When horror meets comedy, the outcome can either be wildly entertaining or completely underwhelming. This film lands somewhere in the middle, featuring a spooky premise with a lighthearted edge. Roohi, starring Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor, and Varun Sharma, is set in the heart of small-town India, where superstitions run deep, and ghost stories are more real than just tales around the campfire. The genre blends horror and comedy, leaning into the quirks of Indian folklore while throwing in some modern sensibilities.
The story revolves around two bumbling small-town boys, Bhawra and Kattanni, who work for a kidnapping racket specializing in abducting brides. Things take a turn when they kidnap a girl named Roohi, who happens to be possessed by a spirit. As the two struggle to deal with the ghostly presence, Bhawra falls in love with Roohi, while Kattanni develops feelings for the spirit possessing her, creating a bizarre love triangle. As the plot unfolds, they try to find a way to rid Roohi of the spirit, but complications arise, leading to some surprising revelations and supernatural twists.
One of the standout aspects of this film is the acting, particularly from Rajkummar and Varun, who share an excellent comedic rapport. Rajkummar’s portrayal of the awkward and love-struck Bhawra is both humorous and endearing. His ability to switch between serious and comedic moments adds depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. Varun, as the goofy Kattanni, provides much of the comic relief with his impeccable timing and humorous dialogue delivery. Janhvi, in the dual role of Roohi and her ghostly alter ego, manages to show some range, though her performance as the spirit lacks the menace one might expect from a horror film. Still, her portrayal of the conflicted, vulnerable Roohi adds emotional weight to the narrative.
The direction by Hardik Mehta blends horror and comedy well enough, but the tonal shifts are sometimes jarring. The movie oscillates between genuinely creepy moments and slapstick humor, which, while entertaining, affects the pacing. The horror scenes, though competently shot, lack the tension and suspense typical of the genre. On the other hand, the comedic sequences land well, especially the banter between Rajkummar and Varun, which carries much of the film’s lighter moments. Costume design plays a significant role, with Janhvi’s transformation into the possessed version of Roohi marked by subtle makeup and wardrobe changes that make the possession believable without being too over-the-top.
The film’s cinematography adds to its spooky charm, with dark, atmospheric shots that make the haunted town and forests come alive. The use of lighting—especially in the horror scenes—adds a layer of eeriness, though it sometimes feels like the film could have leaned more into its visual horror potential. The special effects, primarily used to portray the ghost, are kept minimal and effective, avoiding any over-reliance on CGI. The focus remains on building atmosphere rather than cheap jump scares, which is commendable.
Musically, the film uses its score to heighten the horror and comedy elements. The background music during the ghostly encounters enhances the eerie vibe, while the lighter, more playful tunes during comedic sequences give the film its necessary tonal balance. The soundtrack includes some catchy, fun numbers, but none that particularly stand out. It complements the film well without overshadowing the story.
While Roohi does well in creating a quirky horror-comedy atmosphere, its writing struggles to maintain consistency. The plot is intriguing enough, but it falters in execution, especially with the climax feeling somewhat rushed and not as satisfying as one would expect. The balance between horror and comedy, while refreshing in parts, sometimes feels off, with the horror elements not hitting hard enough and the comedy taking center stage more often than necessary. Thematically, the movie touches upon ideas of love, fear, and self-acceptance, but these themes are explored only superficially.
Overall, Roohi is an entertaining ride, though not without its flaws. The performances of Rajkummar and Varun alone make it worth watching, especially if you enjoy films that don’t take themselves too seriously. The movie tries to be different, blending horror with humor, but ultimately, it doesn’t push the boundaries of either genre far enough. If you’re looking for a lighthearted horror-comedy with some good laughs and the occasional scare, this one might be worth your time, though it may not leave a lasting impression.
