A Bold Experiment That Whispers More Than It Screams
On March 7, 2025, Tamil cinema took a daring leap into uncharted territory with Murmur, touted as the industry’s first found-footage horror film. Directed by debutant Hemnath Narayanan, this supernatural thriller stars Richie Kapoor, Devraj Arumugam, Suganya Shanmugam, Aria Selvaraj, and Yuvikha Rajendran. Produced by Prabhakaran under S.P.K. Pictures and Stand Alone Pictures International, Murmur promises a chilling descent into the unknown, captured through the shaky lenses of a group of YouTubers. With a runtime of 2 hours and 19 minutes, an A-rating, and a modest opening that ballooned from 30 to 220 screens by its first weekend, the film has sparked curiosity. But does it deliver the terror it teases, or does it get lost in the woods? Let’s explore this eerie experiment.
The Premise: A Vlog Gone Horribly Wrong
Murmur follows four Chennai-based YouTubers—Melvin (Devraj Arumugam), Rishi (Richie Kapoor), Ankitha (Suganya Shanmugam), and Jenifer (Aria Selvaraj)—who venture into the cursed Javadhu Hills to vlog about local legends. Accompanied by their guide Kaantha (Yuvikha Rajendran), they aim to document the “Saptha Kannigal” (seven virgins) and a vengeful spirit named Mangai. Armed with cameras and a planchette board, their quest for viral content turns into a nightmare as they vanish, leaving behind only broken cameras with haunting footage. It’s a classic found-footage setup—think The Blair Witch Project with a Tamil twist—promising raw, immersive horror driven by atmosphere and sound.
The Good: Technical Triumphs and a Fresh Approach
Murmur deserves applause for its ambition. As Tamil cinema’s maiden found-footage effort, it breaks from the norm, trading polished visuals for a gritty, handheld aesthetic. Jason Williams’ cinematography transforms the forest into a character of its own, with natural darkness and minimal artificial lighting amplifying the unease. Kewyn Frederick’s sound design is the film’s backbone—rustling leaves, distant whispers, and sudden bangs create a palpable tension that lingers. The final 10 minutes, unfolding entirely through sound with no visuals, are a stroke of genius, delivering a genuinely spine-chilling payoff that rewards patient viewers.
The cast, though not household names, fits the premise well. Richie Kapoor’s Rishi brings a North Indian flair with his broken Tamil, offering rare comedic relief. Devraj Arumugam’s Melvin exudes ambition, while Suganya Shanmugam and Aria Selvaraj add depth to Ankitha and Jenifer’s dynamic. Yuvikha Rajendran’s Kaantha grounds the group with quiet strength. Their naturalistic performances enhance the found-footage illusion, making you feel like you’re watching real people unravel. Hemnath Narayanan’s direction shines in these technical and atmospheric wins, proving he’s a filmmaker with vision.
The Bad: A Slow Burn That Barely Ignites
For all its innovation, Murmur struggles to sustain its grip. The screenplay, also by Narayanan, prioritizes world-building over emotional stakes, leaving viewers detached from the characters. The first half drags with excessive setup—prep scenes in Chennai, banter, and a plodding trek into the forest—stretching the runtime beyond what the thin plot can support. At 139 minutes, it feels indulgent; a tighter 90-minute cut could have sharpened its edge. The horror, too, is sparse—jump scares are rare, and the supernatural threat remains vague until late, testing the audience’s patience.
The characters, while meticulously introduced, lack the depth to make us care. Their vices—Rishi’s aimlessness, Melvin’s ambition, Ankitha’s narcissism, Jenifer’s naivety—are intriguing on paper but feel like thematic checkboxes rather than lived experiences. The film hints at a morality tale, with each meeting a fate tied to their flaws, but this intellectual exercise doesn’t translate to visceral terror.
The Technicals: A Mixed Bag of Brilliance and Bloat
Technically, Murmur is a triumph for a debut. Rohith V’s editing keeps the shaky footage cohesive, though it can’t mask the pacing issues. The absence of a traditional score heightens the realism, letting ambient sounds carry the mood—a risky move that mostly pays off. Yet, the film’s modest production values occasionally show, with some scenes feeling repetitive or undercooked. It’s a testament to the team’s effort that it grossed ₹2.50 crore in its opening weekend, thriving on word-of-mouth, but one wonders if sharper execution could have pushed it further.
The Verdict: A Whisper of Potential in a Crowded Genre
Murmur is a commendable experiment that doesn’t fully hit its mark. It’s a technical showcase with moments of brilliance—like that sound-driven finale—but its slow pacing, thin narrative, and muted scares keep it from being a horror standout. For Tamil cinema, it’s a milestone worth celebrating, paving the way for bolder genre explorations. Horror fans may appreciate its novelty, while casual viewers might find it skippable, especially if they crave constant thrills. It’s not Pizza or Maya—it’s a quieter, moodier beast that whispers more than it screams.
Rating: 3/5
Murmur is a gutsy debut that shines technically but stumbles in storytelling. Catch it in theaters for the immersive sound and a taste of something new, but don’t expect a scream-fest. Hemnath Narayanan has potential—here’s hoping his next outing roars louder.
Murmur is a gutsy debut that shines technically but stumbles in storytelling. Catch it in theaters for the immersive sound and a taste of something new, but don’t expect a scream-fest. Hemnath Narayanan has potential—here’s hoping his next outing roars louder.