Read the full review of The Devil’s Chair (2025), the Telugu psychological horror thriller that tries to explore the realms of the supernatural and human trauma. Is it worth watching? Find out here.
Movie Title: The Devil’s Chair
Language: Telugu
Genre: Horror / Thriller
Director: Raj Kiran
Cast: Naveen Chandra, Anjali, Ravi Varma, Shatru
Release Date: May 2025
Runtime: 2h 12m
Rating: 6.5/10
Plot Summary
The Devil’s Chair follows the story of Vikram (Naveen Chandra), a criminal psychologist haunted by a personal tragedy, who is called to investigate a mysterious psychiatric facility on the outskirts of Hyderabad. A series of gruesome deaths linked to a cursed antique chair triggers a deeper probe into the asylum’s hidden secrets. With each step closer to the truth, Vikram begins to question his own sanity, as the line between the paranormal and psychological begins to blur.
The chair itself is not just a symbol but a portal—a conduit of trauma, possession, and death. As patients and staff alike fall victim to its eerie powers, Vikram teams up with Dr. Maya (Anjali), a rational but tormented psychiatrist who has her own connection to the haunted chair. Together, they confront the horrors tied to the chair’s dark past.
Performances
Naveen Chandra delivers a compelling performance as Vikram, skillfully portraying a man grappling with guilt, trauma, and growing fear. His expressions carry the emotional weight of the film, especially in scenes where he experiences hallucinations and nightmares.
Anjali as Dr. Maya is solid and dependable. Her character acts as the voice of reason in a world overtaken by horror, and her chemistry with Naveen provides some of the emotional grounding in an otherwise intense narrative. Ravi Varma and Shatru in supporting roles provide decent backing, especially during the film’s more investigative segments.
Direction and Screenplay
Raj Kiran, known for his previous work in indie horror shorts, makes his feature-length debut with The Devil’s Chair. While the concept is unique and offers promise, the execution falters in parts. The first half is gripping, with well-crafted suspense and eerie sound design. However, the second half loses steam due to a predictable twist and some narrative drag.
The screenplay attempts to mix psychological horror with supernatural elements, but it doesn’t fully commit to either. There are flashes of brilliance—especially in the chair’s backstory told through old journals and dream sequences—but the film doesn’t maintain consistent tension.
Cinematography and Technical Aspects
Cinematographer Karthik G’s work deserves applause. The color palette is dominated by cold blues, greys, and muted tones, enhancing the unsettling atmosphere of the psychiatric facility. The lighting is smartly used to create shadows and silhouettes that increase the fear factor without relying too heavily on jump scares.
The background score by Sricharan Pakala is another highlight. It subtly creeps in during silent moments, amplifying tension without being overbearing. The use of silence, ambient noise, and sudden string instruments is well done and adds to the film’s immersive experience.
The VFX work on the chair is minimal yet effective. It doesn’t try to overdo the horror with grotesque visuals; instead, it relies on psychological fear, flickering lights, ghostly whispers, and subtle movements to spook the audience.
Themes and Symbolism
The titular chair isn’t just a horror prop—it serves as a metaphor for trauma, unresolved guilt, and the burden of the past. The film cleverly intertwines this with mental health themes, hinting at how fear can be a manifestation of the mind as much as it is of the supernatural. However, these themes aren’t explored deeply enough. Had the screenplay invested more in character backstories and emotional arcs, the symbolism would have had a stronger impact.
Positives
- Strong performances by Naveen Chandra and Anjali
- Atmospheric cinematography and effective sound design
- Unique concept involving a haunted object with symbolic depth
- Limited jump scares; relies more on psychological horror
Negatives
- Uneven pacing, especially in the second half
- Predictable climax and underdeveloped twist
- Missed opportunity to explore deeper psychological themes
- Lack of clear resolution might leave some viewers unsatisfied
Final Verdict
The Devil’s Chair is an ambitious attempt at psychological horror in Telugu cinema. While it doesn’t completely succeed in delivering a terrifying experience, it offers enough intrigue and atmosphere to hold your attention. With a tighter screenplay and a more impactful climax, it could have been a game-changer in the genre. Nevertheless, it’s a commendable effort that horror enthusiasts might find worth watching for its performances and eerie visuals.
Best Movie Review(BMR) Rating: 6.5/10