectations, but it turned out to be a massive letdown!

Amal is famous for his stylised movies, and thats what catches your eye in the beginning... and then as time passes, you realise that this movie is all style and no content!

Despite being a movie with 2.5 hours of run-time, Amal spends a lot of time laying the foundation of a mystery, introducing the characters, so much so that the movie drags on and on before he seems to realise that the time is almost up and he needs to wind up.

Amal and Fahad's ACP don't do any proper investigations, there are no clues to be found, no suspicious characters lurking about, no background check about anyone, no nothing.

Deeply saddened to see Fahad being wasted in an extended cameo playing the role of an ACP investigating the crime. Since Fahad is here, his role could have been built into a full-fledged meaty role - of an ACP who finally cracks the mystery. But Amal fails here too. Fahad's ACP does not detect anything... Amal's story and screenplay fails in this regard too.

Then who solves the actual mystery? Well, nobody! And maybe thats why the villain decides to come out and disclose the mystery himself - he must have got tired waiting for the police to catch him?

Amal too probably realised that the mystery has to be resolved, and we all need to go home, right? And he winds up in an almighty hurry!

Similar was the case with Sharfuddeen, another talent wasted as a taxi driver (!), with practically no dialogues to speak!

My rating is 4 stars out of 10. A movie with great expectations that tanked!