Film: U-Turn

Cast: Alaya F, Rajesh Sharma, Aashim Gulati, Manu Rishi Chadha, Priyanshu Painyuli

Director: Arif Khan

OTT: ZEE5

Rating: 2 Moons

Alaya F's latest offering, U-Turn, has finally released on ZEE5. Directed by Arif Khan, the thriller also stars Rajesh Sharma, Aashim Gulati, Manu Rishi Chadha and Priyanshu Painyuli. A remake of U-Turn starring Shraddha Srinath (2016 Kannada) and Samantha Ruth Prabhu (2018 Tamil-Telugu), the film is bankrolled by Ekta Kapoor. 

U-Turn revolves around Radhika (Alaya F), an intern working with a news publication in Mumbai, who decides to work on a story based on accidents that happen on a flyover. Motorists move the divider blocks on the flyover to take a quick U-turn but don't move the blocks back. Due to this, the number of accidents on the flyover hits an alarming level. During her research, Radhika finds herself stuck in the middle of trouble. Some obstacles are even supernatural forces. 

It is high time that we take a U-Turn from remakes. It's that red signal we have to avoid. In the flurry of remakes comes Alaya F's U-Turn which has been remade several times and now, it seems pale and unexciting. Arif Khan chooses to stay true to the concept of the original films but fails to add soul and emotions to the narrative. Those who haven't watched the South versions could find the climax rather surprising but there's nothing to boast about otherwise. 

U-Turn is stuck in the jump-scare syndrome where gibberish voices coat the air with discomfort, doors are squeaky, corridors are dark and rain and thick fog dominate. The nature of horror that works for South cinema might not be palatable for the Hindi audience who is accustomed to watching a different and sometimes unique side of the genre. U-Turn was made in 2016 and suited that time. Now, the story appears dull and lifeless. The final twist lacks the surprise element whereas the emotional core is very weak. 

The so-called jump scares are more laughable affairs. There are barely any scares that are unforeseen and will make you truly jump out of your seat with a racing heart. Without even watching the original films, U-Turn is a predictable saga. The lack of newness and timely alterations in the story breaks it further. The writing by Parvez Sheikh and Radhika Anand clearly indicates a lack of interest and adaptability. The writing does feel lazy. Funnily, despite repeated accidents, no police officer is deployed to take charge of the situation. It makes no sense after a point. 

The only saving grace in U-Turn is Alaya F and her presence on screen. As Radhika, she does an honest job despite carrying a done-and-dusted story on her shoulder. The actress gives you multiple reasons to believe that she's among the most promising rising stars of the generation. Manu Rishi Chadha does his job well and makes an impact. Rajesh Sharma gets the typical stuff to do. Aashim Gulati looks confused while he plays the role of Aditya. Priyanshu Painyuli has nothing path-breaking to do. A stellar group of talent has been wasted due to a poor script. 

The cinematography manages to create an air of intrigue but the underwhelming VFX and unappealing makeup on the ghosts makes it a messy affair. The background score also leaves no solid impact. U-Turn is the right indication to bid adieu to remakes and focus more on original stuff. 

PeepingMoon.com gives U-Turn 2 Moons