Haunted Review

Story

Vikram Bhatt's Haunted as any other horror flick tells the story of a mansion which has a secret past and haunted presently. A young broker Rehan (Mahaakshay Chakraborty), visits the haunted mansion to complete its sale, which his father had invested in the past. But he realises that there is something mysterious about the Manor. When he investigates he discovers a secret, a spirit that has trapped another in the mansion for 80 years.

Will the broker be able to make a deal of the haunted house?

Plus Points

Even after having the same old elements for a horror film, Vikram Bhatt in Haunted has successfully launched a merger of the deadly horrors and 3D effects. The film is absorbing with gripping edge of the seat horror in the film. The fear keeps rising and falling throughout the film's 2:26 hours of duration.

Bhatt started his venture into horrors and thrillers from the film Raaz, which was a spine chilling thriller. After 1920 and Shaapit, the filmmaker once again establishes his accomplishment in the horror genre.

As soon as you think that the plot is getting boring, there will be a sudden unexpected, 360 degree turn, which leaves you gasping for breathe. This happens throughout the film and that is what keeps you focused at Haunted. Here all the credit goes to the clean and fresh writing by writer Amin Hajee. However, writing would have been the most difficult part of the film, because merging the imagination with visualization of the 3D technology, is definitely not a cake walk.

The 3D effect definitely adds a dimension to the horror and thriller in Haunted. It definitely keeps the interest going for the people. Another fact that makes the film a piece of watch is the top notch cinematography done by Praveen Bhatt. Musical scores by Raju Rao are used very cleverly and perfectly to suit the instances in the film.

Loop Holes

Though tried hard, there are a few flaws in the writing. Some of the instances are never understood,specially when the hero goes back to the past and romances the heroine. The entire song sequence is a put off, because when there is death starring straight at your face, one can never think of dancing and singing. Haunted would have been much better if it would have been a song-less film.

Then there is a rape sequence which is very civilized for today's standards. Apart from everything there is one thing that is a total turn off in Haunted. The concept of the film having two climax is totally confusing. Just when the viewers presume that this is the climax of the film, when the couple reach the dargah, one realises that there is more to it. However, whatever follows is just a prolong of another 20 minutes. The subsequent climax is useless and could have been done with.

Performances

Though Mahaakshay has done a decent job, there is a long way to go for the young man. The Chakraborty boy has to work on his body and his acting skills. Undoubtedly, he has improved a lot after his debut film. Twinkle Bajpai is absolutely excellent as the frightened victim. She is shown a remarkable potential in her debut film.

Achint Kaur is incredible but it's sad that the filmmakers did not realise his potential as a fine actor. Arif Zakaria strikes the right terror cord in Haunted. Mohan Kapoor was good in his brief role. Sanjay Sharma, as the Sufi saint, was good. Prachee is fairly good.

Over All

Over All Haunted is a perfect for movie savvy audience. It fulfills the expectations that one does from a horror flick. The best part is that the audience will have a cinematic experience in Haunted. Despite flaws, Haunted is total ready to spook you. So go get a horror ride with Haunted.

Cast

Stars: Mahaakshay Chakraborty, Twinkle Bajpai, Achint Kaur, Arif Zakaria
Director: Vikram Bhatt
Producer: Vikram Bhatt, Arun Rangachari
Story: Amin Hajee
Music: Chirantan Bhatt
Cinematographer: Praveen Bhatt