Roohi

"Roohi" is a 2021 Bollywood horror-comedy helmed by Hardik Mehta. The movie offers a Bollywood's new-age take on the popular horror-comedy genre, and stars promising actors Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor, and Varun Sharma in significant roles. The film is produced by Dinesh Vijan and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and is primarily set in the enchanting North Indian town.

The movie carries forward the madness of "Stree", a similar themed movie from Indian Cinema, weaving an intricate storyline around the baffling tradition of "Pakadwa Shaadi", commonly known as bride kidnapping in some rural parts of India. Coupled with a spicy blend of horror, comedy, and the surreal unfolding of a supernatural quest, "Roohi" will keep you intrigued.

Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatile roles in Indian cinema, brings forth another striking performance in Roohi. He portrays a local small-town boy whose innocent charm is a treat to watch. Varun Sharma, who has proven his mettle in previous comedic roles, plays an equally fascinating character creating a comedic duo with Rao.

Janhvi Kapoor, who marked her Bollywood debut with "Dhadak", takes a divergent route this time, tackling a challenging role which showcases her talent in a different light. She plays 'Roohi', a mysterious village girl. Kapoor's character is quite complex, layered with duality, making audience invested in her twisted journey.

The tribe of supporting actors, including Alexx Onell, Sarita Joshi, Sumit Gulati, and others, enrich the narrative with their convincing performances. The camaraderie and banter amongst the actors bring out the humor, keeping the atmosphere light even amidst the horror elements.

The script of Roohi, written by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and Gautam Mehra, serves a bunch of spine-chilling moments, hilarious dialogues, and unexpected plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The movie's screenplay has been skillfully written to merge two distinct genres - comedy and horror - maintaining the elements of suspense and fear while integrating the humorous moments seamlessly.

Adorned with a vibrant and hauntingly beautiful background score by Ketan Sodha, Roohi protrudes right off the screen, captivating you in its intriguing world. The songs, composed by Sachin-Jigar, are sprinkled throughout the movie, enhancing the storyline. Notably, the track "Panghat" which is a vibrant number featuring Janhvi Kapoor in a stunning avatar, has been lauded by viewers.

When it comes to the visual narrative, the film is blessed with a sumptuous production design and great art direction, be it the rustic charm of the village, the dimly lit shadowy woods, or the eerie haveli - all of these manage to create a surreal atmosphere in the storyline. The cinematography by Amalendu Chaudhary captures the rustic North Indian landscape beautifully and the editing by Huzefa Lokhandwala keeps the narrative crisp and engaging.

However, what sets the film apart is its successful blend of horror and comedy. It manages to keep viewers hooked, oscillating between laughter and jumpscares without faltering. The movie smartly plays with the audience's expectations, delivering the unexpected while manipulating common genre tropes.

"Roohi" also attempts to deliver a subtle social message beneath its humorous take on occult practices. While it is an entertaining horror-comedy at its core, the narrative subtly touches upon issues of female suppression and brings out its condemnation via supernatural analogies.

In conclusion, Roohi is a roller coaster ride full of fright and delight. It is a unique film that effortlessly blends humor with eerie elements, treating viewers to a spectacle of exceptional performances, engaging narrative, and witty dialogues. If you are a fan of horror comedies, 'Roohi' will easily enchant you with its tricky yet amusing narrative. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate quality storytelling, excellent performances, and a combination of laughter and chills in a single movie.