Pari

Pari, a Hindi supernatural horror film released in 2018, marks the third production venture of Anushka Sharma, who also headlines the film opposite Parambrata Chattopadhyay and Rajat Kapoor. Directed by Prosit Roy, the film is a chilling rendition of elements of horror, mythology, and human relationships whose narrative is skillfully interwoven to leave the audience clueless up until the very end.

Anushka Sharma dons a very unconventional role where she beautifully transitions between vulnerability and malevolence. Coupled with the lustre of Parambrata Chattopadhyay's acting prowess and Rajat Kapoor's intricately intense character, Pari is a gem in the horror-sphere of the Bollywood industry. It explores the possession theme with a unique perspective that doesn't exactly comply with your typical "haunted house and possessed doll" stereotype.

The movie is shrouded in mystery, starting with an unsettling scene which sets up the eerie aura quite effectively. Subtle yet impactful scenes that portray humanity's inherent fear of the unknown are interspersed throughout the narrative. The film delves deeper into the gloomy atmosphere when the protagonist Arnab (played by Parambrata Chattopadhyay) unfortunately gets tangled in a situation that leads to him encountering the enigmatic Rukhsana (played by Anushka Sharma).

Rukhsana's peculiar behavior makes Arnab curious about her origins and her background, in addition to arousing his sympathies. Simultaneously, Professor Qasim Ali (played by Rajat Kapoor), a mysterious man who is resolute and relentless, is on a pursuit of a dark secret that ties Rukhsana at its core. As the story slowly unfolds, it sprouts elements of magic realism and supernatural beliefs tied to ancient folklore.

Throughout the film, Prosit Roy creates an ambience that authentically reflects the eerie undertones of the characters and their ominous circumstances. There are scenes in the film which would automatically make the audience squirm in their seats, a testament to the engaging, perfectly-timed horror sequences and the bone-chilling atmosphere created by Roy. One of the unique aspects of this production is its departure from the regular "jump scare" technique that horror films often resort to.

The music of the film is minimalistic yet haunting, dynamically complementing the sleek and eerie narrative. When deployed strategically, the music amplifies the tension and intensifies the mystery. Cinematographically, Pari is dark and moody, paralleling the underlying sinister undertones of the plot. The visual and sonic elements blend impeccably to orchestrate an environment adequate for a horror film.

Anushka Sharma, as an actor and co-producer, delivers an unforgettable performance, shattering her well-etched glamorous image and delving deep into a character that is complex, layered, and fear-inducing. On the other hand, Parambrata Chattopadhyay, with his restraint and subtlety, complements Sharma's overpowering persona. His depiction of Arnab is both empathetic and credible, making his interactions with other characters remarkably genuine. Rajat Kapoor, as always, metamorphoses into his character, adding his theatrical flair and intense demeanour to the film's already powerful mix of performances.

Pari also presents an encapsulating subtext of love and compassion and underlines the humane capacity to empathize even in the face of the unexplainable and terrifying circumstances. It also deftly blurs the boundaries between the good and the evil, questioning the audience's prejudices and altering their perceptions.

Pari is a distinct and standout film which has gracefully managed to transcend the traditional boundaries of the horror genre prevalent in the Indian cinema. Its detailed storytelling, outstanding performances, delicate handling of a fresh perspective, and overall ambiance are compelling and deserve applause. It does ask for a measure of patience from viewers as it gradually unfolds its mystical story interlaced with horrific elements. But if you are a fan of the genre, appreciated for its script that mingles horror, mythology, romance, and drama - all together, this movie is definitely recommended to be on your must-watch list.