Vikram Bhatt's affinity with colonialism continues with 1921, depiction of huge vintage mansions of UK, scenic locations, Exorcism which has been highlights of the 1920 franchise.
1921 has nothing new to offer, rarely any scary ticks. The writers of the movie Vikram Bhatt and Esha Desai as an associate fails miserably. Vikram Bhatt it seems is taking inspiration from Ram Gopal Verma by churning out insipid horror movies. Vikram Bhatt's horror movie graph is on a downslide, 1920 and Haunted are a few successful movies that Bhatt have in is repertoire in the past decade.
The plot of the movie revolves around Ayush ( Karan Kundra) who goes to York (UK) to excel in playing Piano. The sponsor is Wadia (Vikram Bhatt) and is the owner of a mansion Wadia Manor . Ayush serve as the concierge of this mansion to recompense his sponsorship. After a few day stay in the Wadia Manor Ayush experience paranormal situations and is being haunted by a spirit in a short stay. Ayush seeks help to counter the spirit from Rose ( Zarine Khan) who could see spirits and interact with them . Rose conveys Ayush to remember some unfortunate instance that might have happened with him in the last couple of days. Intially Ayush denies but later through a letter explains Rose about her interaction with Meher Wadia co owner of Wadia Manor. Meher tries to threat Ayush by giving her a warning about a revelation to her uncle Wadia ( Vikram Bhatt) about so many unwanted people visiting the mansion to listen Ayush play piano. The same night Meher accidentally gets killed and Ayush blames himself of killing her. Rest of the story needs to be resolved by Rose . How she gets all the details about Meher to identify the evil spirit. The rest of the story is about discovering the dark secret which haunts the past of both Rose and Ayush. I'll not be a spoiler to discuss the entire movie.
There is zero chemistry amongst the lead pair. Zarine acknowledged to appear sexy busty bosom looks beautiful and manages to showcase some acting skills in a few scenes. May be, primarily as she has not been given an opportunity to shed her clothes which is surprising. Karan Kundra as Ayush his debut as a lead actor in a hindi movie earler was seen in Mubarkaan. He looks jaded, lack luster without any screen presence clear indications that he cannot act.
The girl playing Rose's friend does a decent job and the Character named Vasudha is ok. Rest of the cast is all English players playing their respective characters. Vikram Bhatt as Wadia is passable. The main protagonist is Zarine in the film and can be said is her finest performance till date of whatever she has done earlier has been a flesh show.
The positives of the movie are Cinematography, VFX are good Vikram Bhatt utilizes the modern technology but does not have a good script. Zarine who satisfies your eyes when she is on screen rest all is in sorry state. The Victorian era has been depicted with ease on the screen.
Areas of opportunity - The movie has been stretched like a chewing gum and there are too many twist and turn in a simple story that the viewers want to pull their hair. The direction of the movie is ok but the letdown is the script, screenplay bonded by age old techniques in horror that Bhatt showcase. Editing is also shoddy. Thankfully we have been spared of any exorcism in this movie. The songs sounded outdated and considering the lead being depicted as an inspiring musician more effort was needed in the music score. On the contrary Bhatt movies are known for excellent music scores. Background score is too loud and is a cacophony for ears. The movie is quite disappointing as we never get a scary moment. You might get one or two surprise indifferent faces to show some cheap thrills. Though I am cognizant of the fact that a monster or reformed faces does not necessarily fright you. Mr. Bhatt though has refrained from showing somebody possessed and the person flying and walking on the roofs. He had tried to create a fearful environment by flickering lights and dark ambience with the spirit suddenly appearing or passing.
Overall 1921 is fourth installment of the 1920 franchise and is the weakest of the lot. Even 1920 London had a better ghost. Vikram need to quickly revamp his style of horror or else he will also fade like the Ramsays in 90's and RGV in the modern era.
