Ghoul

Ghoul, the sinister mini-series co-produced by Blumhouse, Ivanhoe, Phantom Films, and Netflix, offers an unsettling experience to viewers through its unique blend of supernatural horror and political commentary. The series, which debuted on Netflix in 2018, is a three-episode saga that holds you captive with its intense fear-infused narrative.

Ghoul expertly transcends into an entirely different genre of television in India-- psychological horror. Over the course of its three hour-long episodes, the series delves into the realms of gloom, dread, and paranoia, imprinting a chill down the spine of its most resistant viewers. The series shows a dystopian near future where fear and disdain for socio-political structures become the foundation for spooky folklore.

On the forefront, we have the enigmatic and resilient character, Nida Rahim, portrayed by the acclaimed actress Radhika Apte. Nida, a loyal soldier in a totalitarian regime, has an unwavering belief in her duties towards her nation. She's trained to interrogate prisoners and extract confessions under duress. Circumstances lead Nida to the most challenging and uncanny assignment of her life, leaving her to tackle not just the miserable realities of her world but also confront the gross monstrosities lurking in the shadows. As she embarks on this daunting assignment, the series subtly peels off layers of complex characterization, revealing Nida's in-depth emotional and moral struggles.

Co-starring with Apte, the immensely talented Manav Kaul plays the stoic and intensely mysterious character, Sunil Dacunha. A high-ranking military officer, he is in command of the secret government facility where most of the series unfolds. Kaul imbues Dacunha with an aura of irresistible enigma, keeping you guessing about his intentions until the very end.

Ghoul's narrative underlines the sinister air of the dystopian world it is set in. It's a world characterized by ruthless indoctrination, blind nationalism, and relentless censorship. The interrogation center, ingeniously named as 'Meghdoot 31', is as grim as its inhabitants, featuring claustrophobic corridors, dimly lit cells, twitching CCTV cameras, and an omnipresent chill. It's in this suffocating backdrop that the narrative toggles between reality and the supernatural, eliciting a continuous sense of foreboding throughout the saga.

The series also attempts to delve into symbolism, featuring the monster or the 'ghoul', an Arab folklore creature, as a cynosure of horrors and the embodiment of guilt and deceit. The 'ghoul' becomes a metaphorical character inflicting punishment who is sinfully born out of monstrous totalitarianism and can fuel both physical dread and psychological strain.

The screenplay is taut, and the narrative is meticulously paced, allowing the horror and suspense to build gradually, while revealing the plot's intricacies neatly spaced over the three episodes. The clever blend of horror tropes and brooding political commentary makes Ghoul an engaging series that unravels the gruesome drama intertwined with human susceptibility and survival instincts.

When it comes to visuals, Ghoul features a dark palette, using a range of greys and blues to infuse life into the ominous setting of Meghdoot 31. In contrast, the sound design is equally spot-on, accentuating the atmosphere's eeriness with creaking doors, ominous silence, panic-stricken screams, and an eerie ambient score.

Ghoul is an artful psychological horror story that manages to invoke fear and intrigue in equal measures. It's a socio-political horror drama that deconstructs blind faith, murky politics, and pivots towards the potential rise of totalitarianism while housing supernatural elements within its narrative boundaries. It's unique and unsettling, providing an unusual and thought-provoking watch to horror enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

With stellar performances, an engaging narrative, and the successful blending of horror with political themes, Ghoul is a unique experience created by a cast and crew who are clearly ardent about the genre. It naturally becomes a noteworthy addition to the catalogue of must-watch original Indian series on Netflix.