Chhorii

Chhorii is a 2021 Indian horror film, drawing inspiration from the popular Marathi film, ‘Lapachhapi’. Directed by Vishal Furia, this Hindi-language movie features an engaging storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The film stars actress Nushrratt Bharuccha in the leading role, showcasing a different side of her acting repertoire, with well-executed performances by Saurabh Goyal and Mita Vashisht in supporting roles.

Chhorii places itself into a mixed genre of horror and social drama, which remarkably contributes to the unique story narrative. It starts as a seemingly ordinary tale about a young couple, Sakshi (Nushrratt Bharuccha) and Hemant (Saurabh Goyal), who are expecting their first child. Their tranquil life takes an abrupt turn when they have to relocate from the bustling city to a rural setting due to some unforeseen circumstances. They arrive in a small, isolated village called Buhari and find shelter at an elderly couple's home.

While the scenic beauty of the countryside provides an immediate sense of calm, a creeping sense of dread begins to settle within the couple's hearts. The villagers and the environment start to showcase a shady, eerie character as they settle into their new home. Sakshi, who is heavily pregnant, becomes the focal point of this chilling narrative as she encounters creepy situations, eerie figures, and weird interactions with the villagers, which start manifesting as uncanny nightmares to her. Sakshi’s anxiety ridden journey forms the center of Chhorii’s narrative.

Chhorii metaphorically explores the theme of female oppression and rigid societal norms in India, and how these deeply-rooted prejudices can create a lasting impact on someone's life. While the village and its inhabitants seem ordinary on the surface, an underlying darkness proves otherwise.

Nushrratt Bharuccha is superb in the role of Sakshi, delivering a convincing performance. As a pregnant woman navigating an unfamiliar and scary environment, her acting draws the audience into her fear and struggle. The contrasting sides of her character's emotions add depth to the plot and contribute to the overall suspense.

Saurabh Goyal is equally commendable as protagonist's husband, providing a steady anchor to the budding tensions that are slowly uncoiling. Mita Vashisht, in her pivotal character, stands out with her outstanding performance, drawing the viewer into the narrative effectively.

Director Vishal Furia’s masterful storytelling is evident in Chhorii, as he seamlessly interweaves the elements of horror with underlying societal dialogues. The way Furia manages to evoke fear and unease through his exceptional usage of lighting and sound creates the perfect ambiance for this riveting horror flick.

The cinematography by Anshul Chaubey is unquestionably one of the strongest aspects of the film. The expansive shots of the idyllic countryside, juxtaposed with the closed, claustrophobic spaces of the village life, deepen the film's horror spectrum. The film's background score by Ketan Sodha is evocative and creates an atmosphere perfectly suited to the genre.

In terms of pacing, Chhorii gently creeps up on the audience, letting the unease build gradually within viewers' minds before plunging into the horrid depths that lie beneath the surface. The film skillfully maintains the suspense, continuously escalating tension until the gut-wrenching climax.

Chhorii is not just a horror film. It’s a well-crafted social commentary that combines chills, thrills, and an important narrative on cultural dogmas. It carries a serving of horror coupled with insightful messaging, all wrapped up in engaging storytelling. This movie is an impressive addition to the fresh wave of content-driven cinema in India. It takes an unflinching approach to depict realities and manages to keep audiences hooked until the film's final rendition.

To sum up, Chhorii is a gripping psychological horror film that brings together the elements of supernatural horror and societal judgement in a deeply disturbing and thought-provoking narrative. It's not just the fear-inducing sequences but also the uncomfortable truth about societal norms and prejudices that makes Chhorii a must-watch. It's a commendable effort that breaks the traditional mold of conventional horror storytelling in Bollywood and paves the way for future films in the genre.