There is something about horror-comedies that I am really fascinated about. In fact, horror is one of the genres that I really love. I mean, even though I get really scared while watching a horror film, there is an adrenaline rush I feel which is what keeps me going! Talking about the horror-comedy genre, as a viewer, I feel that it is one of the toughest genres to execute because you have to bring out two opposite moods in your viewer, and let’s be honest, there is always a chance of going overboard on either of the sides. While the Indian audience, didn’t know much about this genre, it was Stree that established its benchmark, and ever since then, it has become one of the favorite genres of Indian filmmakers.
Now, when I had watched the trailer of Bhoot Police starring Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Yami Gautam, and Jacqueline Fernandez, I had loved it (because, favorite genre), and I was looking forward to what this team had to offer. Now that I have watched this horror-comedy, I can finally say that this team surely knew the path they were walking on and have delivered aptly. But before I elaborate, check out the trailer below:
Things that I absolutely loved!
- Saif Ali Khan and his comic timing
Actor Saif Ali Khan always excels at whatever he does. He has done that yet again with this film. He brings the comedy to the horror, his comic timing is impeccable. In fact, there are moments where you are in the midst of getting scared and you burst out laughing, thanks to Saif’s punches. There are no two ways about the unique sense of humor the actor has and it is amazing to see that transpire on screen with his dialogue delivery. He truly is the strong point of the narrative. Saif is totally treating us with his versatility with Jawaani Jaaneman, Tanhaji, and now this.
2. Arjun Kapoor as Chiraunji
Arjun Kapoor is the perfect Veeru to Saif Ali Khan’s Jai. He is the perfect Robin to Saif Ali Khan’s Batman. As Chiraunji in the film, the actor is just too good. Every film needs a great balance especially between a team, and Arjun brings that balance with his performance. There are so many scenes where Arjun will leave you impressed with his effortless dialogue delivery and action. After the trailer, I wasn’t very sure about this pairing, but I am glad that their camaraderie has turned out so amazing. Arjun is truly acing his game with different kinds of cinema, be it Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, Made In India, or this one.
3. The horror element
We all know horror-comedy is a difficult genre, and Stree had set the bar really high for it. After Stree, it was difficult for the makers to match up to the expectations, but I am happy that the makers did live up to them. They have done justice to the genre, the film has the comedy and the horror that it needs. The perfect jump scares will give you the jitters, but I love the root of the narrative. The makers have understood the genre well and have not gone overboard with it, which is a great thing.
And a special mention to director Pavan Kriplani for giving us this visual treat. The film’s VFX are greatly done and despite the film being on an OTT platform, it is so well made that the theatrical experience could have amplified it more.
Things that could have been better!
- The horror element should have been more
Yes, I am being greedy here, because I am a sucker for horror. It’s not like I did not enjoy the horror bit of the film, but I would have enjoyed more of it.
2. I wanted to see more of Jacqueline Fernandez and Yami Gautam
Both Jacqueline and Yami have done a great job in whatever roles they had, I think they could have a little more of their characters. But yet, the ladies have done a fantastic job.
All in all, it’s surely a film you can watch over the long weekend.
My verdict: 3.5 stars out of 5
Co-written by: Nawaz Kochra