Sacred Evil - 2006

Story

Based on a true story, SACRED EVIL is a slow paced, off-beat and intense movie. Interestingly, the story is borrowed from real life [Ipsita Roy Chakraverti].

The story revolves around three women: a nun [Sister Martha], a witch [Ipsita] and a girl in search of her mother [Claudia]. Martha, a 45-year-old withering woman, lives in a secluded convent in Kolkata. Even in the sanctuary of the Church, she is haunted by a spirit that threatens her sanity.

The witch, Ipsita, is called upon by the unconventional Mother Superior to heal Martha's soul. The task is difficult as Martha is uncomfortable talking about the events in her past. Using her skills as a healer, Ipsita gradually opens the door to Martha's story.

Claudia. A young Anglo-Indian girl, growing up with the angst of not knowing her mother, Maureen, alienated in her Indian surroundings by her blue eyes and blonde hair. The story goes back and forth as events from Claudia's life begin to intersect Martha's and Ipsita tries to sort out the tangled threads of the past and the present.

As far as the writing is concerned, SACRED EVIL is a pleasant change and a break from the monotony of the regular Hindi films. However, the subject is one that caters to a niche audience only. However, the fact cannot be denied that the narrative does not go off-track nor does it seem as if some sequences have been incorporated for the sake of it. Despite its slow pacing, SACRED EVIL has the knack to hold the interest of its viewer. It's definitely a fine effort by directors Abiyaan Rajhans and Abhigyan Jha. The performances are above average, with Sarika dominating the show.

On the whole, SACRED EVIL is worth a watch for its interesting theme and execution. However, at the box-office, the lack of promotion may make the effort go unnoticed.