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“Ghost Stories” is an Indian anthology horror film that premiered on Netflix on January 1, 2020. Directed by four acclaimed filmmakers—Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap, Dibakar Banerjee, and Karan Johar—the movie presents four spine-chilling tales that explore the supernatural in unique ways. As a follow-up to the successful anthologies “Bombay Talkies” and “Lust Stories,” “Ghost Stories” ventures into the realm of horror, aiming to deliver scares and thought-provoking narratives. Does it succeed in its mission? Let’s find out.
Plot Summary
“Ghost Stories” comprises four standalone stories, each directed by a different filmmaker:
- Zoya Akhtar’s Segment: A nurse (Janhvi Kapoor) takes up a night shift to care for an ailing elderly woman in a deserted house, only to encounter eerie occurrences.
- Anurag Kashyap’s Segment: A pregnant woman (Sobhita Dhulipala) grapples with paranoia and strange visions, blurring the line between reality and imagination.
- Dibakar Banerjee’s Segment: A man stumbles upon a village where the boundaries between the living and the dead are disturbingly blurred.
- Karan Johar’s Segment: A newlywed bride (Mrunal Thakur) moves into her husband’s ancestral mansion, where family secrets and ghostly presences come to light.
Each story delves into themes of fear, guilt, and the unknown, offering a mix of psychological and supernatural horror.
What’s Good?
1. Performances:
The cast delivers strong performances, with standout acts by Janhvi Kapoor, Sobhita Dhulipala, and Vijay Varma. Their nuanced portrayals bring depth to their characters, making the horror feel grounded and relatable.
2. Direction:
The four directors bring their distinct styles to the table:
- Zoya Akhtar creates an atmospheric and tense narrative with minimal dialogue.
- Anurag Kashyap experiments with surreal visuals and unsettling imagery.
- Dibakar Banerjee’s story stands out for its socio-political undertones and gripping storytelling.
- Karan Johar adds a touch of opulence and drama to his ghostly tale.
3. Cinematography and Visuals:
The film’s cinematography, handled by different DOPs for each segment, enhances the eerie mood. The use of dim lighting, confined spaces, and haunting visuals effectively builds tension.
4. Background Score:
The music and sound design play a crucial role in amplifying the horror. Subtle sound effects and eerie scores keep the audience on edge throughout.
5. Unique Themes:
Each story tackles different aspects of fear, from loneliness and trauma to societal norms and familial bonds, making the anthology diverse and thought-provoking.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- The anthology format allows for varied storytelling styles and perspectives.
- Strong performances and atmospheric direction make the horror impactful.
- Dibakar Banerjee’s segment is particularly praised for its originality and depth.
Weaknesses:
- The pacing of some stories feels uneven, with certain segments dragging in parts.
- Karan Johar’s story, while visually stunning, lacks the depth and subtlety of the other segments.
- Not all stories deliver the scares expected from a horror film, which may disappoint genre enthusiasts.
Target Audience
“Ghost Stories” caters to fans of psychological and supernatural horror. It’s an ideal watch for those who enjoy anthology films and appreciate diverse storytelling styles. However, viewers seeking traditional jump scares or fast-paced horror might find it less appealing. The mature themes make it suitable for adult audiences.
Box Office Details
Budget: The estimated budget for “Ghost Stories” was around INR 20 crores, considering its anthology format and Netflix-exclusive release.
Worldwide Box Office Collection: Since the film was released directly on Netflix, box office collections are not applicable. However, it garnered significant viewership and trended in the Top 10 on Netflix India shortly after its release.
Day-wise Viewership (India and Overseas):
- Day 1: The film debuted at #5 on Netflix India’s trending list.
- Day 2: Climbed to #3 as word-of-mouth spread.
- Day 3: Maintained its position in the Top 5, with viewers praising specific segments.
- Day 4: Continued trending in India and gained traction in international markets like the US and UK.
- Day 5: Reached #2 on Netflix India’s trending list, reflecting its growing popularity.
Recommendation
“Ghost Stories” is a mixed bag of eerie tales that offer more than just scares. While not all segments hit the mark, the anthology’s diverse storytelling and strong performances make it worth a watch. Recommended for fans of experimental cinema and psychological horror, it’s a film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.
Genres:
Horror
Rating:
5.026/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Janhvi Kapoor | Sameera (Zoya Akhtar’s segment) |
| Surekha Sikri | Mrs. Malik (Zoya Akhtar’s segment) |
| Vijay Varma | Guddu (Zoya Akhtar’s segment) |
| Sobhita Dhulipala | Neha (Anurag Kashyap’s segment) |
| Sagar Arya | Neha’s Husband (Anurag Kashyap’s segment) |
| Zachary Braz | Ansh (Anurag Kashyap’s segment) |
| Pavail Gulati | Ansh’s Father (Anurag Kashyap’s segment) |
| Sukant Goel | Visitor (Dibakar Banerjee’s segment) |
| Aditya Shetty | Little Boy (Dibakar Banerjee’s segment) |
| Eva Ameet Pardeshi | Little Girl (Dibakar Banerjee’s segment) |
| Gulshan Devaiah | Little Girl’s Father (Dibakar Banerjee’s segment) |
| Mrunal Thakur | Ira (Karan Johar’s segment) |
| Kusha Kapila | Misha (Karan Johar’s segment) |
| Jyoti Subhash | Dhruv’s Granny (Karan Johar’s segment) |
| Kitu Gidwani | Dhruv’s Mother (Karan Johar’s segment) |
| Sumit Tandon | Dhruv’s Father (Karan Johar’s segment) |
| Namrata Chopra | Ira’s Mother (Karan Johar’s segment) |
| Shataf Figar | Ira’s Father (Karan Johar’s segment) |
| Heeba Shah | Shanti (Karan Johar’s segment) |
| Avinash Tiwary | Dhruv (Karan Johar’s segment) |
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