HORROR films pretty much follow a similar format. Everyone is happy initially. Then, a series of bizarre, scary events traumatise one character thanks to which s/he digs up the past. Finally, the restless souls get their revenge and are at peace. The protagonist gets back to his/her normal life. And all’s well that ends well.

And so it is in 13B, that Manohar (R Madhavan) moves into flat, number 13B, at a posh building with his huge family, including wife Priya (Neetu Chandra), and his serial-loving mother (Poonam Dhillon).

Soon, strange things start happening to him -- the elevator doesn’t work only for him; somehow they can’t complete setting up the puja room; the milk gets spoilt every morning; the television switches on by itself at 1300 hours, on channel number 13, to a serial called Sab Khairiyat.

A closer look at Sab Khairiyat shows many similarities between the TV family and Manohar’s own. Coincidence forces him to realise this, until he gradually starts depending on the serial to see what happens next in his life. He realises the serial plays only in his house, and that it is trying to tell him something.

With his inspector friend (Murli Sharma) and family doctor Balram Shinde (Sachin Khedekar), Manohar figures out what the people in the serial are trying to tell him. This helps him save his family from being massacred.

13B is scary. Goosebumps are guaranteed along the ride. The sound effects and background score by Tubby and Parik up the scare factor. As does the cinematography by PC Sriram and H Laxminarayan, which is full of close-ups. The film is bathed in a dull, grey hue throughout; there are no bright colours, adding to the eerie feel.

Madhavan carries the film ably on his shoulders. Neetu Chandra is good in her simple role. Poonam Dhillion acts her part effortlessly. Murli Sharma does well as Madhavan’s friend. Sachin Khedekar makes an impact, too.
The climax is long-winded and the film could have been cut short by at least half an hour. Thrillers need to be taut. You can predict certain portions in the film, but the climax is rather hard to guess. The film has that going for it.

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s score falls below the mark.

13B is watchable for those who like horror. Others needn't bother.


Janhvi Patel/Hill Road Media