Since the beginning of the streaming-boom in India, filmmakers have come up with dark, edgy content, which could be seen very rarely in Indian films. Exploring the dark nature, is Paresh Rawal-produced, Welcome Home, which is unabashedly grim & atmospherically unsettling. Subtlety is not one of the strongest points of the film, which is written by Ankita Narang and directed by Pushkar Sunil Mahabal.

Based on a true story, Welcome Home is the story of two “independent” women, who with all the good intentions, are stuck inside a dubious house in the middle of nowhere.  It is a survival drama with running commentary on many social evils. Anuja (Kashmira Irani) and Neha (Swarda Thigale) are teachers who have been assigned to collect population data for the census. Both of their respective lives are dominated by men; Anuja’s fiancé along with her father, and Neha’s local goon brother, don’t want them to work. Their work takes them to a deserted house in a village, where they suspect something is not right. What unfolds is a gruesome, chilling, and dark thriller, which leaves you exasperated.

Just over 2 hours long, the film suffers from illogical or over-filmy moments, which may leave you baffled. The film doesn’t feel long, but some of the writing and editing (also by Pushkar Sunil Mahabal) could’ve been better and logical. The background score is overdone.

But Mahabal’s direction is on-point and straightforward, this is a gritty drama which is filled with exquisite story-telling. Be it the gloomy lighting or the handheld camerawork by Saee Hope, the film feels real and claustrophobic. The violence too is visually terrific and gives the viewer several wincing moments. It is chaotic and horrifying at the same time. You feel the sense of dread, before the act of violence and that is why the film worked for me, it gives you a sense of terror and rams it home with stone-cold brutality.

Kashmira Irani and Swarda Thigale are brilliant, as they emote their parts with a realistic touch. Boloram Das is at his sadistic best, delivering a terrific performance as a creepy cook. Shashi Bhushan is fantastic as the menacing husband, Akshita Arora and Tina Bhatia play their roles with precision.

The casting is outstanding, as the lesser-known actors add a sense of realism and danger that the film wants to put across.

WATCH OR NOT:

The film is streaming online on Sony Liv and can be called a desi rehash of “Don’t Breathe”, but it touches on the high points and goes a step further into the dark storytelling of Indian films, try it.