Name: The Rabbit House
Director: Vaibhav Kulkarni
Cast: Karishma, Amit Riyaan, Padmanabh Gaikwad
Rating: ★★½ (2.5/5)
Plot
Newlyweds Komal (Karishma) and Shrikant (Amit Riyaan) retreat to a secluded wooden house in Himachal Pradesh for their honeymoon. However, their tranquil getaway takes a dark turn when Komal mysteriously disappears. Rumors of her tragic fall into the valley spread, but the truth remains elusive as the police investigation hits a dead end. Meanwhile, Mohit (Padmanabh Gaikwad), the son of the retreat’s owners, begins sensing Komal’s haunting presence in the house.
What Works
The scenic backdrop of Himachal Pradesh and the rustic, eerie wooden house create an atmospheric setting for the mystery. Director Vaibhav Kulkarni crafts an intriguing premise, especially in the film’s opening moments, which hold promise for a gripping narrative.
Karishma shines as Komal, delivering a layered and heartfelt performance that adds emotional weight to the story. Padmanabh Gaikwad’s Mohit also provides solid support, grounding the narrative with his understated portrayal.
The haunting undertone and hints of Komal’s presence lend an unsettling vibe, offering glimpses of the film’s potential as a psychological mystery.
What Doesn’t Work
The movie falters under its indulgent 150-minute runtime, which unnecessarily stretches the narrative and drains its suspense. The overemphasis on Shrikant’s domineering behavior becomes repetitive, leaving little room for deeper character exploration.
Key moments that could have elevated the story into a compelling thriller are squandered, and the central mystery loses its impact. The inclusion of two out-of-place songs post-reveal disrupts the tension and feels jarring in an otherwise moody narrative.
Amit Riyaan’s exaggerated portrayal of Shrikant lacks nuance, undermining the character’s believability and reducing the emotional stakes of Komal’s plight.
Fashion and Style in The Rabbit House
The wardrobe choices in The Rabbit House subtly enhance the film’s eerie and atmospheric tone. Komal (Karishma) is dressed in soft sweaters, shawls, and neutral-toned skirts, reflecting her vulnerability and quiet demeanor. Shrikant (Amit Riyaan) dons formal blazers and dark shirts, symbolizing his controlling and authoritative personality. Mohit (Padmanabh Gaikwad) wears casual flannel shirts and jeans, aligning with the rustic Himachal setting. The understated costumes add depth to the characters while complementing the haunting narrative.
Performances and Direction
Karishma’s portrayal of Komal stands out, capturing the fear and vulnerability of a woman trapped in an oppressive relationship. Padmanabh Gaikwad adds credibility as Mohit, providing much-needed balance to the narrative.Amit Riyaan, despite having a significant role, delivers a performance that feels overdone, detracting from the realism of his character.
Vaibhav Kulkarni, in his directorial debut, showcases potential but struggles with pacing and cohesion, leaving the audience disengaged from what could have been a compelling mystery.
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Final Verdict
The Rabbit House sets out to be an intense mystery but is ultimately undone by its bloated runtime and lack of narrative focus. While Karishma’s performance and the eerie setting provide some redeeming moments, the film fails to sustain its intrigue, leaving viewers with a middling experience.
If you’re a fan of slow-burn mysteries and don’t mind uneven execution, The Rabbit House might still be worth a watch. For others, it may feel like a missed opportunity for a truly gripping thriller.
