-Technology is a boon… but it can be a bane too. And you realize this as the reels of 3G, a psychological thriller, unfolds. Coincidentally, in AA DEKHEN ZARA [2009], produced by the same production house that produces 3G, which starred Neil Nitin Mukesh and was penned by Shantanu and Sheershak [who turn directors with 3G], the on-screen characters could peep into the future with the help of a camera. This time, in 3G, the incessant phone calls scare the daylights of the lead pair.

In the mood for chills and thrills? Let’s explore… Several storytellers in Hollywood have attempted technology-based movies. These films veer into bizarre and wacky territories and appear fascinating for movie-watchers who love out of the box experiences. 3G is a novel experience in the sense that the director duo use cell phone as a gadget to instill fear and terror, but the screenwriting is so botched up that instead of transforming into a nail-biting experience, the film nosedives into cliches and never-ending occurrences, so much so that you can’t help but feel that the potential was squandered by inept writing.

It’s said that every minute, thousands of ‘Phantom Calls’ are received worldwide. These calls have no known source of origin, no numbers and cannot be traced. 3G narrates the nightmarish story of Sam [Neil Nitin Mukesh] and Sheena [Sonal Chauhan], a couple, who become victims of a series of events when Sam buys a 3G enabled second hand phone in Fiji while on a holiday.

One night, they receive a Phantom Call which changes their lives forever. Sam and Sheena must face the unbelievable reality that the phone is somehow responsible for all that is happening to them and around them. The only way to stay alive is to unravel the mystery of the phone.

3G hits the right notes at the commencement, but it’s the middle and the resolution that’s a problem. The build up to the scary moments at the origination hold you attentive, with Neil’s character making you wonder, is he possessed? Or is he schizophrenic? Creating chilling moments on screen is indeed an arduous task and the director duo use silence, besides camera of course, to jolt and alarm the spectator at regular intervals.

Regrettably, the unconventional premise stagnates after a riveting start, with the tried and tested cocktail of sex and supernatural thrills not delivering the desired kick. Frankly, there’s not much movement in the story until the second half and despite a few interesting twists, the writing hits speed-bumps in the latter reels, so much so that your interest begins to wane. The tense moments fail to thrill mainly because you’ve seen it all so many times before. Furthermore, instead of taking the film to an exhilarating resolution, the writers/directors, who seem to have an appetite for the unusual, fall prey to a weird wrap up. Shantanu and Sheershak could’ve truly made this into an offbeat horror fest, but the writing gets so messy that it leaves the spectator bewildered much before it reaches the closing moments. What also cripples the film further is its uneven pacing.

The locales of Fiji give 3G a rich texture and the DoP captures the picture perfect locales with elegance. The soundtrack [Mithoon] is already popular, with the talented music composer whipping up a couple of delicious tracks like ‘Khalbali’ and ‘Kaise Bataoon’. The background score [Amar Mohile] is just right.

Neil Nitin Mukesh struggles to stretch himself at times, but handles a couple of sequences damn well. Especially the ones when he seems terrified and at times, wicked. Sonal Chauhan looks stunning and pitches in a fine performance. The actors share a warm chemistry nonetheless. Mrinalini Sharma doesn’t get much to do. Asheesh Kapoor is wasted.

On the whole, 3G doesn’t work despite potential in its premise.