While the film is being appreciated by the critics for its special effects, Vikram Bhatt's 3D horror movieHaunted fails to go beyond the cliches. But would it be engaging enough for the viewers?
Answers Nikhat Kazmi, Times of India, "But if the film works -- and it works quite well -- is only because of the special effects of the film. Experiencing the horror in 3D is indeed a novel experience for the viewer, specially since it is smartly done. Each time the ghosts lunge out at you, stick out their tongue or flail their limbs, you jump back in your seat. And yes, there are a lot of ghosts, performing a lot of ghastly acrobatics. There's even a snake sticking out its venom at you and a hurtling brick, almost missing your nose....Great fun."
Concurs Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama, "With Haunted, Bhatt merges the deadly combo of horror with 3D effectively. It's an absorbing and gripping edge of the seat horror film that keeps the mercury rising in those 2.15 hours. This movie is not for the faint-hearted, I wish to state at the very outset."
But not everyone is happy with the 3D effects.
Says Preeti Arora, Rediff, "And here's the thing about good horror films: they're either brilliantly bloodcurdling, or conveniently comic. Either way, it's entertaining. But Haunted adds a third dimension to this classification. It's annoying. There's no subtle way of saying this, really, so here it is: nothing in this film works. Not the story, not the acting, not the music and certainly not the 3D. Haunted is a total downer, and the title of "India's first stereoscopic 3D film" certainly deserved a much better movie to go along with it."
Performance
In a far cry from his father's acting prowess, Mimoh isn't much of an actor. He lugs his bulky body across the frame, delivering his dialogues in a constant monotone, often failing to engage his hands. The script tries hard to bring out the best in this star kid, and if the script wasn't trying hard enough, Mimoh seems desperate to make an impression on you. He plays the piano, he dances, he falls in love, and he fights evils spirits? Debutante Tia Bajpai (of Sa Re Ga Ma Paand Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi fame) does well in screaming so hard as if to convince the audience that she owns more than just one pair of lungs. Unfortunately for her, there is little else she can do well.: Rediff
Mahaakshay does a decent job. He's fairly good in most parts, but I found his performance to be stilted at times. However, he's come a long way from his debut film, but the lad still needs to work on his body and acting skills. Tia is absolutely excellent as the frightened victim. In fact, the actress is a complete revelation, handling a tough role in her debut film with remarkable ease. The lead pair gets major help from the supporting cast. Achint Kaur is incredible and it's really unfortunate that film-makers have never really tapped the potential of this fine actor. Arif Zakaria sinks his teeth into this role, striking terror when required. In fact, the prosthetics of Achint and Arif are worth recalling. Mohan Kapoor does well in a brief role. Sanjay Sharma, as the Sufi saint, is very good.
Answers Nikhat Kazmi, Times of India, "But if the film works -- and it works quite well -- is only because of the special effects of the film. Experiencing the horror in 3D is indeed a novel experience for the viewer, specially since it is smartly done. Each time the ghosts lunge out at you, stick out their tongue or flail their limbs, you jump back in your seat. And yes, there are a lot of ghosts, performing a lot of ghastly acrobatics. There's even a snake sticking out its venom at you and a hurtling brick, almost missing your nose....Great fun."
Concurs Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama, "With Haunted, Bhatt merges the deadly combo of horror with 3D effectively. It's an absorbing and gripping edge of the seat horror film that keeps the mercury rising in those 2.15 hours. This movie is not for the faint-hearted, I wish to state at the very outset."
But not everyone is happy with the 3D effects.
Says Preeti Arora, Rediff, "And here's the thing about good horror films: they're either brilliantly bloodcurdling, or conveniently comic. Either way, it's entertaining. But Haunted adds a third dimension to this classification. It's annoying. There's no subtle way of saying this, really, so here it is: nothing in this film works. Not the story, not the acting, not the music and certainly not the 3D. Haunted is a total downer, and the title of "India's first stereoscopic 3D film" certainly deserved a much better movie to go along with it."
Performance
In a far cry from his father's acting prowess, Mimoh isn't much of an actor. He lugs his bulky body across the frame, delivering his dialogues in a constant monotone, often failing to engage his hands. The script tries hard to bring out the best in this star kid, and if the script wasn't trying hard enough, Mimoh seems desperate to make an impression on you. He plays the piano, he dances, he falls in love, and he fights evils spirits? Debutante Tia Bajpai (of Sa Re Ga Ma Paand Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi fame) does well in screaming so hard as if to convince the audience that she owns more than just one pair of lungs. Unfortunately for her, there is little else she can do well.: Rediff
Mahaakshay does a decent job. He's fairly good in most parts, but I found his performance to be stilted at times. However, he's come a long way from his debut film, but the lad still needs to work on his body and acting skills. Tia is absolutely excellent as the frightened victim. In fact, the actress is a complete revelation, handling a tough role in her debut film with remarkable ease. The lead pair gets major help from the supporting cast. Achint Kaur is incredible and it's really unfortunate that film-makers have never really tapped the potential of this fine actor. Arif Zakaria sinks his teeth into this role, striking terror when required. In fact, the prosthetics of Achint and Arif are worth recalling. Mohan Kapoor does well in a brief role. Sanjay Sharma, as the Sufi saint, is very good.
