Prashanth Neel and Mythri Movie Makers’ 418 (dubbed from the Telugu film of the same name; A) is a horror film. A series of unexplained events in a medical college hostel begins to haunt students. Their search for answers takes them deeper into the nightmare of room number 418 which has remained locked for 15 years. As the mystery is unearthed, it is clear that there’s a collision of fear, science and superstition.
Kirtan Nadagouda has written a story which lacks novelty. His screenplay is interesting up to a point, but repetitive scenes dilute the impact of the drama. Although some scenes are terrifying and send chills down the viewers’ spines, there are several scenes which seek to create horror through sound effects rather than drama. Sahen Upadhyay’s dialogues are okay.
Surya Raj Veerabathini does well as Vivek Shankar. Chaithra J. Achar is good in the role of Devika. Ramesh Indira lends able support as the senior counsellor of the college. Preethi Pagadala is effective as Saisha. Charan Lakkaraju makes a mark. Shree Vaishnav delivers an impactful performance. Shashank Patil has his moments. Kota Jayaram, Goparaju Vijay, Shrikanth Ganesh, Gopi Gavireddy, Dharma Teja Duba, Abhishek Reddy R., Bank Baasha, Satyanarayana Vaddadhi, Recce Naidu, Rekha Nirosha, Sanjana Hardageri, Sreevaani Tripuraneni, Vaani Shalini, T.S. Rajesh, Nagarani Reddy, Hiranmayi Purushotham and Navaneeth Madishetti lend fair support. Others are alright.
Kirtan Nadagouda’s direction is good but not consistently so because the thrill element wanes at several places. Venky GG’s music is okay. Background music is quite nice. Dinesh Divakaran’s cinematography is impactful. K. Dilip Master’s action and stunt scenes afford thrill. Ullas Hydoor’s production designing, and Vithal Kosanam’s art direction are of a good standard. Akul Avinash’s editing could’ve been sharper. Dubbing is proper.
On the whole, 418 is a dull fare which won’t do much at the Hindi box-office.
Released on 22-10-’26 at Movie Time Goregaon (1 show; in daily 2 shows from 23-10-’26) and other cinemas of Bombay thru AA Films. Publicity & opening: weak. …….Also released all over. Opening was poor everywhere.