New Delhi: Horror fans have a new option to explore on OTT with Jhaad Phoonk, a 1-hour-53-minute film built around black magic, occult practices and superstition. Featuring a limited cast and filmed entirely inside a single house, the movie attempts to create an eerie atmosphere through mystery and psychological tension while delivering a social message.
The story revolves around Aastha, played by Sumbul Touqeer Khan, and Rajveer. While travelling from the forests of Uttarakhand to Delhi, the couple meets with a road accident. When Aastha regains consciousness, she finds herself inside the home of an unknown couple, setting the stage for a series of unsettling events.
A Mysterious Couple and a House Full of Secrets
The couple who shelters Aastha are Mohan Thakur and Kamini Thakur, portrayed by Yashpal Sharma and Padmini Kolhapure. Initially, they appear caring and supportive, gradually earning Aastha’s trust. However, as the story progresses, Mohan’s intentions begin to raise questions, adding suspense and mystery to the narrative.
A young child also plays a key role in the story. Believing the child to be under an unusual threat, Mohan turns to black magic and occult rituals, pushing the film deeper into themes of superstition and mystical practices.
Strong Premise, But the Suspense Weakens Later
The film effectively builds tension in its opening portions, with Aastha’s arrival at an unfamiliar house creating intrigue and uncertainty. The single-location setting keeps the focus on the characters and their changing behaviour, helping sustain the mystery during the early stages.
From a technical perspective, the background score is used to enhance the horror elements, while a romantic song has also been included. However, as the narrative moves towards its climax, the suspense gradually loses its impact. The ending falls short of the expectations created by the opening, making the final stretch feel less gripping.
Directed by Rajan Verma
Jhaad Phoonk has been written, directed and produced by Rajan Verma. He has previously been associated with films including Jesus Jordaar, Dhaman: The Saviour and Paani: Ek Prem Kahani.
Beyond its supernatural elements, the film attempts to highlight the dangers of blind faith and superstition, suggesting how such beliefs can lead people towards harmful decisions with serious consequences.
