Murmur Review: Tamil Cinema’s First ‘Found Footage Horror’ Film Offers a Gripping Theatrical Experience

Murmur Review: Tamil Cinema’s First ‘Found Footage Horror’ Film Offers a Gripping Theatrical Experience

Film Details:

• Banner: SPK Pictures Private Limited, Stand Alone Pictures International
• Direction: Hemnath Narayanan
• Production: Prabakaran
• Music: Kewyn Frederick

Review:

Written and directed by Hemnath Narayanan, Murmur is produced by Prabakaran under SPK Pictures and Stand Alone Pictures International. This film marks Tamil cinema’s first foray into the ‘found footage horror’ genre, a popular style explored in Hollywood and Bollywood but never before attempted in Tamil.

The story follows four YouTube content creators—Melvin, Rishi, Ankita, and Jennifer—who embark on an adventure to document the spooky legends surrounding Katoor, a mysterious village. According to local folklore, the village is haunted by the spirit of a woman who allegedly demands human sacrifices, while another legend tells of seven virgins who bathe in the river under a full moon. Determined to uncover the truth, the group sets off with their cameras, eager to capture whatever they find.

Initially guided by a local villager, the group’s plans take an unexpected turn when he is bitten by a snake and must be hospitalized. His daughter, Kantha, takes over as their guide, and the group continues their investigation. What begins as a lighthearted project soon takes a sinister turn. Despite warnings from the villagers, the team persists, and as night falls, they begin to experience eerie supernatural occurrences—strange noises, ghostly footsteps, and inexplicable movements in the dark. As they attempt to contact spirits through an Ouija board, chaos ensues. The question remains: Are these merely myths, or is there a dark truth behind them?

While horror films are no strangers to Tamil cinema, Murmur stands out as the first attempt at the found footage genre. This bold move deserves recognition, and director Hemnath Narayanan should be commended for bringing this unique experience to Tamil audiences.

Visually, the film immerses viewers in its haunting, claustrophobic atmosphere. Rather than relying on artificially lit nighttime shots, Murmur was filmed deep in the forest at night, adding authenticity to the eerie visuals. Cinematographer Jason captures the team’s journey through thick woods and towering trees during the day, while the nighttime scenes, illuminated only by torches and firelight, heighten the unsettling tension.

In keeping with the realism of found footage films, background music is kept to a minimum, and sound effects are raw and natural. Composer Kevin Frederick expertly uses the sounds of the environment—such as the crunch of footsteps on dry twigs—to amplify the terror, making the experience feel remarkably real. The film's lighting and color grading further enhance the eerie mood, offering an ideal viewing experience for darkened theaters.

However, due to the shaky cam cinematography, some viewers may experience dizziness or nausea, and the film carries a disclaimer at the beginning to warn of this potential side effect. Those prone to motion sickness, particularly in moving vehicles, may find certain sequences unsettling.

Despite its few minor flaws, Murmur successfully delivers a spine-chilling experience, establishing itself as Tamil cinema's first-ever found footage horror film. It's an immersive, nerve-wracking ride into the unknown that’s definitely worth watching in theaters.

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