Tahkhana

Tahkhana is a 1986 Bollywood horror film directed by Shyam Ramsay and Tulsi Ramsay, and it features an ensemble cast of Rana Jung Bahadur, Hemant Birje, Deepak Parashar, Neelam Kothari, and many more. The movie takes inspiration from the horror genre's tradition of mystery and suspense, with the added allure of an ancient, hidden treasure. It is a captivating narrative that draws viewers in with intrigue and spine-chilling encounters.

The plot of Tahkhana begins with a thrilling prologue where a dying Thakur Bechara (Imtiaz Khan) leaves his inheritance of riches inside a ‘Tahkhana,’ meaning dungeon, to his benevolent daughter, Sapna (Aarti Gupta). Propelling us into the present are the villainous siblings Durjan (Puneet Issar) and Vikram (Anirudh Agarwal), who become aware of the concealed treasure and make nefarious plans to get their hands on it.

Their utmost desire for the mysterious treasure within the Tahkhana leads them to abhorrent actions, one of which is the brutal murder of their kind sister. Driven by greed and wicked intent, they'd stop at nothing to claim the treasure trove. It's a classic portrayal of the age-old adage - 'Greed is a bottomless pit,' reminding the audience of the dire consequences one faces when overcome by insatiable motivations.

The film then pivots to a dual lead - Anand (Hemant Birje) and Aarti (Neelam Kothari), who become embroiled in the relentless pursuit of the paranormal prize looming in the shadows of the Tahkhana. The two protagonists, also siblings, are unsuspecting and innocent, completely unaware of the horror that awaits them in their ill-fated quest. Anand, an adventurous soul, and Aarti, a compassionate individual, keep the viewers engaged with their dynamic performances.

The highlight of the film is the tense atmosphere created by the impressive set designs. The directors, Shyam Ramsay and Tulsi Ramsay, have used their knack for crafting eerie and sufficiently spooky ambiances. From creaky doors to antiquated artifacts, the eponymous Tahkhana becomes a character in itself. It oozes a personality that conveys a dark and sinister air, enough to send a chill down your spine.

Rana Jung Bahadur plays a character that's almost a fixture in the Ramsay Brothers' universe, adding to the general ambiance of the film with his strong performance. Similarly, our villainous duo, Puneet Issar, and Anirudh Agarwal deliver convincing portrayals. Their exploits throughout the film make them perfect antagonists that you want to see beaten. The performances are rounded off with Deepak Parashar who impresses as Anand's faithful friend, Arun.

Another essential element contributing to the overall haunting vibe of Tahkhana is the film's spectacularly spooky background score, one that truly envelops one in the atmosphere of a classic horror flick. The chilling music supplements the suspense-filled frames painting a grim tale of torment and terror, and significantly increasing the dread and anticipation of events in the audience's hearts.

Despite being primarily a horror film, Tahkhana features a mixture of additional genres. It seamlessly incorporates moments of romance, drama, and comedy, breaking the all-encompassing horror atmosphere without diluting the authenticity of the plot. The directors succeed in keeping the audience at the edge of their seats amidst horrifying and captivating sequences, punctuated with light-hearted moments of comic relief.

Tahkhana is a piece of 80s Indian cinema that successfully tackles the horror genre and should please any diehard fan of classic horror cinema. The notable performances, eerie settings, gripping plot, tinged with elements of drama, romance, comedy - all work together to create a captivating, unforgettable film. It's a thrilling ride that promises to send chills down your spine while serving an important lesson about greed and consequences. It truly stands testament to the Ramsay brothers' expertise in making classic horror cinema that remains nostalgic even today.