Critics absolutely raved atRaat’spremiere, unnerved by the atmospheric build-up throughout the film and shocked by the schlocky finale.
When the Sharmas move into their new house in the city, they start experiencing strange incidents.
The family seeks the help of a priest when their daughter, Mini, gets possessed.
Image via Varma Creations
What Is ‘Raat’ About?
What starts as a wholesome montage of them riding on a motorbike ends on a far more sinister note.
For 11 years, ‘The Exorcist’ was unavailable on video in the United Kingdom.
When the Sharmas move into their new house in the city, they start experiencing strange incidents. The family seeks the help of a priest when their daughter, Mini, gets possessed.
As everyone becomes increasingly baffled by her behavior, the inevitable conclusion is drawn: Mini is possessed.
Or how did Mini become possessed?
Or most importantly, who is the evil spirit that possesses her?
The change is definitely jarring at first, but also quite refreshing.
The ending is also far more schlocky than anything you would typically see in Indian cinema.
Even the simple addition of blue contacts managed to make such a memorable and lasting visual.
Image via Varma Creations
However,Raatdid uphold the conventions of Bollywood borrowing elements from Hollywood while adding its own stylistic flair.
ThoughOm Puri’s arrival as the exorcist inRaatdefinitely adds a calming atmosphere and gravitas to the otherwise frenzied ending.
These scenes are clearly borrowed fromWes Craven’sANightmare on Elm Street.
Varma also does manage to tick off nearly every paranormal horror trope on the checklist.
It was also a time whenAmitabh Bachchanabsolutely dominated the big screen, especially withAgneepathkicking off the decade.
The dissonant horror film that tore apart a family was never going to be on anyone’s radar.
