What's the matter with Mr. Ram Gopal Varma? Surely a man who once directed cult films like Shiva (1989), Raat (1992), Satya (1998), Kaun? (1999), Bhoot (2003) & Phoonk (2008) can do better than this.
But since then his directing capability is seriously in doubt. I think he should refrain from directing any more films and stick to producing them instead.
Plot of film: it is about a spirit of a girl(or entity) that lives in a house and likes to possess the body of any child that it makes contact with.
We see Tarun, an architect, moving into a luxurious bungalow with his wife, Namrata, and their children, 10-year-old Taman and 6-year-old Nimmi. During an exploration of the house, Nimmi finds a doll, and includes someone named 'Shabbu' in all her activities. The family mistakes Nimmi's new doll to be Shabbu but are surprised when Nimmi points to an empty space and introduces her invisible friend as Shabbu. Her parents suspect her wild imagination as the reason for her new 'friend'.
Soon, Tarun's younger sister, Pooja, surprises the family with a visit. As Tarun, Namrata and Pooja discuss Nimmi's fixation over Shabbu, the family servant, Laxman, is sure of a spirit's presence in the house. Laxman's worries receive severe backlash from Tarun, an ardent rationalist. Soon, each night at the bungalow seems to turn for the worse, with knocks at unearthly hours, demonic sounds and eerie movements. Tarun suspects Laxman to be the mischief-maker, trying to prove his points. As Nimmi's fixation with Shabbu increases, the family decides to consult a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist explains Nimmi's imaginary friend as a result of her loneliness and terms it as a common technique used by children to grab attention.
Laxman's sudden disappearance and the increasing curiosity in Pooja to find answers for the ongoing activities make her install wireless cameras at various places in the house, which record Nimmi playing with what seems like a ghostly apparition. Tarun's mind starts reeling as he sees the captured footage; it is proof enough for the disturbed family to finally decide to leave the house. But the house has other plans: Nimmi is found missing the next morning. The police are called in to investigate but they consider the family delusional and do not take much interest in the matter.
Tarun receives a mysterious phone call, after which they find Laxman murdered. The house seems to be on lock-down and the phones jammed. Taman is mysteriously killed. Nimmi appears possessed by the spirit and tries to kill both her parents, until she's finally burned and defeated as the remaining family flee, bloody and injured. Nimmi then introduces herself as Shabbu to the neighborhood children.
Cast: We see J.D. Chakravarthy in an ineffectual role as well as Manisha Koirala. The acting is highly dubious. Manisha Koirala tries hard but the script and plot is so bad that even these established actors cannot make the film work. I was especially disappointed with the Satya star J.D. Chakravarthy. I wonder why Varma chose Manisha Koirala over Urmila Matondkar. Urmila is excellent in these roles. Also Manoj Bajpai would have been a better choice over J.D. Chakravarthy.
Script: bogus. The climax itself is laughable to seasoned horror veterans. If I was a director I wouldn't have directed a film with a pathetic script like this.
Effects: lack of decent special effects. You need a very scary atmosphere for a horror film to work. The camera-work is also dull and does nothing to improve the mood of the film.
Verdict: this film is an insult to the fans of Varma who have watched good films of his in the past. Don't waste time or money on this film.
Hindi Horror Cult Films: Sannata, Darwaza, Purani Haveli, Veerana, Tahkhana, Dak Bangla, Guest House, Purana Mandir, Bandh Darwaza, Saamri, Shaapit, 1920.
Most of these films can be viewed/downloaded for free on Youtube and hindilinks4u.net.
