Marathi Marathi Movies

Review: Jhaad Phoonk: An Atmospheric Horror Thriller with a Positive Message!

Cine Reporter
Horror and thriller films have always enjoyed popularity among a select section of audiences who relish suspense, supernatural elements, unexpected twists and spine-chilling moments. Despite rapid modernisation and scientific advancements, superstition and *andhshraddha* (blind faith) continue to prevail in various parts of our country. The fear of the unknown, black magic and occult practices still fascinates people, providing filmmakers with ample scope to explore horror stories rooted in traditional beliefs. Rajan Ramgopal Verma’s Jhaad Phoonk attempts to tap into this fascination by blending psychological suspense, rural superstition and supernatural elements and sending a positive message in the end. 
The story revolves around Aastha (Sumbul Touqeer Khan), a pregnant woman travelling through Uttarakhand with Rajveer (Harsh Rajput). Their journey takes a terrifying turn when they meet with a near-fatal accident. In search of shelter, Aastha finds herself at a secluded mansion owned by Mohan Thakur (Yashpal Sharma) and his wife Kamini Thakur (Padmini Kolhapure). Initially appearing to be a hospitable and caring couple, the family gradually reveals an unsettling side. Matters become even more mysterious when Rajveer suddenly goes missing, leaving Aastha vulnerable and struggling to protect herself and her unborn child. What initially appears to be a temporary refuge soon turns into a disturbing experience filled with suspicion, fear and shocking revelations.

The film scores in establishing an eerie atmosphere and creating curiosity about the mansion’s secrets. However, the screenplay gradually loses momentum in the second half, with certain twists becoming predictable and the climax feeling somewhat rushed. The background score is occasionally excessively loud, relying more on sound effects than organic suspense to generate scares. Sumbul Touqeer Khan shines in her role, showcasing her impressive acting prowess and emotional depth. She brings remarkable conviction to her character, portraying vulnerability, courage and inner strength with equal finesse. Her ability to express intense emotions convincingly is her biggest strength, and she carries the character with confidence, making her performance one of the film’s highlights. Harsh Rajput makes his presence felt. Yashpal Sharma and Padmini Kolhapure emerge as the film’s strongest performers, effectively balancing their characters’ warmth with an underlying sense of menace. Rajan Ramgopal Verma deserves credit for attempting an atmospheric horror thriller with an intriguing premise, although tighter writing and more restrained execution could have made it considerably more gripping.

Overall, Jhaad Phoonk is a reasonably engaging one-time watch for audiences who enjoy supernatural thrillers, despite its narrative shortcomings.

Rating: ***

By Keerti Kadam