Haunted Movie Reviews

Story

‘Haunted’ is set in the misty mountains of Dalhousie, revolves around the sprawling mansion Glen Manor, with a secret past and a haunted present. In the film, the protagonist Rehan (Mahakshay) visits Glen Manor to finalize the sale of the house, which his father had initiated. But during the proceedings Rehan discovers some mysterious incidents in the manor that may jeopardize the sale.

And when he investigates the inexplicable happenings, he comes across a girl and falls in love with her. This discovery brings him face to face with the biggest challenge of his life, how to save the girl when she is already dead.

Plus points

Well, what can one say about Haunted, it is indeed very scary times but not with out flaws. Yes, the 3-D usage of technology by Bhatt proves to be an added advantage to the film as it pumps up the adrenaline factor in most parts. Bhatt does an excellent job in making sure that he didn’t follow the prescribed that he set himself from films like 1920 and Shaapit.

At times it was evident that he will be following the normal pattern but to one’s amuse he takes a turn which one can hardly imagine and he pulls out it in a fine manner.

Usage of new technology with old fashioned Indian beliefs made sure that Haunted is Indian at heart and western at thought. Writing sets the tempo for the film and Bhatt handles it with utmost care. Bhatt uses the ‘silence’ in the film to make the audience wait before bombarding them with edge of the seat scenes. Climax, not one but two, after going through it fits the bill perfectly.

Special effects need a special mention in Haunted as they steal the show. Cinematography by Praveen Bhatt is of high standards and will be remembered for a while whereas the background score by Raju Rao helps the film enormously. Performances by supporting cast especially Achint Kaur and Arif Zakaria are exceptional. They will chill out the bones in you

Minus points

Well, though they aren’t many but one wonders when the mail leads goes back to past why did the director opted for songs, oh! It spoiled the narrative. Horror flicks when being made should take into consideration the proper usage and placement of songs, if the director feels them needing it, he should be at point blank rage by making sure that they won’t spoil the narrative but over here it does. The rape sequence and the physical attacks are not up to the standards when compared to other scenes in the film. Given a deep thought one climax would have been fine.

Mahakshay should work hard on his acting credentials if he wants himself to see more in Bollywood, though I must admit that this performance his better than his outing in ‘Jimmy’. Tia though faltered at times does a fairly good job at emotion display especially as the frightened victim. Length of the film is fairly bit long considering it being a horror flick.

Final verdict

Go watch Haunted, it surely won’t disappoint when it comes to pushing you to the back of your seat. It is an absorbing and a gripping thriller that will keep the bar rising. Watch it in 3-D to experience the perfect thrill. And mind you it is surely not for the faint hearted.