Phone Bhoot Movie Review

Release Date : November 04, 2022

Instasity.com Rating : 2.5/5

Starring: Katrina Kaif, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Ishaan Khatter, Jackie Shroff, Sheeba Chadha

Director: Gurmmeet Singh

Producers: Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar

Music Director : Tanishk Bagchi

Cinematography : K. U. Mohanan

Editor : Manan Ashwin Mehta

Katrina Kaif, Ishaan & Siddhant's Horror Comedy Hangs Up Despite Some Silly Fun

"Asli hero idhaar khada hain... since 1983," Jackie Shroff's wicked tantric Atmaram proclaims, reenacting his classic flute sequence from his first film Hero. No surprise that the crowd reserved their greatest applause for this sequence, which was a modest homage to the senior actor, who will be celebrating four decades in the film profession next year.

While Phone Bhoot has some odd writing and funny quips, the horror comedy suffers from a few missed calls when the writers overindulge in pranks.

Story :

Best friends Major (Siddhant Chaturvedi), a Punjabi jock, and Gullu (Ishaan Khatter), a Tamilian nerd, are as close as thieves and live, breathe, and eat "horror" movies. Their cave is like out of a Ramsay Brothers picture, complete with a life-size idol of Raaka in one corner. "Tujhe TV se bachakar yaha laaye thhe," one of them chuckles, recalling how they had snatched the ghastly figure off the set of a television show.

After a string of failed business ventures, the couple throws a horror-themed party during which a bizarre accident reveals that they can now converse with ghosts. Ragini (Katrina Kaif) appears, revealing herself to be a "bhootni" on a mission. She proposes to Major and Gullu a business opportunity in which the two lads may make a fortune by channelling their inner "ghostbusters." Ragini, unbeknownst to them, has an ulterior goal that might endanger Major and Gullu's lives.

Meanwhile, a malevolent black-robed tantric named Atmaram (Jackie Shroff) dupes spirits seeking "moksh" only to imprison them in bottles for forever.

Direction :

Gurmmeet Singh and authors Ravi Shankaran and Jasvinder Singh Bath attempt to create a "desi" Ghostbusters with crazy writing that is full of pop culture allusions and unapologetic fun. Phone Bhoot pulls allusions from everything under the sun (sorry, moon) to tickle your funny bone, whether it's kinky horror flicks, viral internet memes, or renowned advertising.

The Katrina Kaif-starrer shouts loudly from the first frame, including the disclaimers, till the finale that it does not take itself seriously at any point. However, the overabundance of jokes in virtually every second of conversation quickly kills part of the enjoyment. Ironically, one of the film's characters remarks, "Consistency hi nahin hain kahani mein." We completely agree with you, dude!

One of Phone Bhoot's major flaws is its chaotic conclusion, which leaves you high and dry.

Performances :

Emerging talents Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ishaan Khatter are a slew of contagious energy who liven up the film when the narrative falls flat. However, the team ends up hamming in a few areas, making you want to scold them, "Subtle karna padega."

Katrina Kaif makes a "bang" static debut as Ragini in Phone Bhoot, dressed in black slinky leather and boots. Here's a "bhootni" who can dance like a bomb and even teach you some life lessons. In her little screen time as Ragini, the actor shines.

As the primary antagonist, Jackie Shroff, along with his "bhidus," goes along with the goofy writing and displays how to murder OG style till the climax drains the "life" out of his amusing performance. Despite certain cliches, Sheeba Cheedha, as the "ulte-pair-wali chudail," goes on a murdering rampage to make you say "haha."

Technical Aspects :

Keeping in mind the film's premise, cinematographer KU Mohanan employs various kitsch elements to give the picture a gothic feel. Manan Ashwin Mehta's editing proves to be a dull knife.

Music :

"Kinna Sona" and "Kaali Teri Gutt" are catchy tracks, featuring Katrina Kaif and the fellas busting some moves. The remaining tunes are decent.

Verdict :

"Humesha youngster ka pulse pakadna chahiye," a character says in Phone Bhoot. While the horror comedy gets most of it right, it also dials a few incorrect numbers. And we're not kidding when we say, "haqeeqat" hain!