Writer/Director: Vivek Sharma
Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawla and Shah Rukh Khan
‘A Brilliant Classic’
Not many actors in Bollywood earned praise of Amitabh Bachchan. Following his rise to fame amid the 1970’s, Bachchan has transformed in a legendary Bollywood icon. Whether it’s inspiring teachers, frustrated fathers or patriotic leaders, Bachchan has played many strong characters. Arguably, Bachchan’s best strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare Indian actors that has always had strong presence which has elevated every movie he is in. Through his capabilities to create characters which audience can easily relate to, Bachchan has become a celebrated Bollywood icon that audiences value. Although he is best known for roles in Bollywood, Bachchan has proven he excels in every genre. Despite reaching an age of retirement, Bachchan has never lost long lasting passion for entertainment. Throughout his illustrious career, Bachchan has produced countless movies which are absolutely worth talking about without any doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Bachchan and adore the movies he has made in his career. However, “Bhoothnath” definitely stands out as being his funniest movie. Released in 2008, Vivek Sharma’s movie offered a captivating comic portrait of ghosts. Packed with breathtaking production, engaging storytelling and strong performances, it’s a bold Bollywood horror comedy. At the centre of it all is a fantastic performance grin Amitabh Bachchan, who embodies a supernatural ghost forming a bond with children. Although “Bhoothnath” is a captivating Bollywood comedy, it isn’t a flawless movie. It suffers from a predictable conclusion without a strong resolution. That being said, it offers engaging entertainment that would definitely satisfy fans of Amitabh Bachchan.
“Bhoothnath” tells the story of a ghost that forms a friendship with a young boy. Aman Siddiqui plays Aman Sharma, a young boy with a strong devotion towards his family in India. When his family moves toward a new house, Aman questions whether he will ever find happiness. However, Aman’s life forever changes when he forms a friendship with a ghost evoking terror. Bhoothnath (Amitabh Bachchan) is a comical ghost that has been living in the house for many years. Despite his frightening nature, Aman finds a friend in a ghost he grows to treasure. As Aman finds friendship, he begins to question whether he will ever be able to overcome a strict family causing hardship.
Vivek Sharma is a newcomer to the comedy genre. Before he had made “Bhoothnath”, Sharma had never made a horror comedy before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture ghosts causing families to face adversity but he succeeded. Using strong cinematography, Sharma captures the life of a ghost forming friendships with a child. Emulating Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”, Sharma effectively uses handheld camera to capture tensions ghosts are experiencing. For instance, handheld camera elevates the ghost introduction scene. During this tense scene, Aman has his first ever meeting with Bhoothnath sparking their friendship. Using handheld camerawork, Sharma captures a ghost that’s frightening. Handheld camera is a complex technique to use in Bollywood films. As Ramesh Sippy’s “Sholay” proved, handheld visuals elevate classic Bollywood action movies. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through strong visuals, Sharma captures the tensions that ghosts are often facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Bhoothnath” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the most impressive Bollywood comedies you will ever see. Sharma effectively uses cross- cutting to stage musical sequences about ghosts that are engaging. For instance, the cross-cutting elevates the Mere Buddy song scene. During this memorable song, Aman sings a melody expressing his love towards Bhoothnath. Using cross-cutting, Sharma creates a portrait of ghosts that’s engaging. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. It gives the film an engrossing atmosphere capturing the burden ghosts bear. Through phenomenal production, Sharma captures ghosts facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Bhoothnath” is a Bollywood horror comedy that is compelling. The film is extremely well written, and effectively uses monologues to capture the tensions ghosts are facing. For instance, dramatic monologues elevate the ghost speech scene. During this emotional scene, Kailash Nath gives a heartwarming monologue trying to convince his son Vijay to forgive him. Through strong monologues, Sharma creates a portrait of ghosts which audiences can relate to. Monologues are a tricky technique to use in Bollywood movies. As Karan Johar’s “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna” suggested, monologues enhance Bollywood movies about broken families. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a strong screenplay, Sharma captures ghosts facing price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Amitabh Bachchan delivers one of his best performances as Kailash Nath. Bachchan earned recognition for playing action heroes in classic Indian films. With “Bhoothnath”, however, he took on his most comedic role. It isn’t simple to portray a ghost forming a strong friendship with children but he pulls it off successfully. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: charming, funny and unforgettable in his most sincere role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and rebellious natures of a supernatural ghost. It’s a bold performance from one of the most beloved actors that’s working in India today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Bachchan, the supporting cast is equally excellent. Juhi Chawla is captivating, and brings charisma to a woman that seeks to move into a new house causing a dilemma in India. Rajpal Yadav is remarkable, and brings hilarious comical relief to a servant that witnessed terrifying ghosts which are painful. Lastly, Shah Rukh Khan deserves appreciation. As Aman’s estranged father, he brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Despite its strong performances, however, “Bhoothnath” can’t quite capture tensions caused by ghosts. If there’s a shortcoming to the movie, it lacks an engaging ending. It’s a predictable conclusion which fails to bring the film to a satisfying resolution. At worst, it perpetuates harmful stereotypes about ghosts that aren’t true to the reality. Bachchan’s best movies thrive based upon the endings, and in this sense “Bhoothnath” falters. Therefore, “Bhoothnath” is one of those Bollywood movies not everyone will adore.
Nevertheless, fans of Amitabh Bachchan will absolutely enjoy “Bhoothnath” and so would audiences seeking heartwarming entertainment. A brilliant Bollywood horror comedy, it honours an actor that’s beloved in the Indian film industry.
Nearly 20 years following the release of an iconic Bollywood movie about a ghost that forms friendships with children that cause tension, it’s a remarkable reminder about a legendary Indian actor that has established a powerful reputation through his abilities to portray compelling characters in memorable movies which are definitely without a doubt worthy of appreciation.
4/5 stars
The Film Buff 