The Bhootni Review: A horror-comedy that touches the heart along with intimidation

Writer and Director: Siddhant Sachdev Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Mouni Roy, Sunny Singh, Palak Tiwari, Nikunj Sharma, Asif Khan and others

Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes

Rating: 3

When the combination of horror and comedy sits right, he laughs a lot along with intimidating the audience. ‘The Bhootni’ is also one such attempt, which adds to fear, romance and emotion in a desi style. The college world, the shadow of folklore and the yearning of incomplete love – the director Siddhant Sachdev has created a different world. So will this horror-comedy film be able to tie you? Let us know throughout the review.

The story begins from a voice over, which tells us about the mysterious ‘Virgin Tree’ of a university, which is believed to fulfill the wishes of those seeking true love. But there is also a scary truth associated with this tree – many students have had mysterious deaths in this campus earlier. Gradually this tree begins to be considered haunted.

Cut to President’s Day, comes here Shantanu, a boy who is broken in love and goes to the same tree in his helplessness. As soon as he pleads for true love, strange incidents begin. A shadow, a fear, and the feeling of someone’s presence and everything starts changing very fast. Then there are two girls in her life a friend, who is together at every step but also looks mysterious; And second, who suddenly comes into his life and steals his heart… but he is not a human being.

In the midst of all this, there is an entry of an old student, which is called ‘Baba’, he is a Paranormal expert and he knows the truth related to this tree. As Holika Dahan comes close, danger also increases. Now the question is, will Shantanu become the next victim? Is Mouni’s love love or death trap? Is Palak really a human or does it have his own story? After all, what will happen to Shantanu, Mouni and Palak? Will Baba be able to save everyone? Or will the same virgin tree take the life of someone else once again?

This interesting story alives its character, and should be first mentioned by Sanjay Dutt, who becomes ‘Baba’ on screen. His swag, his style and dialogue delivery in the form of paranormal investigator is also fun and strong. This combo of laughter and Heropanti is no less than a treat for their fans.

Sunny Singh takes full honesty in the role of Shantanu. A heart broken, emotional boy who is immersed in love, Sunny has played him with great simplicity. Both his innocence and passion emerge well on the screen.

Palak Tiwari brings a silent depth in the role of Ananya. His expression and performance are an familiarity, which works to connect the audience. At the same time, the pair of Nikunj Sharma and Asif Khan is full of laughter. Their tuning and punchline delivery forces the audience to laugh many times.

Talking about Mouni Roy, she looks the most mysterious and effective in the role of ‘Mohabbat’. There is fear in his eyes, but the hidden pain in his character is also reflected. Mouni has played this role very beautifully, which is remembered even after the film is over.

‘The Bhootni’ impresses not only with her story, but also with the style of her offering. Shreyas Krishna’s cinematography creates an atmosphere in every frame – sometimes mysterious, sometimes magical. Visual effects increase fear, but do not go excessively. At the same time, Bunty Negi’s editing holds the pace of the film – no stretch, no stagnation – every scene has been allowed to run with its effect.

Santosh Narayanan’s music here is not just the echo of songs, but a part of the story. From ‘Aya Re Baba’ to ‘Mahakal’, every track carries the mood and culture of the film well. The background score sometimes scares, sometimes increases restlessness and sometimes gives place to emotion quietly. Talking about dialogues, they have dissolved in the color of the characters that it seems as if it is talking about real life – Tez, Tanj filled and completely spicy.

But the real victory is where the film goes beyond fear and laughter. This is not just the story of souls, but of the yearning that is hidden in the hope of understanding someone. ‘The Ghost’ also talks about colors, festivals and relationships. This film makes you laugh, intimidates and then even somewhere it touches somewhere. This balance makes it special, it is not only worth watching, but also a felt film.