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Starring:
Rajneesh Duggal, Adah Sharma, Anjori Alagh, Indraneil
Sengupta, Vipin Sharma, Sri Vallabh Vyas, Rajendranath
Zutshi
Directed by Vikram Bhatt
1920 is a horror film written and directed by Vikram
Bhatt. The story revolves around the events surrounding
a married couple living in a haunted house during the
British rule in India in the year 1920.
The Haveli’s
past, as is revealed later, is the case of 1857 during
the Sepoy Mutiny, when a wounded mutineer Mohan Kant,
sought cover who seeks refuge in the mansion. He turned
out to be a spy for the British forces. The owner's
daughter, Gayatri (Anjori Alagh) seduced him to buy time
until her uncle arrived. Her uncle and his men hanged
him. He vowed revenge with his dying breath, and his
soul has remained in the haveli ever since.
Gayatri is
now reborn as Lisa. Predictably, there are scenes of a
possessed Lisa levitating and shrieking with creaking
doors, flying objects, noises and a shady watchman
completing the picture. Even as the girl transforms from
a beautiful bride to an ugly looking character that
talks in multiple voices and levitates in bed. Arjun
doesn’t run away but stands beside her, his love
unshaken, until he finds a way to exorcise her of the
demonic spirit.
Cast
Arjun Singh Rathod - Rajneesh Duggal
Lisa Singh Rathod - Adah Sharma
Gayatri Devi - Anjori Alagh
Mohan Kant - Indraneil Sengupta
Caretaker (Balwant) - Vipin Sharma
Doctor - Sri Vallabh Vyas
Priest - Rajendranath Zutshi
M.K - Amin Hajee
Item Number by Rakhi Sawant
Asha Sharma
Bob Brahmbhatt
Dilip Thadeshwar
Amita Bishnoi
Ashish Pradhan
Rushitaa Pandya
Smita Hai
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An architect arrives at a large manor House known as
Haveli in Palampur somewhere in Northern India. The
manager MK tells him that the owner wishes to have it
torn down and have a hotel constructed in its place.
Later that night, the architect is killed by a mysterious
force. It turns out the architect who was engaged before
him too, was killed in a similar way some time ago.
The devout Arjun Singh (Rajneesh Duggal) who begins every
morning with Hanuman Chalisa is an architect, and devoted
to his family. He is in love with Lisa who is of a mixed
faith. She is born of a British father and an Indian
mother and this is disapproved by Arjun’s family who even
attempts to burn this girl alive. Arjun disconnects from
his family and gives up his faith for he loves Lisa very
much. In fact he ultimately becomes an atheist.
His firm is awarded the
contract of demolishing the haveli and has plans to
convert into a hotel as his big project. The only trouble
is – the haveli is haunted by a spirit that eventually
possesses Lisa.
At one instance, Arjun spots Lisa eating a dead animal in
the night. The local priest is summoned, who attempts to
place a cross on Lisa. Lisa transforms into a diabolical
personality and attacks the priest. A doctor is engaged,
but it turns out to be fruitless as Lisa's evil outbursts
simply overwhelm the hospital staff.
The curse says they will not survive. The only thing they
have that is true is the love they once shared, which is
now under the shadow of doubt. They will have to depend on
the love and faith if they are to come out of this alive.
Rajneesh Duggal and Adah
Sharma deliver credible performances in aptly-suited
roles. Adah Sharma has a brilliant screen presence and
seems perfect choice for her role. Rajneesh Duggal is good
for a newcomer. Raj Zutsi appears natural in the role of a
priest. The music is average, except the Rakhi Sawant item
number which stands out.
The director lays the ground in the first half and is
considerably scary in the latter part. Vikram Bhatt holds
the film tight until the very climax. The script is tight;
superbly executed and succeeds in scaring the hell out of
the audience. Impressive camera work, haunting background
music and dialogues are perfect too.
- Amar Jeet
CREDITS
Produced by Vikram Bhatt, Amita Bishnoi, Bhagwanti
Gabrani, Surendra Sharma, Manmohan Singh
Directed by Vikram Bhatt
Written by Dheeraj Rattan
Original Music by Adnan Sami
Cinematography by Pravin Bhatt
Film Editing by Kuldip K. Mehan
Costume Design - Violet Monis
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