“Aisa Lagta Hai Ye Bijli Ek Baar Fir Giregi… Pata Nahi Kis Pe Aur Kahan”, This dialogue from the movie Raaz may get old but the theme and visualization of this movie are still dominating the Bollywood world. No one can deny that in recent times, there are countless movies and series that the audience has access to. Since the pandemic, we saw a swarm of new talent making their way into OTT platforms, creating films that are relatable and kept us captivated.
We may have seen a variety of content across different genres including thrillers, rom-com, action, and drama. Here’s why I believe Bipasha Basu’s Raaz continues to rule my preferred genre – horror.
Even After 20 Years, Raaz Still Remains One of The Best Bollywood Horror Movies Of All Time
Raaz is a Bollywood horror film directed by Vikram Bhatt and released in 2002. The film stars Bipasha Basu, Dino Morea, and Malini Sharma in lead roles. The movie was a commercial success at the box office and is considered one of the milestones in the horror genre of Bollywood.
The movie’s story revolves around a newlywed couple, Sanjana and Aditya, who move to Ooty to start their new life together. However, strange occurrences begin to take place in their new home, and Sanjana starts to feel that her husband is keeping something from her. As the story progresses, secrets are revealed, and the couple finds themselves caught in a web of deception, betrayal, and supernatural elements.
“Raaz” was lauded for its gripping storyline, strong performances, and excellent direction. The film’s music, composed by Nadeem-Shravan, was also well-received by audiences and contributed significantly to the movie’s success.
While the statement that “Raaz” is still the best horror movie ever is a subjective opinion and can vary from person to person, it is undoubtedly one of the most popular and successful horror films in Bollywood’s history. The movie’s success also spawned a successful franchise, with several sequels and spin-offs made over the years.
Here’s why Raaz is still ruling Bollywood’s horror genre, even after 20 years:
1. Unsettling, eerie atmosphere that makes the plot even more intriguing
Sanjana and Aditya are attempting to save their unsuccessful marriage in Ooty. But they have no idea that the romantic location that they thought will bring peace in their lives, will keep them on alert.
2. Bipasha’s introduction as the terror queen
We are thankful that Bollywood identified her as a horror monarch. Bipasha’s cadence in the picture is worth noting. The scenario in which she is gardening and an axe appears out of nowhere, not once, but several times, can certainly send chills up your spine.
3. Professor Ashutosh Rana scarier than Dushman
Ashutosh Rana left us all impressed with his acting skills in Dushan. And, with Raaz he shows how much more he is capable of. The way he acts out in scenes where he feels the spirit and his impending death makes you admire his talent even more.
4. You can’t un-hear Sanjanaaaa
That moniker can be heard throughout the picture. Bipasha’s name is Sanjana, but she can hear the breezes saying it directly into her ear whenever she is alone at home. You may be horrified by the way her hair soars and she turns out.
5. A frightening yet seductive
Not only Bipasha Basu but even the spirit raises the seductive quotient of the movie. Malini Sharma (as Malini Malik, who portrays the malevolent spirit), the daughter of a retired Colonel, is not your typical spectre in a white saree. She’s terrifying, seductive, and sometimes too beautiful to look away.
6. This isn’t your normal spectre in a white saree
Malini wasn’t your normal spectre dressed in a white saree. In reality, the spirit is a sassy character. Director Vikram Bhatt made sure to portray Malini as a beautiful girl with a husky voice who drove her father’s jeep before she became a malevolent ghost. Playing a psychologically disturbed lady who falls in love with Dino Morea, Malini as a character left the audience impressed.
7. Box office success, resulting in additional episodes
Many reboots have come and gone, but the original still remains supreme. The Ooty, wooden home and hill station atmosphere of Bipasha-Dino’s film makes it an ideal location for a horror film.
8. Unlike other scary films, this one has the finest soundtrack
Nadeem Shravan composed the film’s soundtrack, and the tracks were mostly sung by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik, what else do we need from the 1990s and 2000s? Get your headphones to listen to tracks like Aapke Pyaar Mein, Jo Bhi Kasmein Khayi Thi, Main Agar Saamne, and the haunting Yahan Pe Sab Shanti Shanti Hai.
9. The jungle sequences in Bollywood are by far the finest
This is a Bipasha Basu drama with an equally strong supporting ensemble. She may have made her debut with Ajnabee, but Raaz established her as an actor. Bipasha left everyone impressed with her precise timing for scare and excitement.
Isn’t Raaz one of the finest Bollywood movies of all time? What do you think? Tell us in the comments below.