Khauf sequence evaluation: A spine-chilling drama the place males hang-out greater than ghosts

Solid: Priyanka Setia, Chum Darang, Riya Shukla, Suchi Malhotraa, Rajat Kapoor, Geetanjali Kulkarni
Director: Pankaj Kumar & Surya Balakrishnan
Variety of episodes: 8

Sequence Plot

In a land secluded from the principle capital metropolis lies a spot known as Pragati Ladies Hostel – outdated, damaged, and scary. Right here stay 4 ladies (performed by Priyanka Setia, Chum Darang, Riya Shukla, and Suchi Malhotra) who haven’t stepped out of the premises ever since they misplaced their closest good friend, Annu (Aasheema Vardaan), in a automotive accident. Why? As a result of they’re satisfied stepping out means instantaneous dying. They’ve even forbidden the warden from opening Annu’s room, which they imagine is haunted.

Enter Madhu (Monika Panwar), a quiet woman with trauma stitched into her soul, who’s assigned room quantity 333, Annu’s room. Now, Madhu should face not simply the evil contained in the room but additionally the one she’s been dragging round inside her.

Evaluation:

‘Khauf’, which interprets to concern, might seem like a horror sequence. And whereas viewers will undoubtedly ask themselves this query all through the episodes, the sequence seems to be rather more. Greater than flickering lights, creaky flooring, and haunted whispers, this present confronts the true horror: patriarchy.

Every girl within the hostel has endured some type of abuse, all due to males who imagine they’re superior. One woman is pregnant and terrified that her in-laws will make her abort her unborn woman baby. One other was assaulted for rejecting a person. One has been bullied for her appears as a result of she`s from North India. The fourth was harassed by her college warden. Madhu, in the meantime, is haunted by a previous that’s extra horrific than any spirit: she was raped by a university boy.

The sequence additionally stars Geetanjali Kulkarni as a cop trying to find her lacking son, and the sensible Rajat Kapoor as a self-proclaimed hakim (Ayurvedic physician) who kills girls to entice their spirits in an try to increase his personal life. Sure, it’s as twisted because it sounds.

At a time when filmmakers are continuously debating what audiences need, Khauf stands tall for instance of what good content material actually appears like. Created by Smita Singh (author on Sacred Video games and Raat Akeli Hai) and directed by Pankaj Kumar (DoP on Atrangi Re, Tumbbad, Lagaan, Rangoon) and Surya Balakrishnan, the sequence makes you sulk with concern even when there’s no paranormal spirit on display. It makes you cry, conceal, and even lose sleep, as a result of as a girl, you’re left considering what’s flawed with the world outdoors

Let’s speak performances:

Geetanjali and Rajat? As flawless as ever. But it surely’s the ensemble that steals the present; each actor exhibits up, commits, and delivers. No weak hyperlinks, no forgettable faces. As for the ghost? We received’t spoil that for you. However belief us, the thriller pays off.

The age-old battle between mass and sophistication content material continues, but a present like this, which might not be palatable to all, remains to be made with such sensible storytelling and nuanced performances that you just begin to imagine in it. The query is: why aren’t we making extra content material like this?

Ultimate Verdict:

Khauf isn’t nearly a haunted room, it’s about what haunts girls each single day. The concern of current. If a present like Khauf goes unnoticed, it’ll be a loss for significant storytelling. With the weekend approaching, seize your popcorn, seize the tissues (you’ll want them), and prepare for a present value your time.