For some reason, I wanted to watch a horror/thriller film, which is also my favorite genre. Raaz 2 came to mind but decided to watch 13B instead. OMG, so glad I watched it. When I saw trailers for 13B, it looked like a horror film, but it's more of a thriller with a touch of horror.
Mainly what loved about 13B is the originality. Most of the other Bollywood films I've seen were Hollywood remakes/inspiration. Just to name a few....
Rakht - The Gift
Raaz - What Lies Beneath
Kasoor - Jagged Edge/What Lies Beneath
Hum Kaun Hai? - The Others
Vaastu Shastra - The Grudge (Hollywood re-made the Japanese version)
Written and directed by Vikram K Kumar, which is actually his first film! Really amazing. I am very impress with him and am looking forward to his future films.
To make it even better, Hollywood wants to remake 13B! Another interesting tidbit is 13B is the Hindi version of the Tamil film, Yaavarum Nalam (Maddy & Neetu in both versions). Both came out the same time. This is definitly the case of Yuva and Ayutha Ezhuthu -- same director, slightly different casts.
So, all this talk about 13B. What is it about? At my best, I tried not to include any spoilers when screen capping the film. Including looking online for the synopsis to help guide what may or may not spoil the film.
Manohar (R. Madhavan) and his family -- wife (Neetu Chandra), mother (Poonam Dhillon), brother, sister-in-law, nephew, and two nieces -- move into their new home, located at 13B. Strange things start to occur, making Manohar questioning whether or not living at 13B is a good or bad omen. How can a television show have to power to control what is happening in Manohar's family? Why is his family being target? But if living there is so bad, why are there signs of good luck for the family too? Will learning the secrets to 13B help or hurt Manohar?
Manohar just wants to best for his family. For some reason, he realizes strange things happening in his home and notices the tv show forecasting the future for him and his family.
Maddy is great like always. Nothing unusual about that. Definitely an underrated actor in Bollywood and one of Tollywood's best. Besides my other fave, Surya. His Bollywood debut film, Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, didn't do justice to him. Ironically, it is Hindi version of the famous Tamil film (Maddy starred in it too), Minnale, directed by Gautham Menon, who also directed Khakka Khakka and Vaaranam Aayiram. Playing in a short, but significant role in Rang De Basanti, resurface people's curiosity for him again.
Priya, the beautiful wife of Manohar.
Even though she didn't have a big role, it was great to see Neetu Chandra. She's my girl crush at the moment. Especially after learning she knows martial arts. Finally, a Bollywood actress who can kick ass for reals! (if any other actresses in Indian cinema knows martial arts, let me know!) I've found her absolutely gorgeous in Godavari and cute in Traffic Signal. Must watch Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, watching it for Abhay too :)
Manohar's mother.
Poonam Dhillon, how great to see you in Bollywood films again besides in Namastey London. Loved her in the 80s. If you haven't seen her films, check out Romance, Teri Kasam, Yeh Vaada Raha, Trishul, Noorie (although I haven't seen it, check out bollywooddeewana's wonderful review) to name a few.
The rest of Manohar and the family. They didn't really have a huge role besides a few lines here and there.
The blind neighbor and his dog who befriended Manohar.
Interesting enough, the tv show, 'Sab Khairiyat', cast resemble Manohar's family.
A portrait of Manohar's family.
Shiva (Murli Sharma), cop and family friend. Manohar also confides with him about the weird things going on at the house.
Dr Balu, doctor and family friend. He operated on Manohar's mother before. In addition, he has a sixth sense feeling for the spiritual world. Manohar and Shiva hope that he will guide them.
Of course, 13 is an unlucky number and is very superstitious to associate with it. Strange things starts happening in the home. Interesting signs of 13B.
Living on the 13th floor.
When it's 13:00, the series, 'Sab Khairiyat', comes on.
It's broadcast on Channel 13.
Blood drops of B
Playground site of B
Why does Manohar look strange when snapping a picture on his cell phone?
Okay, okay. There are two songs from the film. Yes, definitely could have been omitted from the film. However, both are not that long at all! Well, if you want to include the music video, which is also the ending credits, then there are three songs total in the film.
"Aasma Odh Kar"
Maddy and Neetu are so cute together. Neetu looks soooo gorgeous in the song. She's de-glammed in the rest of the film.
"Bade Se Shehar Mein"
Just a song with the family together
"Oh Sexy Mama"
Music video for the film and also ending credits.
Rachana Maurya as the item girl.
Watch Below
Again, I was very impressed with 13B. Even though there are two songs (not including the closing credits), overall, the film was suspenseful and kept me wanting to know what will happen next.
