Roohi Movie :Review A Spooky-Comedy with a Feminist Twist

Roohi Movie Review: A Spooky-Comedy with a Feminist Twist

Published on: Tuesday, 9th July 2025

🧟 Introduction to Roohi movie

Roohi is not your typical Bollywood horror flick. This Hindi-language horror-comedy film, released on 11th March 2021, breaks conventions by blending spine-chilling moments with laugh-out-loud comedy. Directed by the talented Hardik Mehta and produced by Dinesh Vijan under the acclaimed Maddock Films banner, the movie brings together an exceptional cast including Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor, and Varun Sharma in lead roles.

What makes Roohi truly unique is its clever mix of genres. At its core, it’s a story about a young woman named Roohi who becomes possessed by a mischievous ghost named Afza. But unlike traditional horror films, Roohi uses this supernatural premise to explore deeper themes of identity, love, and female empowerment. The film serves as a spiritual successor to Maddock Films’ 2018 hit Stree, continuing their innovative “horror-comedy universe” that’s taking Bollywood by storm.

While the movie received mixed reviews upon release, it has since gained a cult following for its bold narrative choices and standout performances. Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal of dual personalities – the timid Roohi and the fierce Afza – showcases her growing range as an actress. Meanwhile, Rajkummar Rao and Varun Sharma deliver pitch-perfect comedic performances that balance out the film’s darker elements.

Roohi stands out for its willingness to take risks. It’s not just a ghost story or a romantic comedy, but a thoughtful exploration of modern womanhood wrapped in an entertaining package. The film’s unexpected ending, where Roohi chooses to marry herself rather than either of her suitors, makes a powerful statement about self-love and independence that resonates long after the credits roll.

🎥 Background of Roohi movie

📜 Inspired by Rich Indian Folklore

The roots of Roohi dig deep into India’s treasure trove of supernatural folklore. Screenwriters Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and Gautam Mehra drew inspiration from centuries-old tales of chudails (female ghosts) and bhoot pret (spirits) that have been part of rural Indian storytelling traditions. Specifically, the character of Afza embodies the concept of the ghost bride – a common figure in North Indian folklore representing women who died before marriage or were forced into unwanted unions.

These legends often served as cautionary tales, warning against social evils like forced marriage and gender discrimination. The filmmakers cleverly repurposed these myths to create a narrative that’s both entertaining and socially relevant. Afza isn’t just a scary ghost – she’s a manifestation of repressed female desire and anger, giving the horror elements deeper psychological meaning.

Research for the film involved traveling to remote villages in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, where the team collected firsthand accounts of supernatural encounters. This authenticity shines through in the film’s setting and characterizations, grounding the fantastical elements in real cultural beliefs.

🎞️ The Production Journey of roohi movie : From Concept to Screen

The road to bringing Roohi to theaters was anything but smooth. Initially titled Roohi Afzana, the project underwent several transformations before settling on its final name. Producer Dinesh Vijan explained in interviews that the simpler Roohi was chosen to make the title more memorable and to highlight the central character’s journey.

Filming began in late 2019, with extensive location shoots in Agra’s abandoned havelis and the dense forests of Madhya Pradesh. The production design team worked meticulously to create spaces that felt authentically haunted, using minimal CGI to maintain a raw, unsettling atmosphere. Director Hardik Mehta insisted on practical effects wherever possible, believing that real locations and props would help the actors deliver more convincing performances.

The COVID-19 pandemic threw a major wrench in the release plans. Originally slated for a 2020 summer release, Roohi became one of many films caught in the industry-wide shutdown. When theaters finally reopened with limited capacity in 2021, Maddock Films took the bold decision to proceed with a theatrical release rather than going straight to streaming – a move that paid off as audiences hungry for new content flocked to cinemas.

✍️ Writing with Purpose: More Than Just Scares and Laughs

The screenplay by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and Gautam Mehra works on multiple levels. On the surface, it’s an entertaining genre mashup, but dig deeper and you’ll find thoughtful commentary on gender dynamics, small-town mentality, and the power of self-acceptance.

The writers conducted workshops with the cast to develop the unique speech patterns and mannerisms of their characters. Rajkummar Rao’s Bhawra, for instance, speaks in a distinctive rural Uttar Pradesh dialect that became one of the character’s most endearing traits. Similarly, Janhvi Kapoor worked closely with the writers to differentiate Roohi and Afza’s speech patterns – Roohi’s lines are soft and hesitant, while Afza’s dialogue is bold and dripping with sarcasm.

What makes the script truly special is how it subverts expectations. Just when you think it’s going to follow a typical Bollywood romance formula, it takes a sharp turn into feminist territory. The much-discussed ending where Roohi chooses herself over either man was reportedly debated intensely in the writers’ room, but ultimately kept for its powerful message about female agency.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Cast and Characters of roohi movie : Bringing the Story to Life

🧔 Rajkummar Rao as Bhawra Pandey: The Lovable Antihero

Rajkummar Rao delivers yet another masterclass in character acting as Bhawra Pandey, a small-time criminal with a heart of gold. Bhawra works as a bridal kidnapper for local gangsters, but Rao infuses the character with such warmth and vulnerability that you can’t help but root for him. His comic timing is impeccable, whether he’s nervously trying to impress Roohi or bickering with his best friend Kattanni.

What makes Bhawra special is his emotional complexity. Unlike typical Bollywood heroes, he’s deeply flawed – a petty criminal who stumbles into love. Rao brings subtle nuances to the role, like the way Bhawra’s voice cracks when he’s scared or how his eyes light up when Roohi shows him kindness. The actor reportedly spent time in rural Uttar Pradesh to perfect the local dialect and mannerisms, creating a character that feels authentically rooted in small-town India.

Bhawra’s journey from a hapless kidnapper to someone willing to risk everything for love forms the emotional core of the film. Rao makes this transformation believable, showing us glimpses of the decent man beneath the criminal exterior. His chemistry with both Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Sharma is electric, making their trio one of the most memorable in recent Bollywood comedies.

👱‍♀️ Janhvi Kapoor as Roohi/Afza: A Star-Making Dual Performance

Janhvi Kapoor faced her biggest acting challenge yet with the dual role of Roohi and Afza, and she rose to the occasion spectacularly. As Roohi, she embodies innocence and vulnerability – her wide eyes and hesitant body language perfectly capturing a young woman trapped in terrifying circumstances. But as Afza, she transforms completely, adopting a deeper voice, more aggressive physicality, and a wicked gleam in her eye.

The physical transformation between the two personalities is remarkable. Kapoor worked with movement coaches to develop distinct walking styles – Roohi takes small, hesitant steps while Afza strides confidently. Her vocal work is equally impressive, modulating her pitch and rhythm to create two completely different voices. The film’s makeup team deserves credit too, using subtle changes in eye makeup and hairstyling to signal which personality is in control.

Perhaps most impressively, Kapoor finds the humanity in both characters. Even as the supposedly villainous Afza, she reveals layers of pain and longing that make the ghost more than just a scary monster. Her climactic scene where both personalities finally reconcile is performed with remarkable emotional depth, showcasing Kapoor’s growth as a dramatic actress.

😄 Varun Sharma as Kattanni Qureshi: The Scene-Stealing Comic Relief

Varun Sharma, best known for his breakout role in Fukrey, delivers his funniest performance yet as Kattanni Qureshi. Bhawra’s loyal but dim-witted partner in crime, Kattanni provides most of the film’s biggest laughs with his hilarious reactions and perfectly timed one-liners. What could have been a simple comic sidekick role becomes something much richer in Sharma’s hands.

The genius of Sharma’s performance lies in how he makes Kattanni’s attraction to Afza strangely sweet rather than ridiculous. His childlike enthusiasm (“Bhootni bhi pyaar kar sakti hai kya?”) and genuine affection for the ghost create some of the film’s most unexpectedly touching moments. The actor’s physical comedy is top-notch too, whether he’s running scared from Afza or trying (and failing) to act tough.

Sharma and Rao’s off-screen friendship translates into wonderful on-screen chemistry. Their buddy-cop dynamic, complete with constant bickering but underlying loyalty, provides the film’s emotional backbone. Some of their best moments were reportedly improvised, showcasing the actors’ natural comedic instincts.

🎭 Supporting Cast of roohi movie : Small Roles, Big Impact

While the leads shine, Roohi benefits immensely from its strong supporting cast:

Manav Vij brings intimidating presence as Guniya Shakeel, the local crime boss whose bridal kidnapping operation sets the plot in motion. His menacing glare and hulking physicality make him a perfect foil for our hapless heroes.

Veteran actress Sarita Joshi nearly steals the show as the wise old woman who understands Afza’s true nature. Her scenes explaining ghost lore provide important exposition while adding to the film’s authentic small-town atmosphere.

Alexx O’Nell appears as a foreign journalist documenting supernatural phenomena in India. His character serves as both comic relief (with his exaggerated reactions to the haunting) and as a device to explain the folklore to urban audiences.

Each supporting actor helps build the film’s unique world, where the supernatural feels like a natural part of everyday life. The ensemble’s commitment to their roles, no matter how small, elevates the entire production.

Would you like me to proceed with expanding the remaining sections (Plot Summary, Themes, Cinematography, etc.) in similar detail? I can maintain this level of depth and analysis throughout the entire 10,000-word piece.

🧛‍♀️ Plot Summary of roohi movie : A Ghostly Love Triangle Like No Other

🌑 The Setup: When Kidnapping Goes Supernaturally Wrong

The roohi movie opens in the dusty lanes of a small Uttar Pradesh town, where we meet our unlikely protagonists – Bhawra Pandey (Rajkummar Rao) and Kattanni Qureshi (Varun Sharma). These small-time criminals have carved out a niche for themselves in the local underworld by specializing in a very particular crime: bridal kidnapping. Working for the feared gangster Guniya Shakeel (Manav Vij), their job is to abduct young women for forced marriages to wealthy but undesirable grooms.

Their latest assignment seems routine – kidnap Roohi (Janhvi Kapoor), a quiet, beautiful girl from a neighboring village. The duo successfully executes the kidnapping, bringing Roohi to an abandoned haveli where they plan to keep her until the wedding. However, their confident swagger quickly turns to panicked confusion when Roohi begins exhibiting bizarre behavior. One moment she’s a trembling, soft-spoken victim, the next she’s speaking in a deep, menacing voice and displaying supernatural strength.

The truth soon becomes terrifyingly clear – Roohi is possessed by Afza, the spirit of a woman who died under tragic circumstances before her wedding. Afza isn’t your typical Bollywood ghost content with just scaring people; she has very specific demands. The ghost bride wants what she was denied in life – a proper wedding and a husband who truly loves her. This sets up the film’s central conflict: two hapless kidnappers now find themselves as potential grooms for a ghost who could kill them as easily as kiss them.

💘 The Love Triangle Twist: Human vs. Ghostly Attractions

What follows is one of the most unconventional love triangles in recent cinema history. Bhawra finds himself genuinely falling for the sweet, vulnerable Roohi, seeing in her the possibility of redemption from his criminal life. In a hilarious twist, Kattanni becomes smitten with Afza, drawn to her bold, take-charge personality that contrasts sharply with his own goofy nature.

The film mines this setup for both comedy and pathos. One particularly memorable scene shows the two friends arguing over who has the better claim to Roohi’s affections, with Bhawra insisting he should marry the human Roohi while Kattanni can “have” Afza – completely ignoring the fact that they’re talking about two personalities sharing one body. Their attempts to “share” Roohi lead to increasingly absurd situations, like trying to divide time with her or seeking magical solutions to separate the human and ghost.

As their feelings deepen, both men are forced to confront their own shortcomings. Bhawra must decide whether he’s truly changed enough to deserve Roohi, while Kattanni faces the reality that loving a ghost might be more complicated than he imagined. The script cleverly uses this supernatural premise to explore very human questions about love, sacrifice, and personal growth.

💍 The Feminist Finale: A Wedding Unlike Any Other

The film’s climax subverts all expectations in the most delightful way. After numerous attempts to exorcise Afza fail, and with both Bhawra and Kattanni vying for her hand, Roohi makes a stunning declaration: she will marry herself. This powerful moment sees Roohi fully embracing both sides of her identity – the gentle human and the fierce spirit – recognizing that she doesn’t need a man to complete her.

The “wedding” sequence is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Roohi performs the ritual with herself, symbolically uniting her dual natures. The cinematography here is particularly striking, using mirrors and clever framing to show both personalities interacting. It’s a bold rejection of traditional Bollywood endings where the heroine must choose between suitors, instead affirming the radical idea that a woman can be complete on her own.

This finale ties together the film’s various themes beautifully. Roohi’s self-marriage represents not just independence from men, but full acceptance of all aspects of herself – including those society might deem frightening or unacceptable. It’s a powerful metaphor for modern female empowerment that lingers long after the film ends.

🎭 Themes and Symbolism of roohi movie : More Than Meets the Eye

👰‍♀️ Female Empowerment Through Supernatural Metaphor

At its core, Roohi movie uses the horror-comedy genre to deliver a potent feminist message. Afza isn’t just a random ghost – she represents the repressed anger and desires of women forced into submissive roles. Her violent outbursts mirror the way society often portrays assertive women as “monstrous,” while the sweet, compliant Roohi is seen as ideal.

The film’s genius lies in showing how both these extremes are limiting. True empowerment comes when Roohi integrates both personas, finding strength in Afza’s fierceness while retaining her own kindness. This mirrors real feminist discourse about rejecting binary notions of femininity and embracing all aspects of womanhood.

Several scenes highlight this theme brilliantly. When male characters try to “fix” Roohi by removing Afza, they’re essentially trying to suppress the parts of her they find inconvenient. The climactic self-marriage symbolizes rejecting this patriarchal control and defining oneself on one’s own terms.

👻 Superstition as Social Control

The roohi movie offers sharp commentary on how supernatural beliefs are often used to control women’s behavior. Villagers fear Afza not just because she’s a ghost, but because she represents unleashed female sexuality and power. The various “remedies” characters suggest to contain her – from religious rituals to forced marriage – mirror real-world attempts to police women’s autonomy.

Interestingly, the film doesn’t entirely dismiss the supernatural. Instead, it suggests that these legends persist because they serve social functions. The ghost bride myth, for instance, warns women against straying from traditional roles. By having Roohi ultimately embrace her ghostly side, the film subverts this control mechanism.

😂 The Comedy of Gender Role Reversal

Much of the film’s humor stems from inverting traditional gender dynamics. Kattanni’s infatuation with Afza is funny precisely because she’s the dominant one in their would-be relationship – a reversal of expected romantic tropes. Similarly, Bhawra’s attempts to “rescue” Roohi keep backfiring because she doesn’t need or want his help in the conventional damsel-in-distress way.

These comic moments subtly reinforce the film’s progressive messaging. By laughing at the men’s confusion when faced with female agency, the audience is led to question why such scenarios seem absurd in the first place. The humor never feels preachy, but it consistently undermines patriarchal assumptions.

🎥 Cinematography and Visual Storytelling of roohi movie

🌗 Lighting: Contrasting Two Worlds

Cinematographer Amalendu Chaudhary uses lighting masterfully to differentiate Roohi and Afza’s personas. Scenes with Roohi are bathed in soft, golden light that creates a romantic, dreamy quality. When Afza takes over, the palette shifts to harsh blues and greens, with stark shadows that emphasize her otherworldly nature.

The abandoned haveli where much of the action takes place becomes a character in itself. Chaudhary’s camera lingers on crumbling arches and peeling paint, using the architecture to frame characters in ways that suggest entrapment or liberation depending on the scene. Wide shots emphasize the characters’ smallness against the imposing structure, while tight close-ups during emotional moments create intimacy.

🌀 Visual Effects: Ghostly Transformations Done Right

The film relies on practical effects and clever camera tricks for Afza’s supernatural displays rather than overusing CGI. This gives the ghostly elements a tangible, unsettling quality. Simple techniques – like having Janhvi Kapoor’s eyes appear black in certain lights, or using reverse footage for objects moving unnaturally – prove remarkably effective.

The transformation sequences between Roohi and Afza are particularly well-executed. Rather than dramatic morphing effects, the changes are subtle but unmistakable – a shift in posture, a hardening of facial expressions, all achieved through Kapoor’s performance and minimal digital enhancement. This restraint makes the possession feel more real and therefore more frightening.

🎨 Color Symbolism: From Tradition to Rebellion

The production design uses color to track Roohi’s journey. Early scenes feature traditional reds and golds associated with Indian bridal culture. As Roohi embraces Afza’s spirit, these warm hues give way to cooler purples and silvers that represent her breaking from convention.

Costume designer Sheetal Sharma makes clever use of clothing to reflect the dual nature. Roohi’s simple salwar kameez gradually incorporates elements of Afza’s more flamboyant style, visually representing the merging of personalities. The climactic wedding outfit brilliantly combines elements of bridal red with ghostly silver embroidery, creating a look that’s both traditional and revolutionary.

🎵 Music and Sound Design of roohi movie

🎶 Soundtrack: From Folk to Electronica

Composers Sachin-Jigar create a musical landscape that blends traditional Indian folk with contemporary electronic elements, mirroring the film’s mix of rural folklore and modern themes. The standout track “Nadiyon Paar” became a chart-topper, its peppy beats belying the eerie context in which it appears in the film.

“Panghat” serves as Afza’s unofficial theme, with its haunting female vocals and pulsating rhythm. The love ballad “Kiston” provides emotional respite, its gentle melody underscoring Bhawra’s growing affection for Roohi. Interestingly, the soundtrack avoids typical horror movie stings, instead using discordant versions of romantic melodies to unsettle the audience.

🔊 Sound Design: Atmospheric Dread

The sound team creates an immersive aural environment that enhances both the comedy and horror elements. Small-town sounds – chirping crickets, distant temple bells, the rustle of trees – ground the supernatural events in reality. Afza’s presence is often signaled through subtle audio cues before she appears: a faint whisper, the rustle of a non-existent breeze.

For the possession sequences, the sound designers used an innovative technique of blending Janhvi Kapoor’s voice with animalistic growls and traditional folk instruments played backwards. This creates an uncanny effect that’s disturbing without being cartoonish. The careful soundscape makes the jumps scares more effective and the quiet moments more poignant.

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