Starring: Emraan Hashmi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Huma Qureshi, Kalki Koechlin
Directed by: Kannan Iyer
Music: Vishal Bharadwaj
If you have grown up listening to folklores about witches, witchcraft, black magic and all such creepy things in the world, its time to feel that horror again! All set to scare the hell out of you, Ek Thi Daayan is a phenomenal spine chilling creation, with the creepiest things put together at once. It not just a typical horror flick with scary ghosts and magical spells, its much more than you can expect. After trying on cliches like ghosts, tantriks, possessed kids and supernatural activities, Bollywood finally has something new in this genre. Its time to know the daayans!
Based on a story by Konkana Sen Sharma’s father, Mukul Sharma, Ek Thi Daayan is a supernatural thriller, beautifully woven with threads of incogitable suspense. The plot introduces us to Bobo, a baffling magician, whose life is secretly falling apart because of some bizarre hallucinations. Ending up seeking psychiatric help, he finds out about a terrifying event which brings to the surface his childhood which involves a daayan who promised to return. He doesn’t realize that his fascination about magic has become an obsession of the occult. Stuck between the real and the imaginary, he is in a constant hassle trying to figure out whether a daayan actually exists, or is he just losing his mind. What eventually emerges is a climax which will definitely give you goosebumps!
The serial kisser Emran Hashmi has grown exceptionally as an actor which shows in his stellar performance. He is one of the best when it comes to portraying horror. Extremely convincing as a magician, he knows exactly what is required for his role. With his remarkable acting skills and mesmerizing smile, he manages to steal all the attention. The cute-plump girl, Huma Qureshi manages to wipe out her Gangs of Wasseypur image. She looks absolutely gorgeous and poised. Konkana Sen Sharma manages to make you fall from your seats. She is convincingly natural as a daayan and does it effortlessly with her expressive eyes. Kalki Koechlin is somehow disappointing, with a loosely written character to blame for. In a nutshell, all the characters are just over the top and have nailed it well.
The music of the film is composed by Vishal Bharadwaj with beautifully written tracks by Gulzar. Though with a horror flick, you don’t expect much from the music, but with a deadly combination like this, expect the unexpected. Some of the tracks are extremely romantic, while some are melodiously eerie. The best thing is you can enjoy both the types for relaxing. The background score is extremely scary and eerie, forcing you to close your ears.
All in all, Ek Thi Daayan will make you bite your nails and dig your heels hard into the carpet of the cinema hall as this spook-fest unfolds. The spine-chilling and mind boggling horror will amaze your senses. Keep guessing who the daayan is until the very last scene! One of the best horror flicks made in Bollywood, surprisingly from a debut director, you should definitely not give it a miss!
Verdict: “Furr karke totte ud gaye” – Something you will understand only after watching the movie: p
WARNING: Definitely not for the weakhearted!
Rating: ****
