Anvatt

Anvatt, a 2014 Indian film directed by Gajjendra Ahire, marks a courageous deviation from the conventional, often predictable, trajectories of Bollywood cinema. Starring Makarand Anaspure, Bhargavi Chirmuley, and Vibhawari Deshpande, the film ventures into the realm of psychological horror, intertwining the tales of human emotions, destiny, and ominous supernatural elements.

Located in the heart of the narrative is Dr. Vinayak Doiphode (played by Makarand Anaspure), a reputable psychiatrist who leaves the bustling city life with his wife, Madhura (portrayed by Bhargavi Chirmuley), for a quieter life in a quaint Konkan village. Upon arrival, they are greeted by the eerie beauty of the isolated village, and the slow-paced lifestyle welcomes them.

Positioned as a caretaker for the rich and eccentric old man Vaman, Vinayak and his wife quickly begin to feel unsettled. There's an unease that permeates the air, tangible yet elusive. There seem to be strange occurrences that cannot be explained by the constructs of reality. Adding to the intriguing narrative, the old man, Vaman, patient of Dr. Vinayak, has a daughter, Kuhu, portrayed by Vibhawari Deshpande.

Kuhu, who is absent physically from the village but exists in spirit - a spectral figure trapped between worlds - holds a unique mystery. The question of whether Kuhu is merely a figment of the old man's dementia-fuelled imagination or if she truly exists as the locals suggest, draws the audience in. This strand of the storyline evolves to encompass the center stage, enveloping the narrative into a chilling psychological thriller entwined with horror elements.

Delving into the complicated aspects of the human psyche, Anvatt leads its audiences on a mystical journey with its eerie setting and complex characters. Dr. Vinayak's encounter with the supernatural, his struggle to differentiate between the reality and the illusionary, and his mental battle to keep his professional and personal life separate form the crux of the story.

Bhargavi Chirmuley, as Madhura, delivers a compelling performance, managing to capture the essence of a loving wife teetering on the edge of fear and insecurity due to the strange happenings in their new home. Her concern for her husband as he gets entangled in the enigmatic occurrences forms a prominent part of the narrative.

Makarand Anaspure, acclaimed for his comic roles, surprises the audience with his restrained performance as the rational, responsible psychiatrist. The transition from his usual persona to the serious and troubled character forms a compelling detail in the film. Vibhawari Deshpande, as the fabled Kuhu, strings along an air of mystery throughout, keeping the audience guessing.

Anvatt compounds the anxiety and suspense with its atmospheric elements - the isolated, spooky mansion, the restless sea, and the dense forest. The setting of the film contributes to imbuing a palpable sense of thrill and apprehension in the audience. The sublime music by Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar perfectly complements the eerie visuals evoking an unsettling yet engrossing ambiance.

Gajjendra Ahire's direction shines through in every scene, bolstered by excellent cinematography, ensuring that the intended suspense and fear reach the audience as close to its true essence as possible. Anvatt notably plays with the element of suspense, with its ability to constantly keep the viewers on the edge of their seats, guessing what could potentially unfold next.

In conclusion, Anvatt takes the conventional horror trope a notch higher, making it a courageous endeavor by venturing into psychological horror, a relatively uncharted genre in Indian Cinema. The film marks it with its compelling storytelling, impressive performances, and an eerie ambient setting. It blends the elements of human relationships, fear, and the supernatural into an engaging mystery that draws viewers in from the beginning.