37 reviews
Much more than a horror film
That Phobia is not everyone's cup of tea is established in the opening frame itself with this intriguing quote of Franz Kafka: A cage went in search of a bird. What follows next is arguably one of the most significant prologues in Hindi Cinema; miss this and you won't get the essence of the film. Mehak Deo (Radhika Apte) is a painter and is narrating a creepily uncomfortable joke to her male friends at a party: An old man has been ogling at her because her face resembles his bitch that was killed in a car accident, eerily on the same day when Mehak was born. She then leaves the party in a taxi with her best friend, Shaan. On the way Shaan gets down and invites her to spend the night with him. She spurns the offer and continues in the taxi. The cabbie takes her to a secluded spot and rapes her.
After the opening credits, we see that Mehak has become a nervous wreck consequent to the rape and is being administered Virtual Reality therapy to cure her of Agoraphobia (fear of open spaces). When the therapy makes little progress, Shaan rents out an apartment and moves her there to recover. Rest of the film plays out in the claustrophobic confines of this apartment, whose former tenant, a stewardess named Jiah, has mysteriously vanished into thin air. Spooky things start happening. Mehak's traumatised mind plays tricks on her and the director plays tricks on our mind. There is a black cat and a black spider, both important symbols in case you want to psychoanalyse the film later.
Just when you feel that the director has pulled out all stops and you have sorted out all the conundrums, the film shifts to a different plane. Some extremely subtle hints are dropped, so fleeting that you will miss if you blink. Phobia is an extremely clever film; it is revived miraculously from the precipice of an almost hilarious ending. Director Pawan Kriplani goes for the jugular, just when your muscles were beginning to relax. Radhika Apte more than lives her part. Background score works non-intrusively on the subconscious.
The film ends with a red dot (Bindi?) being applied on Mehak's painting to indicate that it is sold. Phobia works at multiple levels. At the visceral level it is a solid thriller with a potential to wet your pants. But at the psychological level, it makes you think long after you have left the cinema hall.
After the opening credits, we see that Mehak has become a nervous wreck consequent to the rape and is being administered Virtual Reality therapy to cure her of Agoraphobia (fear of open spaces). When the therapy makes little progress, Shaan rents out an apartment and moves her there to recover. Rest of the film plays out in the claustrophobic confines of this apartment, whose former tenant, a stewardess named Jiah, has mysteriously vanished into thin air. Spooky things start happening. Mehak's traumatised mind plays tricks on her and the director plays tricks on our mind. There is a black cat and a black spider, both important symbols in case you want to psychoanalyse the film later.
Just when you feel that the director has pulled out all stops and you have sorted out all the conundrums, the film shifts to a different plane. Some extremely subtle hints are dropped, so fleeting that you will miss if you blink. Phobia is an extremely clever film; it is revived miraculously from the precipice of an almost hilarious ending. Director Pawan Kriplani goes for the jugular, just when your muscles were beginning to relax. Radhika Apte more than lives her part. Background score works non-intrusively on the subconscious.
The film ends with a red dot (Bindi?) being applied on Mehak's painting to indicate that it is sold. Phobia works at multiple levels. At the visceral level it is a solid thriller with a potential to wet your pants. But at the psychological level, it makes you think long after you have left the cinema hall.
- chemingineer
- May 28, 2016
- Permalink
Intriguing
This movie isn't everyone's cup of tea. It makes you question everything & everyone. Radhika Apte is brilliant. It's a good workout for your brain.
- mihika2590
- Oct 2, 2019
- Permalink
Under-rated. Exceptional acting from Radhika.
I have watched a lot of horror movies, both in english and hindi and I must tell that Phobia has the best story yet. The plot is very unpredictable. The entire cast has done a good job, including Radhika Apte, who has arguably given the best performance of her career so far. Cannot believe that such a good story, with good direction is at 6.9 as I am writing this review. People who did not understand this movie should simply not rate it.
- shreyasrp888
- Jul 13, 2018
- Permalink
A novel attempt by Bollywood
A few days ago I watched "Phobia". First of all this is new for Bollywood as they don't make much psychological thrillers and Radhika Apte pulls the entire movie on her shoulders with ease. Secondly, it is funny in 1 or 2 scenes which is not very good rather really sad for a horror/ psychological thriller and it is only Radhika Apte's acting which makes you sit in the theater till the end. In the first half, the movie builds with much novelty in it but second half has some instances from a few Hollywood movies but still it keeps you engaged. So, in total it had a few major drawbacks but a good experiment for Bollywood and some really great acting so I would go with 6/10 for this.
- harshit_pande
- Jun 19, 2016
- Permalink
Phobia Is A Gem Of A Psychological Thriller That Defies All Genre Stereotypes..!!
There are good films and there are great films but few films have the potential to change a genre or start a new one. "Phobia" is one such gem of a film that demands your attention and might just be the game-changer in the space of psychological horror thrillers in Hindi cinema. The film's taut narrative neither ignores viewer's intelligence nor does it test their patience.
The film open with a famous quotation of Franz Kafka, "A cage went in search of a bird" and you're in for a roller-coaster psychological ride. The quote merges into a painting with that of a hand in the left side of the frame trying to reach out for help while half a dozen of hands are trying to rescue him from the right side of the frame or are they? This picture coupled with Kafka's quote quite sums up the whole film which revolves around an upcoming painter Mahek who is suffering from acute agoraphobia (a fear of open spaces). To accelerate her healing process her well-wishers thought that a change would be beneficial thus Mahek gets shifted to a used but empty apartment. But the apartment has its own story which results in her getting trapped from outside as well as within. Initially the whole setting seems like a typical Hindi horror film but as the film moves ahead you will be stunned at the smartness of Pawan Kirpalani's execution. Believe me "Phobia" is something which you have never witnessed in a Hindi horror film. Nothing is what it seems and the atmospheric horror is devoid of any cheesy sequence. Phobia terrifies you with its creepiness and when you think you know where it is heading it surprises you. There's an unexpected quirky pr-climax which lightens the mood only to take you to a gory but impactful climax that gives an apt closure to the first two acts.
For reading the full review please check this link:-
http://bit.ly/1sVrVEu
The film open with a famous quotation of Franz Kafka, "A cage went in search of a bird" and you're in for a roller-coaster psychological ride. The quote merges into a painting with that of a hand in the left side of the frame trying to reach out for help while half a dozen of hands are trying to rescue him from the right side of the frame or are they? This picture coupled with Kafka's quote quite sums up the whole film which revolves around an upcoming painter Mahek who is suffering from acute agoraphobia (a fear of open spaces). To accelerate her healing process her well-wishers thought that a change would be beneficial thus Mahek gets shifted to a used but empty apartment. But the apartment has its own story which results in her getting trapped from outside as well as within. Initially the whole setting seems like a typical Hindi horror film but as the film moves ahead you will be stunned at the smartness of Pawan Kirpalani's execution. Believe me "Phobia" is something which you have never witnessed in a Hindi horror film. Nothing is what it seems and the atmospheric horror is devoid of any cheesy sequence. Phobia terrifies you with its creepiness and when you think you know where it is heading it surprises you. There's an unexpected quirky pr-climax which lightens the mood only to take you to a gory but impactful climax that gives an apt closure to the first two acts.
For reading the full review please check this link:-
http://bit.ly/1sVrVEu
- rangdetumpy
- May 28, 2016
- Permalink
Phobia is an interesting psychological thriller with a bit confusing but interesting thriller.
Phobia (2016) : Well psychological thrillers are the best genre which are most intriguing and always messes with mind.They are rare in Indian Cinema and now after a long time its time for Phobia.
Plot: An agoraphobic young woman Mehek (Radhika Apte), traumatized by past events, finds herself trapped and terrorized in her own home.She experiences weird apparitions and even involves in missing mystery of previous resident
Plus Points: 1)Radhika Apte: Still now I thought that she is just an ordinary actress but with this film she is one of the best now.She is awesome in her role as Mehak and we can feel her agony,fear etc.. She is heavily successful in involving us in this movie.
2)Music: BGM is one of the best part of Phobia.It is very tensing and easily builds up tension.I loved it.
3)Screenplay: Screenplay is very good and thrilling.We can easily involve in this movie.Its climax is very good but its bit confusing.Interval block clearly raises our expectations.
Minus points: 1)Similarities: It has similarity with few movies like Katha,Intruders,Dementia etc.. But its climax made it unique.That's the major success for Phobia.
So,Phobia is an interesting psychological thriller with a bit confusing but interesting thriller.
My rating 7.25/10
Plot: An agoraphobic young woman Mehek (Radhika Apte), traumatized by past events, finds herself trapped and terrorized in her own home.She experiences weird apparitions and even involves in missing mystery of previous resident
Plus Points: 1)Radhika Apte: Still now I thought that she is just an ordinary actress but with this film she is one of the best now.She is awesome in her role as Mehak and we can feel her agony,fear etc.. She is heavily successful in involving us in this movie.
2)Music: BGM is one of the best part of Phobia.It is very tensing and easily builds up tension.I loved it.
3)Screenplay: Screenplay is very good and thrilling.We can easily involve in this movie.Its climax is very good but its bit confusing.Interval block clearly raises our expectations.
Minus points: 1)Similarities: It has similarity with few movies like Katha,Intruders,Dementia etc.. But its climax made it unique.That's the major success for Phobia.
So,Phobia is an interesting psychological thriller with a bit confusing but interesting thriller.
My rating 7.25/10
- shobanchittuprolu
- May 31, 2016
- Permalink
Next level Stuff!
I don't do movie reviews. No. Not that often for sure. But sometimes, you are left with no choice. Sometimes, the film as a whole has something so compelling about it, one can't not applaud the immense effort put into it, turned into sheer brilliance that's come out on screen. If I ever have to talk about a film which I can proudly say is a psychological thriller beyond ordinary, I will pick 'Phobia' If I ever have to talk about a film which is a visual treat and an audio one alike, I will pick 'Phobia'. If I ever have to talk about an artist who puts in her heart and soul into the role and still manages to make it all look effortless, i will pick Radhika Apte. If I ever have to talk about a film which I enjoyed to the core, I will pick 'Phobia'. With some real unnerving moments, splendid performances and brilliant holistic cinema, Phobia should not be missed. #LoveForPhobia
- anmolsachar
- May 28, 2016
- Permalink
Surprise & spooked !!
A good movie , direction nd acting by Radhika is as always simply beautiful. She does is so well 😊
Sound score makes the movie a lot better .. amazing twist in the climax ..
Sound score makes the movie a lot better .. amazing twist in the climax ..
- proabhinav
- Feb 8, 2019
- Permalink
Great Acting by Radhika Apte
This movie was wonderful just because of Radhika Apte's great acting. I feel she is one of the most talented actress of Indian cinema till date. Great work Rahika Apte. Keep going!!!!!!
he first reaction one will have after watching this movie is that this is just not a simple thriller movie but also has a thought- provoking message and of course Radhika Apte's acting is amazing.
Starting from the trailer- The movie looks promising and you are reminded of Ram Gopal Verma's Kaun (starring Urmila Matondkar). Here I would like to clarify that Phobia's story or concept is completely different from Kaun, even the circumstances are totally different.
Movie- As almost all thriller movie this also starts with a tragedy but slowly builds up to be much more than a movie of a personal experience but one also thinks of how we(society) thinks/acts in many situations. As the movie progresses it transforms from a movie about a 'phobia' to the protagonist's character to a great and very fresh climax (Credits to the director)
he first reaction one will have after watching this movie is that this is just not a simple thriller movie but also has a thought- provoking message and of course Radhika Apte's acting is amazing.
Starting from the trailer- The movie looks promising and you are reminded of Ram Gopal Verma's Kaun (starring Urmila Matondkar). Here I would like to clarify that Phobia's story or concept is completely different from Kaun, even the circumstances are totally different.
Movie- As almost all thriller movie this also starts with a tragedy but slowly builds up to be much more than a movie of a personal experience but one also thinks of how we(society) thinks/acts in many situations. As the movie progresses it transforms from a movie about a 'phobia' to the protagonist's character to a great and very fresh climax (Credits to the director)
- gauravbiot
- Oct 2, 2016
- Permalink
Phobia
Mindblown acting by radhika apte ! She is so underrated as well as this movie ! This movie is really good mxiex of horror and psychology! This is a must watch and highly recommend!
- ayonbhunia
- Oct 28, 2021
- Permalink
This movie is good but the whole idea is stolen from the movie ("visions" 2015) so!
The acting is amazing.
Execution of the movie is good.
But the only thing that is bugging is that the IDEA of the movie is stolen and not credited to same concept that women experiences some paranormal unseen entity and think her house is haunted but it turns out to be her husband or someone trying to kill her in the end! And all the thing were happening were the vision of what her future self would do while fighting.
The credit should be given to the original movie that's what I'm asking for.
They thought they could get away with it as the original movie is not that famous!
- hiralpatel-42752
- May 9, 2020
- Permalink
This movie is SICK!
Loved it!!
One of the most underrated movie of all times!
- aneesahmed-21929
- Nov 27, 2018
- Permalink
a clever successful psycho thriller of the other kind ... made by India
Actually, I'm not a fan of Bollywood and the movies I've seen have either been too overkill or too bad. ... at Phobia I make an exception, it is a well-filmed film from the kitchen india and a very special food from the genre Psycho thriller that will not be enjoyed by all. ... Good moments of tension, a breath of horror and a main actress "Radhika Apte" which shows an impressive performance ... make the movie really worth seeing. ... Unfortunately, I am a bit disappointed with the twist at the end, I would have liked to have another end. ... The fim gets a 6.8 from me!
- pibl-87824
- Apr 18, 2019
- Permalink
Overrated
I see this movie has got great reviews by critics and glorified as a very different, intelligent, horror/suspense, layered, textured, trend setter, daring, best and many other ephitets. And Radhika Apte was glorified as giving an Oscar winning performance which would put even Meryl Streep to shame (or words to that effect).
The reality - Movie is boring and the same scenes seem to keep repeating again and again, because the movie is all shot in one place indoors. Director has mixed up Agrophobia with psychic nonsense to come up with a movie which is hard to dive inside and feel any empathy with the so-called victim played by Radhika Apte. It is too much to see her continuously for 2 hours making various weird faces, searching under bed, poking thru bathroom holes etc. And all this glorified as a great movie, great direction. Ridiculous. I love watching so-called art movies and even bear thru "heavy" movies, but this was just too much to tolerate. With the benefit of remote, i could barely see thru the whole nonsense. Probably, the high expectations raised by glowing reviews made it more disappointing.
I would suggest to watch "Kaun" (from Ram Gopal Verma, during his glory days), to which this movie is being compared. The comparison of course is unfair. Kaun was fun to watch. Not much to see about fun here.
The reality - Movie is boring and the same scenes seem to keep repeating again and again, because the movie is all shot in one place indoors. Director has mixed up Agrophobia with psychic nonsense to come up with a movie which is hard to dive inside and feel any empathy with the so-called victim played by Radhika Apte. It is too much to see her continuously for 2 hours making various weird faces, searching under bed, poking thru bathroom holes etc. And all this glorified as a great movie, great direction. Ridiculous. I love watching so-called art movies and even bear thru "heavy" movies, but this was just too much to tolerate. With the benefit of remote, i could barely see thru the whole nonsense. Probably, the high expectations raised by glowing reviews made it more disappointing.
I would suggest to watch "Kaun" (from Ram Gopal Verma, during his glory days), to which this movie is being compared. The comparison of course is unfair. Kaun was fun to watch. Not much to see about fun here.
- rajmannar-08230
- Aug 19, 2016
- Permalink
Psycho Thriller
Is a differnt kind of psycho thriller that entertains at parts - Throughout the movie, there were couple of dots which were scattered but the way all these dots got connected at the climax portion is where the main talent is and that is what climax is all about. Feel good movie for entire 2nd half. If its not for her acting, then there is nothing much to watch here.
Power packed performance by Radhika and welcome to a yet new genre in Bolly
As I keep saying, for serious passionate movie watchers, for whom watching a movie is more than just a past time, how good is a movie is judged by how deep you can delve into its characters and how long they dwell with you. When I chose Phobia over other popular choices, it was about Radhika Apte, and o my, her eyes can talk like no other, and her power packed performance as an agoraphobic young lady made me appreciate a genre, which is not particular favourite of mine. Yes, welcome psychological thrillers in the realm of Bollywood, for the last few years Bollywood slowly is making a transition to a wider gamut of pictures which we are used to seeing in English movies, and the transition is solid and mature, 7/10
- rupak_speaking
- Jun 19, 2020
- Permalink
"Phobia" is an enriching experience for the cinematic lovers !!!
"Agoraphobia" is fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness or embarrassment. Imagine the state of a person suffering from this rare disease. Hard right ? Well, "Phobia" is more than a horror film as it deals with psychology of a person and the result is well-made and a brilliant film.
"Phobia" talks about a painter, Mahek (played by RadhikaApte), who suffers from anxiety disorder called "Agoraphobia" after she starts in a new house following her survival from a attempt-to-rape situation.
From the director of "Ragini MMS" and "Darr @ Mall", Pawan Kripalani takes a step ahead with an untouched story never attempted before. The trailer of "Phobia" was intriguing but after watching the film, you will be in surprised with a wonderful story that keeps you glued to the screen. The first scene at the party is itself unravels the clues leading to the consequences but Pawan Kripalani has played it smart and let the audience take a back seat and enjoy the ride till the end. In fact, this is one of the strongest climax scenes I have seen. Salute to the brilliant director for making my day with sincere efforts. The screenplay is absolutely thrilling with solid twist. Art direction is fine. Cinematography is catchy. Special mention to the background score which goes well especially when Mahek faces her fear and steps out of the house.
It is Radhika Apte all the way. She goes into the character of Mahek and gives her best. This will be her best performances of her life till now. Rest of the cast does justice to their part. Overall, "Phobia" is an enriching experience for the cinematic lovers.
"Phobia" talks about a painter, Mahek (played by RadhikaApte), who suffers from anxiety disorder called "Agoraphobia" after she starts in a new house following her survival from a attempt-to-rape situation.
From the director of "Ragini MMS" and "Darr @ Mall", Pawan Kripalani takes a step ahead with an untouched story never attempted before. The trailer of "Phobia" was intriguing but after watching the film, you will be in surprised with a wonderful story that keeps you glued to the screen. The first scene at the party is itself unravels the clues leading to the consequences but Pawan Kripalani has played it smart and let the audience take a back seat and enjoy the ride till the end. In fact, this is one of the strongest climax scenes I have seen. Salute to the brilliant director for making my day with sincere efforts. The screenplay is absolutely thrilling with solid twist. Art direction is fine. Cinematography is catchy. Special mention to the background score which goes well especially when Mahek faces her fear and steps out of the house.
It is Radhika Apte all the way. She goes into the character of Mahek and gives her best. This will be her best performances of her life till now. Rest of the cast does justice to their part. Overall, "Phobia" is an enriching experience for the cinematic lovers.
Nicely Done But A Bit Slow
A woman has developed agoraphobia after she is attacked. She shares a home with her sister and nephew. When attempts to treat the phobia fail, she is taken to stay alone in an apartment while the owner is away. Hoping that the absence of others taking care of her will force her to do things for herself, she tries to settle in but strange things start happening. Her phobia has already left her with a crippled mental state but are the strange things really happening or is she losing her mind completely?
I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did. I thought the story, acting and film quality were all decent. The problem that I have with it is the pace. This was a slow burner and while it helped in building the suspense, it could've moved along a bit faster and still been good.
I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did. I thought the story, acting and film quality were all decent. The problem that I have with it is the pace. This was a slow burner and while it helped in building the suspense, it could've moved along a bit faster and still been good.
- Foutainoflife
- Feb 28, 2019
- Permalink
Genuine horror from India
This is how I wanted room to be - based entirely within four walls, but that movie broke its rule and went 'Money Monster' way; moving out and then just staying in limbo.
Indian horror movies normally bring out unintentional laughs, but this was first Indian movie that got me scared. I am not talking of couple of jump scares, but genuine ones during key build ups and after and Ms. Apte sells them. She starts as a whiny and week woman but slowly succeeds in selling her fear and eventually caring about her. But more than that I was in love with its editing and bold choices it made of avoiding clichés. The story is tight, fast paced and believable; and without that irritation you get when you see plot holes in horror movies. The good thing about Phobia was it did not use props and relied on simple and obvious solutions like for example tying herself to move out of house. Here's hoping to see more of such cinema in near future and less of over hyped Conjuring 2.
Indian horror movies normally bring out unintentional laughs, but this was first Indian movie that got me scared. I am not talking of couple of jump scares, but genuine ones during key build ups and after and Ms. Apte sells them. She starts as a whiny and week woman but slowly succeeds in selling her fear and eventually caring about her. But more than that I was in love with its editing and bold choices it made of avoiding clichés. The story is tight, fast paced and believable; and without that irritation you get when you see plot holes in horror movies. The good thing about Phobia was it did not use props and relied on simple and obvious solutions like for example tying herself to move out of house. Here's hoping to see more of such cinema in near future and less of over hyped Conjuring 2.
Not that Interesting.....good that Bollywood making Psychothrillers
The movie is kind of boring. First 40 minutes of movie, There is nothing really to watch. I don't know why to add that 40 minutes, may be director wanted to make a full movie with length of 99 minutes rather than a short film.
Radhika Apte was good in acting, I would not say brilliant. All other actors completely disappointed. The story does not look like they tried to show a reality. The neighbors in the film, the friends, the apartment, looks like it is not happening in real life but a stage drama, where anyone can do say anything.
I am giving 3/10 mainly for Radhika Apte acting and for the Bollywood who at least started cooking something in psycho-thriller genre. But sorry Bollywood you are chopped at least this time.
Radhika Apte was good in acting, I would not say brilliant. All other actors completely disappointed. The story does not look like they tried to show a reality. The neighbors in the film, the friends, the apartment, looks like it is not happening in real life but a stage drama, where anyone can do say anything.
I am giving 3/10 mainly for Radhika Apte acting and for the Bollywood who at least started cooking something in psycho-thriller genre. But sorry Bollywood you are chopped at least this time.
Complex
Complex phobia in a girl, who is diagnosed with it after an accident. She is diagnosed with Agoraphobia, an extreme or irrational fear of entering open or crowded places, of leaving one's own abode, or of being in places from which escape is difficult. Radhika Apte did the best of the best work in this kind of characterization. There was a fear element along with eerie weirdness. Yashaswini Dayama was my favorite character, who was a young girl in the apartment, whose name was Nikki, she was immature in appearance but at the same time had that trait of understanding and sensibility. Although fear factor was limited and not strong but movie still is worth watching.
- sameerkhan666
- Mar 19, 2023
- Permalink
Phobia & Fear Are 2 Different Things. ♦ Grade D+
Directed by the same guy who previously gave us a good stuff (Ragini MMS) and a bad stuff (Darr @ The Mall) comes another thriller that can be placed exactly between these two in terms of quality.
Mehak (Apte) is a cool young woman who is forced upon unsuccessfully by a taxi driver after which she becomes a patient of agoraphobia, a severe mental disorder concerning open and crowded places. She is helped by her friend Shaan (Misra), who moves her into a friend's place in order to treat her naturally, whatever that means. But Mehak is eternally traumatized by the incident which still gives her nightmares and feelings of anxiety, particularly revolving around her new apartment's former owner, an air-hostess who she presumes was killed by her neighbor. As nights pass, Mehak sees things that makes her change her mind and believe that there is another person in her apartment now who may be out to finish "some unfinished business."
The setup is fine for a Bollywood thriller film, reminding us of RGV's millennium-closing masterpiece "Kaun?". The plot moves with a good speed as the audience begin playing their usual game of suspect gamble. We think that the person chasing Mehak might be her friend, who also has shades of gray in him and wants to satiate his sexual needs, fitting the perfect description; her widowed sister, who may have some ulterior motive; her specialist doctor, who is just learning to control her fancy new VR headset; her neighbor, whose laughing frequency is rather sinister. It could be anyone and Mehak wants to find out, with the help of Nikki (Dayama), her new friend and neighbour. But, all that plays around in the first half is let down by the story's lousy second half.
Whenever one sees a thriller film where the main characters sit and surround a simple or a mutilated combination of geometric symbols, he/she knows that the film is falling into the pond of cliché. Phobia eventually does, and then tries to regain consciousness (a la Mehak in countless instances) by revealing the single pole that was purportedly supporting this giant of a promising high-rise. The climax is good, but of what use is a building that slants?
The music, as many of my friends pointed out, was brilliant, and at least 2 of my stars go for that, plus the camera work. Apte is terrific and so is Mishra; both do a wonderful job, and this confirms the point that the problem is not in the cast or their performance or in the making, but in the story, which is shallow and only offers one or two gasps, which are purely incidental. That fear can wreak havoc in one's own life.
If the writer had put in so much effort as that bloke who has expanded the film's Wikipedia article, the film may have critically fared better. Can't understand the fuss around the film's notability, though. It's a strictly below-average affair even for people who consider themselves fans of the thriller-horror genre.
BOTTOM LINE: Pawan Kirpalani's Phobia is a thriller, with some great performances, which feels at first like a blood-toothed dinosaur in a closet but turns out only to be a one-inch, red-masked lizard. Wait for TV premiere but do not switch between channels during commercials.
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? NO
Mehak (Apte) is a cool young woman who is forced upon unsuccessfully by a taxi driver after which she becomes a patient of agoraphobia, a severe mental disorder concerning open and crowded places. She is helped by her friend Shaan (Misra), who moves her into a friend's place in order to treat her naturally, whatever that means. But Mehak is eternally traumatized by the incident which still gives her nightmares and feelings of anxiety, particularly revolving around her new apartment's former owner, an air-hostess who she presumes was killed by her neighbor. As nights pass, Mehak sees things that makes her change her mind and believe that there is another person in her apartment now who may be out to finish "some unfinished business."
The setup is fine for a Bollywood thriller film, reminding us of RGV's millennium-closing masterpiece "Kaun?". The plot moves with a good speed as the audience begin playing their usual game of suspect gamble. We think that the person chasing Mehak might be her friend, who also has shades of gray in him and wants to satiate his sexual needs, fitting the perfect description; her widowed sister, who may have some ulterior motive; her specialist doctor, who is just learning to control her fancy new VR headset; her neighbor, whose laughing frequency is rather sinister. It could be anyone and Mehak wants to find out, with the help of Nikki (Dayama), her new friend and neighbour. But, all that plays around in the first half is let down by the story's lousy second half.
Whenever one sees a thriller film where the main characters sit and surround a simple or a mutilated combination of geometric symbols, he/she knows that the film is falling into the pond of cliché. Phobia eventually does, and then tries to regain consciousness (a la Mehak in countless instances) by revealing the single pole that was purportedly supporting this giant of a promising high-rise. The climax is good, but of what use is a building that slants?
The music, as many of my friends pointed out, was brilliant, and at least 2 of my stars go for that, plus the camera work. Apte is terrific and so is Mishra; both do a wonderful job, and this confirms the point that the problem is not in the cast or their performance or in the making, but in the story, which is shallow and only offers one or two gasps, which are purely incidental. That fear can wreak havoc in one's own life.
If the writer had put in so much effort as that bloke who has expanded the film's Wikipedia article, the film may have critically fared better. Can't understand the fuss around the film's notability, though. It's a strictly below-average affair even for people who consider themselves fans of the thriller-horror genre.
BOTTOM LINE: Pawan Kirpalani's Phobia is a thriller, with some great performances, which feels at first like a blood-toothed dinosaur in a closet but turns out only to be a one-inch, red-masked lizard. Wait for TV premiere but do not switch between channels during commercials.
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? NO
Radhika Apte is a gem.
I will keep it short. The tension is right from the beginning. 5 mins in you are up for an anxiety ride. Man.... Radhika is phenomenal. Exquisite. Use her talent well Bollywood, you dumb industry you Give her novelty roles. He can do it. I laughed, i jumped, and had edge of the seat experience. Wow.
A lot better film if my interpretation is correct
- Rawal_Afzal
- Jul 1, 2016
- Permalink
Bored to death
Confined in a flat and camera focused on the eyes, face, lips of the lead actor may look interesting for 15 minutes but for 2 hours my god ! Boring and nauseating
Background music suggests repeatedly that something bizarre is going to happen but again ... nothing .So you wait for someone to appear or something else to happen but you just watch helplessly screaming trembling heroine in each frame ... Lousy story ,stupid narration . Thanks God I didnt watch it in a movie theatre
- nirantar-narayan
- Oct 24, 2018
- Permalink