Roohi: A Spooky Romp Held Afloat by Stellar Performances
“Roohi” (2021) sets the stage for a distinctive horror-comedy experience with a captivating premise: a possessed bride, a reluctant groom, and a satirical take on forced marriages. While the film aims to deliver a wild and entertaining ride, its execution falls short, leaving viewers yearning for a more polished narrative.
A Possessed Bride and a Reluctant Groom: The Premise
At its core, Roohi offers a fresh take on the horror-comedy genre. The plot centers around a bride possessed by a demon, with a quirky twist involving a groom whoâs less than enthusiastic about his impending nuptials. As the story unfolds, the film explores themes of forced marriage through a supernatural lens, blending comedy with spookiness in an attempt to keep audiences entertained.
Stellar Performances: The Heart of the Film
Despite its scriptâs shortcomings, Roohi shines due to its standout performances. Rajkummar Rao takes center stage as Baura, a crime reporter who finds himself entangled in a supernatural mess. Raoâs performance, marked by his trademark bewildered charm, adds depth to a character who could have otherwise been lost in the chaos. Varun Sharma complements Rao perfectly as Kattanni, Bauraâs friend with a puzzling infatuation for the possessed Roohi. Their comedic timing and chemistry are highlights of the film, managing to captivate the audience even when the narrative stumbles.
A Mixed Bag of Humor and Bizarre Scenarios
Roohi is packed with eccentric scenarios, from the absurdity of attempting to marry off a possessed bride to a dog, to encounters with quirky tantriks. The filmâs humor, however, is inconsistent. Some scenes effectively blend comedy and horror, providing genuine laughs, while others rely on slapstick or clichĂ©d gags that miss the mark. This uneven humor detracts from the filmâs overall impact.
Underdeveloped Characters and a Forgotten Demon
One of the filmâs major drawbacks is its underdeveloped characters. Bauraâs transformation from a reluctant participant to a hesitant hero feels rushed and superficial. Roohi, the central character, lacks depth, serving more as a plot device than a fully realized individual. Additionally, Afza, the vengeful demon possessing Roohi, remains largely unexplored, with her backstory and motivations left largely ignored.
A Case of Wasted Potential
Roohi exemplifies a film with an intriguing premise that ultimately fails to realize its potential. While the concept holds promise and the performances by Rao and Sharma are entertaining, the filmâs uneven execution, lack of character development, and inconsistent humor lead to a sense of missed opportunity.
Final Verdict
For those seeking a dose of comedy, Rao and Sharmaâs performances are certainly worth a watch. However, if youâre looking for a groundbreaking horror-comedy, Roohi may not fully satisfy. It serves as a decent diversion but ultimately falls short of becoming a memorable cinematic experience.