1920

1920 review :

1920. A uncanny name for a horror film. But trust Vikram Bhatt to make a franchise even out of this one. The first instalment, starring Rajneesh Duggal and Adah Sharma, appeared the oft repeated 'Exorcist' remake until the climax. Rajneesh chanting the entire 'Hanuman Chalisa' in possessed Adah's ears evoked loud claps at the normally silent Cinemax Eternity multiplex, Thane where I saw the movie in its first weekend. The audience truly connected with the religious intervention showed in the end and 1920 turned out to be a surprise hit of 2008. Jai Hanuman!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.

In a country like India, where the genre of horror movies started from the likes of Madhumati and Mahal, to the Ramsay Brothers till the Bhatts, there has only been a downfall, with Bhoot, by Ram Gopal Verma being the only exception.

1920, is a movie which is brilliant, but somehow did not get its due applaud and recognition.

Right from the starting scene, where the actor is humming Hanuman Chalisa to the end moments of the movie, its completely gripping. There is no typical exaggeration, stupid make up, a predictable plot or wasteful songs.

The cinematography of the movie, the Victorian era feel, the cultural conflict, the steady romance, some pretty good acting and finally a well directed movie by Vikram Bhatt does the trick.

The best part which makes 1920, the Best Indian Horror Movie of the last 5 decades is the fact at it is not stereotypical. It has been very well edited. No special effects have been used just to "create" a horror feel, the plot and flow is such that you can actually feel the horror.

This film wasn't particularly scary. The plot was great.

To be honest I wasn't having much expectations from 1920, as the cast was new and the songs were bad. But I was wrong. 1920 is a well-directed and well-written horror movie that has a terrific story line and dialogues. The first scene sets the tone and there are hardly any dull moments in the film except for the songs. Vikram Bhatt (director) did a fantastic job and the performances from the lead and supporting actors are fabulous. It is really one of the best horror flicks produced by Bollywood. You must watch it if you like no-nonsense horror movies with a great story and performances. Adah Sharma's performance was superb, Rajneesh Duggal was good, Raj Zutshi and other supporting actors did their job well. 8/10 from me.

Now,this movie cannot be called as something scary and full of twists and turns, but its a mix of Hollywood movies-THE EXORCIST and Bollywood-KARZ and add to that some patriotism.1920 is a fusion movie-bring bollywood and Hollywood together. The movie is quite good but it fails when it comes to acting-specially by the lead actor,and the movie is quite lengthy at some parts.The climax is something which you always expect and see from the typical Indian Horror Movies.Some scenes are quite scary,but not to the level to which you will be chilled-however these scary scenes are quite less in the movie. Its good for viewing on weekends-and thats it.Rent a DVD. My Rating-6/10