Directed by Tulsi and Shyam Ramsay, ‘Veerana’ is one of India’s most loved horror films
Horror has never been Hindi cinema’s strong suit, despite India being a country filled with superstitions and legends galore. Yet, there have been some films which have represented at least sincere efforts at horror, if not “qualitative”. One of these classic films which still holds up decently is 1988’s Veerana directed by Tulsi and Shyam Ramsay.
By way of background, after the massive success of the horror flick Purana Mandir in 1984, the Ramsay Brothers began several years of a golden age of Hindi horror films with films like Purani Haveli, Saamri, Tahkhana and Bandh Darwaza. Often made on low budgets and featuring newcomers/unknowns in leading roles, the films always made a profit. This is not to say that just because they were low budget they did well. They also packed in tons of masala including songs, creepy atmosphere, skin show, comedy and, of course, blood to engage the masses. The formula worked for awhile but eventually became stale and horror movies slipped into oblivion in the early 90s, with the exception of Ram Gopal Varma’s Raat. It would not be till 2002 that horror would make a comeback in Hindi cinema with Raaz.
Veerana, upon release in 1988, became a bonafide hit. What makes it so good and so much fun still? Let’s have a look…
The film tells the tale of a town terrorized by a lustful and wicked witch named Nakita. When the local Thakur (Kulbhushan Kharbanda)’s younger brother (Vijayendra Ghatge) captures and burns the witch to death, her evil minions plot a terrifying revenge against the Thakur’s daughter Jasmin (played by actress Jasmin). Also involved in the story are Jasmin’s cousin Sahila (Sahila Chadha), her boyfriend Hemant (Hemant Birje), a comedian Hitcock (Satish Shah), servant Raghu (Gulshan Grover) and an evil baba (Rajesh Vivek). Will Jasmin be freed from the clutches of Nakita? Will our lead characters be able to defeat the forces of evil? Watch Veerana to find out.
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What I love about the plot of Veerana is that it is deeply rooted in Indian folktales and ghost stories. The film does not try and Westernize itself and it does a good job of including ambitious special effects and makeup. Nakita’s evil witch face is almost as terrifying as Regan’s in The Exorcist. There is also the right balance of all ingredients, from a script standpoint, of comedy, songs, chills etc. The film has 2 songs, 1 of which plays throughout and is rather melodious. Music by Bappi Lahiri here is quite different than what he is known for and works well without hampering the narrative.
Kudos must be given to the Ramsays for keeping the film fast paced and short. At only 2 hours and 8 minutes, everything happens at a quick pace and keeps you wrapped up in the proceedings, despite your ability to anticipate what will happen in the film. While the scary scenes may not be considered “scary” today, you can imagine just how terrifying the film must have been in 1988 India.
Actress Jasmin, who never did any other film, became a sensation with this film. While her dialogue delivery leaves much to be desired, her role requires her to be more seductive and use her eyes and beauty, which she does fully. Hemant Birje is ok as the “hero” but his acting is also quite wooden. Sahila Chadha, as the main heroine, acts fine as the innocent girl but does not have much scope to show acting. Supporting actors are all excellent from Satish Shah, to Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Rajesh Vivek.
Only drawback of the film is that at times it seems a bit unrefined and “cheap”. But these are not major distractions.
Veerana is a fun watch and thoroughly entertaining. Its attention to try and be the best that it can be, with quick pacing and ambition, combined with all that is “Indian”, makes it one of India’s most loved horror films. In my opinion, it is the Ramsay Brothers’ best film. I highly recommend it and give it a 4.5/5.
The film is available on Youtube here:
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Veerna movie