Laughter takes a supernatural twist when a gang of childhood friends reunites to face ghosts, quite literally. Starring Ajay, Arshad, Tusshar, Shreyas, and Kunal, this comedy-horror mix takes place in a vibrant hill station, where the friends’ reunion leads them to their old orphanage. The film, a lighthearted slapstick comedy, belongs to the genre of family-friendly entertainment with an added supernatural twist that adds a unique flavor to the tried-and-true comedy formula of the previous Golmaal films.
The story revolves around five estranged friends who come back together after many years to attend the funeral of a mutual acquaintance. Once reunited, they are pulled into a mystery surrounding the orphanage where they grew up, and strange paranormal activities begin to unfold. The group soon discovers that the orphanage holds dark secrets, and they must now deal with not just their differences but also the supernatural forces haunting them. As they unravel the mystery, they face hilarious encounters with ghosts, strange happenings, and even more bizarre plot twists, all while attempting to mend their broken friendships.
What really stands out in this film is the chemistry between the ensemble cast. Ajay returns as the no-nonsense Gopal, this time adding an extra layer of fear when it comes to ghosts, which leads to some hilarious moments, particularly when juxtaposed with Arshad’s character, Madhav, who is still his sarcastic, prank-loving self. Their banter remains the highlight of the movie, with their bickering escalating in intensity as they encounter supernatural phenomena. Arshad’s sarcastic jabs, combined with Ajay’s deadpan delivery, give their relationship the same charm as in the previous Golmaal films. Tusshar, as the mute Lucky, continues to steal the show with his over-the-top expressions, while Shreyas and Kunal provide excellent support, keeping the comedic energy high.
The direction by Rohit once again showcases his mastery over slapstick humor, but this time he mixes in elements of horror, making it a fresh take on the Golmaal formula. Instead of relying solely on physical comedy, Rohit adds supernatural gags—doors slamming shut, lights flickering, and ghostly apparitions—that provide a comedic twist to typical horror elements. For example, the scenes where the group encounters a ghostly entity are both spooky and hilarious, striking a perfect balance between fear and laughter. Rohit knows how to create moments of chaos that are both visually and comedically engaging, ensuring the audience stays entertained throughout.
In terms of visual effects, this film makes great use of CGI to bring the ghostly characters to life. The ghosts are not terrifying but rather quirky and comical, fitting well within the tone of the film. The special effects are used sparingly but effectively to create moments of surprise and laughter. One particular scene, where Gopal encounters a mischievous spirit, uses special effects in a way that enhances the humor without feeling out of place in the comedy genre. The effects complement the story well without overwhelming the more traditional comedic elements of the film.
Musically, the film retains the energetic, peppy style that has become synonymous with the Golmaal franchise. The background score is filled with playful beats, enhancing the comedic timing of certain scenes. The songs, composed by Amaal Mallik, S. Thaman, and Lijo George, keep the energy high and give the audience a break from the onslaught of slapstick humor. Tracks like “Golmaal Again” bring a sense of nostalgia, reminding viewers of the signature style that the franchise is known for. The music complements the lively and chaotic atmosphere of the film, amplifying its overall sense of fun.
The film’s cinematography makes great use of vibrant colors and scenic outdoor locations, which give it a lively and festive feel. The hill station setting, combined with the spooky orphanage, provides a picturesque contrast between the bright, colorful outdoor scenes and the eerie, dimly lit indoor sequences. This balance helps the movie transition smoothly between the comedy and horror elements, creating a visually engaging experience. Wide-angle shots during action-comedy sequences, such as car chases or chaotic group scenes, add to the exaggerated, larger-than-life tone that Rohit is known for.
One of the standout features of the film is its excellent costume design. Each character’s personality is reflected in their outfits, from Gopal’s more serious and dark attire to Madhav’s quirky and casual wardrobe. The ghostly characters are also given unique designs that are not overly frightening but playful, matching the film’s lighthearted approach to the supernatural. The costumes play a significant role in bringing out the film’s comedic nature, particularly in scenes where the characters are trying to outwit or escape the ghosts.
As a whole, this film offers a solid blend of comedy and lighthearted horror. It doesn’t aim to be a serious or sophisticated movie but embraces its slapstick roots and delivers on what fans of the franchise expect—unpretentious, chaotic fun. The ensemble cast delivers strong performances, with the chemistry between Ajay, Arshad, and Tusshar driving much of the film’s humor. Rohit’s direction keeps the energy high, while the addition of supernatural elements injects freshness into the Golmaal formula.
Overall, the film is a fun-filled ride that manages to stay entertaining despite its predictable plot. It’s not a film that breaks new ground or surprises with its storyline, but it doesn’t need to. It knows its audience and delivers exactly what they come for: over-the-top comedy, memorable characters, and a healthy dose of absurdity. Fans of the Golmaal series will not be disappointed, and newcomers looking for a light-hearted, family-friendly movie with a dash of spookiness will also find it worth watching.
If you’re a fan of slapstick comedies and don’t mind a bit of supernatural silliness thrown in, this film is a perfect pick for an entertaining watch. It’s not deep or thought-provoking, but it’s full of laughs, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
