Time and horror blend seamlessly in this chilling tale set in the early 20th century. 1920 stars Rajneesh Duggal and Adah Sharma in lead roles, transporting audiences to a haunting manor in rural India. Directed by Vikram Bhatt, this supernatural thriller dives deep into the occult and exorcism, weaving its story within a period setting. With an eerie atmosphere, the film establishes itself as a period horror, a genre that stands out for its ability to evoke fear while balancing the charm of a bygone era.
At its core, the film follows the story of a newlywed couple, Arjun and Lisa, who move into a grand, but sinister mansion. Strange occurrences begin to haunt Lisa, as it becomes clear that dark forces are at play. As Arjun tries to protect his wife and uncover the truth, the film intensifies with supernatural twists, religious undertones, and a deeply disturbing revelation. The plot doesn’t reveal too much at once, keeping the suspense alive while offering glimpses of Lisa’s terrifying encounters with malevolent spirits.
The standout performance here comes from Adah. Her portrayal of Lisa, a woman slowly descending into madness under the influence of a demonic presence, is both convincing and unsettling. The transformation her character goes through — from a loving wife to a tormented soul — is made gripping by Adah’s expressive acting, particularly in moments of possession. Rajneesh’s role as Arjun is that of a loving husband, and he delivers a solid performance, though the emotional depth of his character could have been explored further. The dynamic between the two carries the narrative forward, but it is ultimately Adah’s chilling performance that keeps you hooked.
Vikram Bhatt’s direction ensures the setting plays a significant role in building the film’s eerie atmosphere. The sprawling, isolated mansion becomes almost a character in itself, with Bhatt using its long corridors, creaky doors, and darkened corners to full effect. The period costumes and sets are meticulously designed, drawing viewers deeper into the early 20th-century environment. However, it’s the combination of lighting and camera work that truly elevates the horror. The use of shadows, dimly lit spaces, and close-up shots during moments of terror heighten the tension, making the scares more effective.
The film’s soundtrack by Adnan Sami complements the dark tone of the story, with haunting melodies that blend well into the narrative. The use of background score to amplify moments of fear is done skillfully, but at times, it leans into the melodramatic, pulling away from the subtle tension that true horror often requires. Nevertheless, the music enhances the period feel, while special sound effects—such as footsteps, creaking floors, and whispers—add layers to the auditory experience, keeping viewers on edge.
On the technical front, the cinematography by Pravin Bhatt deserves a mention. His ability to frame the eerie ambiance of the mansion, combined with the atmospheric lighting, ensures that the film remains visually captivating. While the film’s special effects, particularly during moments of possession and exorcism, are decent for the time, they sometimes verge on the dramatic, undermining the realism of the horror. That said, there are some genuinely terrifying moments, and these are complemented by tight editing that keeps the narrative flowing smoothly.
One of the film’s underlying themes is the battle between good and evil, explored through both the religious and spiritual lenses. The film tackles the idea of faith, with Arjun’s beliefs being put to the test as he confronts forces beyond his comprehension. The exorcism scenes, while intense, echo this theme, highlighting the strength of human belief in the face of supernatural evil. However, this exploration feels somewhat surface-level, and the film could have delved deeper into these themes for a more impactful narrative.
Overall, this film serves up a mix of traditional horror elements—possession, haunted houses, and exorcisms—with the added flavor of a period setting. It stands out for its atmosphere, performances, and the unsettling mood it creates. While the pacing can sometimes feel uneven, with some scenes dragging, the payoff in terms of scares and tension makes it worth watching. Adah’s haunting portrayal of Lisa and Vikram Bhatt’s mastery of atmosphere ensure that it leaves a lasting impression. For horror fans, especially those who enjoy a touch of the occult with a historical backdrop, this movie is a worthy recommendation.
