Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Huma Qureshi, Kalki Koechlin and Konkona Sen Sharma
Director: Kannan Iyer
Rating: 3.5/5
This 'Daayan' is surely Spooky!
Since the beginning of mankind, stories about 'God' and 'Evil' have been passed on from one generation to the other. 'Ek Thi Daayan' is based on a short story written by Mukul Sharma about witchcraft and the history behind it.
Emraan Hashmi plays India's top magician 'Bobo the baffler' in the movie, but his magic tricks go for a toss when his past comes haunting him. That's when he decides to undergo hypnotherapy under the same psychologist whom he had visited when he was young.
When Bobo was a kid, he read a book on 'Daayans' and his gut feeling makes him believe that his stepmom (Konkona Sen Sharma) is one of them too, and wants to sacrifice him and his kid sister.
Despite the dark past, Bobo decides to move ahead in life by getting married to his ladylove Tamara (Huma Qureshi). The couple adopts a kid and things are getting back to normal until Lisa Dutt (Kalki Koechlin) enters, and that brings back the 'Daayan' story.
Director Kannan Iyer makes a great debut; seeing the movie it's hard to believe that it's his first. He is a great storyteller and manages to scare the hell out of the audiences. Kannan also smartly keeps the audiences confused till the end if the 'Daayan' is real or simply a delusion.
Director of Photography Saurabh Goswami has created terrific visuals; credit goes to him for making the movie look scary especially 'hell'.
Producers Vishal Bhardwaj and Ekta Kapoor need to be applauded for keeping faith in this unconventional subject.
Music of the movie is great, 'Yaaram' is the best track in the album followed by 'Kaali Kaali' and 'Totey Ud Gaye'.
Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj as a team have always managed to come up with some excellent music for their fans. Vishal beautifully expresses his admiration for Gulzar as Emraan is seen reading the lyrics as part of the 'Yaaram' song from the book penned by Gulzar.
Clinton Cerejo's background score sets the mood for the movie, as it's thrilling and haunting too. Editor Sreekar Prasad has done a great job too.
Emraan Hashmi delivers the best performance of his career so far, 'Bobo' is not an easy character to play, and yet he does it to perfection. Konkona is one of the best talents and she essays her role beautifully; her expressions and voice variations will send shivers down your spine. Huma Quershi manages to impress in the first half, however, during the climax scene she is just about okay. Kalki does justice to her role despite being given limited scope. Pawan Malhotra does a good job. Vishesh Tiwari who plays younger Emraan is excellent and so is his kid sister.
'Ek Thi Daayan' is a new step taken in Bollywood towards the supernatural and horror genre, a film that people will love for its storyline and excellent performances. Audiences who believe in supernatural will simply love the movie.