Behind the Movie Boochi: Into his favorite genre of spooky films, audiences expect Ramgopal Varma to deliver a strong punch this time. With JD Chekravarthy, Manisha Koirala and Madhu Shalini on the screen, let us go through on how far was Varma able to scare us?
In the Movie Boochi: While members of a family residing in a bungalow go missing mysteriously, the same bungalow is occupied by the family of Tarun (JD Chekravathy), his wife Namrata (Manisha Koirala) and kids Taman, Nimmi (Alayna Sharma). Though Namrata is suspicious on getting such a well furnished bungalow at cheap rent, Tarun shows no care for her apprehensions. The very next day, Tarun’s sister Pooja (Madhu Shalini) to arrive in the new house to enjoy a vacation. Soon into the real concept, the door banging sounds, walking on staircase and other strange happenings in mid nights scare the family. While Tarun rejects the presence of Bhoot in home, their maid servant offers them an advice to perform a Pooja. However, she goes missing there after. In the mean time, Nimmi with a spooky doll in hand starts speaking to invisible friend Shabbu who happens to be the real Bhoot haunting the building. Pooja uses the planting of camera trick to provide necessary evidence on presence of real Ghost spirit in the home. By the time, family decides to leave the place, they are too late. What is the unfortunate and unexpected climax is the rest.
Values & Out of the Movie Boochi: Apparently, the plot which RGV picked dates back to two decades old yet he has the skill of generating shivers down the spine for audience using his intelligent music directors and insensible camera placements. For some extent, ‘Boochi’ is a far better movie from RGV compared to his past projects. One or two scenes, we feel enough of excitement but technically and concept wise, RGV is no where near to his excellence. Cinematography of Ravichandran continued the real essence of film and thanks to the same quality with crisp editing by Sunil Wadhwani. More than all, Sandeep Chowtha’s background score was really thrilling enough to keep the movie alive. Coming to production values, we find no such prominence for this kind of projects.
Performance wise, Manisha was too old to believe that she is wife to JD. Among all, Madhu Shalini was the best and she has well shouldered the scary expressions on face. JD was also decent and Manisha did an okay job. Alyana Sharma, the most talked about baby is surprise package and she delivered the goods more than others.
What made ‘Boochi,’ considerably an average fare is I went to movie expecting a worst experience. RGV has although revived his old formula setting to scare us, packing the movie tightly in less than 90 minutes of time is relaxing. Nowhere did he go out of the business smartly wrapping the project in less than what you have anticipated. End titles start to roll even before your confusions are answered. Of course, it is against the very fundamental rule of movie making but that is what RGV is specialized in? He throws enough hints about the possibility of ‘Bhoot 3.’ In comparison, first half is a better fare than second half and the only movie one would remind after watching this is 'Paranormal Activity.' If you are bored and wanted to have a brief spooky experience…go for ‘Boochi’ else if you want to enjoy a meaningful weekend with a novel concept, go for ‘Brothers.’
Cinejosh Verdict of the Movie Boochi: No Match to Urmila ‘Bhoot’
Reviewed by Srivaas