In the captivating tale of “Pizza 3,” Nalan (Ashwin Kakumanu) finds himself entangled in a chilling web of paranormal activity. As the owner of a restaurant, his heart beats for Kayal (Pavithrah Marimuthu), an innovative app developer determined to create an app capable of communicating with spirits. The story takes a darker turn when mysterious occurrences begin to plague Nalan’s restaurant, setting the stage for an eerie and enigmatic narrative.
Synopsis:
Nalan’s restaurant becomes the epicenter of eerie events, with an unexplained appearance of a sweet dish in the kitchen, attributed to Nalan himself. Yet, Nalan is bewildered, as he is oblivious to the origins of the dish. His confusion deepens as he starts encountering a malevolent spirit within the restaurant’s confines. The story gains momentum, weaving a tale of intrigue and suspense.
The narrative unravels as Nalan and his staff bear witness to paranormal manifestations, which evoke genuine fright and anticipation. The film excels in its first half, building tension and offering authentic jump scares that engage the audience. The well-executed portrayal of sinister occurrences, coupled with a gripping background score, adds to the immersive experience.
Ashwin Kakumanu delivers a noteworthy performance, skillfully portraying a range of emotions. Pavithrah Marimuthu shines in her role, despite limited screen time. Gaurav as the police officer Prem, alongside the dependable performances of Kaali Venkat and Abhi Nakshatra, complements the ensemble cast.
Highlights:
The film’s first half effectively establishes a sense of dread through well-staged horror scenes and a meticulously composed background score. The narrative successfully builds anticipation as the characters grapple with unexplainable phenomena and disturbing events. The absence of unnecessary romantic interludes is a welcome choice, keeping the focus on the suspenseful plot.
Drawbacks:
While the initial half maintains intrigue, the second half falls short in sustaining the audience’s engagement. The story falters with the exposition of the malevolent spirit’s backstory, which follows a somewhat predictable trajectory. The film’s reliance on a common horror trope—spirits seeking vengeance for past injustices—renders the latter half somewhat conventional and foreseeable.
Enhancements:
To elevate the film’s impact, the second half could have benefited from unexpected twists and increased thrills. Injecting a fresh perspective into the conventional revenge-seeking spirit narrative would have sustained the suspense and curiosity until the climactic resolution. Additionally, trimming the flashback sequences and refining the pacing would have maintained the story’s momentum.
Conclusion:
“Pizza 3” successfully delivers a first-half filled with genuine thrills, masterful horror scenes, and a compelling cast. Despite a routine second half and predictable climax, the film’s exploration of paranormal activity and the supernatural realm captures the essence of a chilling horror thriller. With a sprinkle of innovation, the tale could have emerged as a standout in the genre, adding a layer of unpredictability to the haunting narrative.
