The Rabbit House: A Mystery That Loses Its Way in the Woods

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 Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Vaibhav Kulkarni’s directorial debut, The Rabbit House, begins with immense promise: a newlywed couple, a secluded wooden retreat in Himachal Pradesh, and a sinister disappearance that sets the stage for a gripping mystery. But while the film’s premise holds potential, it ultimately stumbles under the weight of its own indulgence and lack of narrative focus.

The story of Komal (Karishma) and Shrikant (Amit Riyaan) sets an eerie tone, as their strained relationship and the isolation of the wooden house create an atmosphere ripe for psychological tension. Komal’s mysterious vanishing and the whispers of her tragic fate should have propelled the plot into darker, more thrilling territory. Yet, the film drags, with its 150-minute runtime suffocating the suspense and diluting the impact of key twists.

What Works:

  • Scenic Backdrop: The breathtaking beauty of Himachal Pradesh juxtaposed with the ominous wooden house adds visual intrigue.
  • Karishma’s Performance: As the vulnerable and tormented Komal, Karishma delivers a nuanced performance that evokes empathy.
  • Supporting Cast: Padmanabh Gaikwad as Mohit offers a grounded portrayal that adds depth to the film’s quieter moments.

What Falls Short:

  1. Pacing Issues: The film is painfully slow, with repetitive scenes and unnecessary detours—including two ill-placed songs—that disrupt the flow.
  2. Underdeveloped Characters: While Karishma shines, Amit Riyaan’s exaggerated portrayal of Shrikant feels one-dimensional, reducing the stakes of their conflict.
  3. Missed Opportunities: The central mystery offers potential for psychological depth, but the script fails to capitalize, leaving key moments feeling hollow.

Kulkarni’s attempt to blend psychological drama with mystery falters due to an overemphasis on style over substance. The film’s promising setup is squandered by a lack of urgency and an inability to sustain tension. By the time the mystery is resolved, the audience is left more exhausted than satisfied.

The Rabbit House is a classic example of “what could have been.” While it offers fleeting moments of intrigue, its drawn-out execution and misplaced priorities turn a potentially gripping story into a laborious watch.

Tagline: "A haunting mystery trapped in a maze of missteps."

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