Review: ‘So Long Valley’ Raises Important Social Concerns While Keeping Viewers at the Edge of Their Seats!

Women’s safety has been a long-standing concern in India, often attributed to the male-female ratio disparity and deeply ingrained patriarchal beliefs. In a society where the birth of a girl child is sometimes considered unfortunate, it inevitably affects male psychology. These very themes—misogyny, workplace harassment, and societal neglect—are effectively explored in So Long Valley, a recently released crime thriller directed by #ManSingh.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Manali, the film uses a gripping hostage-crime setup to highlight serious issues. The story begins with a frightened girl arriving at the Manali police station, seeking help from Senior PI (played by Tridha Choudhury) to find her sister (Akanksha Puri), who went missing while traveling from Shimla to Manali. The investigation unfolds as police from both cities join forces, zeroing in on a cab driver (Vikram Kochhar) as the prime suspect. But just when they think they’re closing in, a shocking twist emerges. Was there a darker force at play, or was the girl’s sister simply a victim?

While the plot isn’t entirely novel, the screenplay is tightly written and keeps the audience hooked throughout. Director Man Singh ensures smooth scene transitions and maintains a steady pace that adds to the suspense. His command over storytelling is evident—each frame captures the scenic beauty of Manali while remaining true to the thriller’s tone. The use of local dialect adds authenticity, and the background score effectively elevates tension during crucial moments.

Performances are a strong point of the film. Tridha Choudhury delivers a nuanced and grounded performance as the police officer, portraying strength with a human touch. Akanksha Puri convincingly portrays vulnerability and emotion. Vikram Kochhar stands out as the antagonist—his portrayal is both chilling and convincing. Man Singh, donning the role of the Shimla cop, delivers a confident and memorable performance. Supporting actors including Alisha Parveen lend solid support to the narrative.

So Long Valley is a well-executed crime thriller that raises important social concerns while keeping viewers at the edge of their seats. With its strong performances, authentic setting, and tight direction, it is definitely worth a watch.

Rating : ***1/2

By Keerti Kadam