Samantha turns producer with 'Subham' – A horror-comedy debut
Usually, the word Subham appears at the end of movies, but this time, it opens the film itself. Samantha, the leading actress, steps into film production with Subham, a horror-comedy featuring a new cast and directed by Praveen Kandregula. The film hit the screens on May 9, 2025. Let’s see whether Samantha's debut production delivers success and what elements stand out in this quirky blend of horror and humor.

Story:
Srinu (Harshith Reddy) runs a cable TV business in Bhimunipatnam along with his friends (Gavireddy Srinivas and Charan Peri). While their lives go on happily, competition arises from Dish Kumar (Vamshidhar Goud), who introduces DTH services in the village. Amid this, Srinu marries Srivalli (Shriya Kontham), a bank employee. On the very first night of their marriage, Srivalli starts behaving oddly while watching a daily serial. Similar strange incidents occur at his friends' homes too, with their wives acting possessed after watching the same serial.

To resolve this bizarre situation, the trio seeks help from Maya Mathashree (Samantha), a spiritual guide. Who is behind these supernatural events? What’s the connection between the serial "Janma Janmala Bandham" and the spirits? Can Maya Mathashree help rid the village of this paranormal chaos? The rest of the story unfolds these mysteries.

Analysis:
Horror-comedy is a tried-and-tested genre. Director Praveen Kandregula blends elements of horror and humor in decent measure. Using the backdrop of daily soaps—something women connect with strongly—gives the story a unique edge. Twists are intriguing, but translating the concept from script to screen wasn't completely smooth. While the comedy clicks, the horror scenes lack impact. Some sequences drag, especially the introductory portions.

The interval scene adds curiosity, but the limited scope of the concept makes the second half repetitive. The idea of ‘alpha male’ could’ve been better explored to drive the story forward. Despite pacing issues, the film still entertains with its novelty and comic touch. Families looking for a casual fun watch may find this appealing.

Performances & Technical Aspects:
Newcomers deliver average performances. A few scenes could’ve used more polish in their acting. Samantha, as Maya Mathashree, brings her charm and humor effectively. Technically, the film is decent. Music by Clinton Cerejo and Vivek Sagar supports the scenes well. With a tighter screenplay and more impactful horror sequences, Subham could have been stronger. Still, it's a fair attempt for those who enjoy light horror comedies or support new-age storytelling.

Movie Details:

• Movie Name: Subham

• Release Date: May 9, 2025

• Cast: Samantha, Harshith Reddy, Gavireddy Srinivas, Charan Peri, Shriya Kontham, Shravani Lakshmi, Shalini Kondepudi, Vamshidhar Goud

• Director: Praveen Kandregula

• Music: Clinton Cerejo, Vivek Sagar

• Production Banner: Tra La La Moving Pictures

• Reviewer: Madhu

• Rating: ⭐ 2.75/5