Rakkhosh

Rakkhosh is a unique psychological thriller cum horror film from India, released in 2019. The movie features an ensemble cast including seasoned actor Sanjay Mishra, Priyanka Bose and Tannishtha Chatterjee. Directed by Abhijit Kokate and Srivinay Salian, Rakkhosh has created a buzz in the indie cinema realm for its pioneering narrative style and audacious subject matter. The movie is remarkable for it is entirely shot from the perspective of the protagonist, giving it a pioneering touch in the contemporary Indian cinema.

The title 'Rakkhosh,' a Sanskrit word, translates to 'monster' in English, providing a preliminary hint of the movie’s thematic essence. This is one of the major reasons why it stands out among the slew of somewhat standardized Indian films. 'Rakkhosh' delves into the eerie territories of paranoia, insanity and the clash between reality and hallucination.

The plot revolves around the lead protagonist, Birsa, whose life gradually delves deeper into the realm of the surreal and macabre. Born in an impoverished family and brought up in a dilapidated asylum, Birsa's life is fraught with pain and suffering from the very start. He grows up listening to folk tales narrated by his mother and later experiences a series of strange occurrences that lead him to believe that he is being followed by a beast – a Rakkhosh.

In the cursed asylum, Birsa grapples with vile human tendencies, harrowing inhuman treatments, and his own crumbling sanity. An investigative journalist enters the scene, unraveling a series of horrifying revelations about the asylum, and Birsa's life gradually changes.

The use of POV (point of view) technique is a standout in the movie and is a drastic departure from conventional Indian cinema. The entire plot is narrated from the protagonist's perspective, which invests the audience in the film, enabling them to vicariously live through the protagonist's experiences. The audience sees the world through Birsa’s eyes, witnessing his torments, traumas, hallucinations, and discovery of hope.

The term 'Rakkhosh' also acts as a metaphor in the storyline, oscillating between the literal meaning of a sinister monster and an emblem of the monstrous nature of human beings, the dark side of the society, and the vile institutional frameworks that contribute to human suffering. In fact, the most thrilling part of Rakkhosh lies not in its supernatural elements but rather within the horrific illustration of human behaviour and exploitation.

Sanjay Mishra, Priyanka Bose and Tannishtha Chatterjee, along with other cast members, have delivered compelling performances in the film. Known for his versatility, Sanjay Mishra’s exceptional acting elevates the overall impact of the story. The film’s background score also adds to the eerie setting of the narrative, amplifying the resonance of fear and anticipation.

'Rakkhosh' is also fuelled by a sustained air of skepticism and mystery, making the viewers question the nature of their reality, sanity and the presence of the supernatural. It suspends viewers between the narratives of Birsa's lived experiences and his ongoing mental deterioration, leaving them to discern the fine line between hallucination and reality.

'Rakkhosh' is a striking narrative piece that confronts the fearsome and monstrous nature of society's exploitative elements. This daringly experimental film is a sure entrant into cinema’s hall of fame, appreciated by cinephiles who appreciate films that challenge traditional storytelling norms. The movie leaves its audience unsettled yet in awe and craving more from the emergent POV genre in Indian cinema, which has been beautifully unraveled by Rakkhosh. Elegant, engaging, and elusive, it carries you right into its frightening world and leaves an enduring impact.