Phone Bhoot Review: There is neither fear nor comedy in Katrina’s film, read the full review of ‘Phone Bhoot’ here
The tadka of comedy with horror has been liked in films like Stree, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. The post-pandemic drought at the box office was turned green by the horror comedy film ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’. Now the film Phone Bhoot starring Katrina Kaif, Ishaan Khatter and Siddhant Chaturvedi has also got a taste of horror comedy. Two friends Gullu (Ishaan Khatt) and Major aka Sherdil Shergill (Siddhant Chaturvedi) are highly inspired by ghosts. The items kept in his house, the walls are reminiscent of haunted places.
What is the story of the movie ‘Phone Bhoot’?
One day both of them organize a ghost themed party. Everything changes after both of them get electrocuted there, they start seeing ghosts. The wandering soul Ragini (Katrina Kaif) enters his life. She gives both of them a business idea that she will get into people’s bodies and both can earn both name and money by taking her out. Ragini has her own motive behind helping Gullu and Major. She wants to save her lover from the tantrik Atmaram (Jackie Shroff). Following Ragini’s advice, Gullu and Major start the phone Bhoot helpline.
Katrina Kaif’s ‘Phone Bhoot’ reminds me of old Hindi horror films
When a story is made by mixing two genres, there must be a balance between the two genres. Gurmeet Singh, who directed the Mirzapur web series, has comedy in this film, but horror is missing. Scary laughing moments rarely come. The climax of the film is reminiscent of old Hindi horror films, in which there used to be a tantrik in a mansion, who used to imprison ghosts in bottles or even a red-eyed effigy suddenly came to life. Produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, the film had scope for visual effects, but at that level the film disappoints. Although many new things have been added from the perspective of ghosts, such as the character of Shiba Chadha, a Bengali speaking witch who says that she is tired of freelancing, now wants to join a group of ghosts or use white flour to envelop the spirit. Instead of making a white line with foam, warn Gullu not to cross it.
People liked the pairing of Ishaan and Siddhant
The scene wherein Gullu learns that the ghost speaks Tamil is a funny one, in which he controls Rajinikanth by showing him a photo. Every time the pair of Ishaan and Siddhant comes on screen, they laugh. Katrina Kaif is glamorous but does not manage to laugh alone. The Hindi spoken in his English style makes his role more vulnerable. Jackie Shroff in the role of Atmaram sometimes laughs and sometimes scares. It is fun to talk to him in tapori language every now and then.
‘Phone Bhoot’ sequel may come
Be it the character of the witch or the humans, the writers of the film have tried unsuccessfully to convey the message of national integration by making them of different caste and language. In many places in the background, instead of Hindi film songs, the need for strong horror music is felt. There is also a hint of a sequel being made at the end of the film.
Movie – Phone Bhoot
Main Cast – Katrina Kaif, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Ishaan Khatter, Jackie Shroff, Sheeba Chaddha
Director – Gurmeet Singh
Duration – Two Hours 17 Minutes
Rating – Two
Bengali