Roohi is a 2021 Indian horror comedy film directed by Hardik Mehta and produced by Dinesh Vijan. The film stars Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor, and Varun Sharma in lead roles. The story revolves around a village where a ghost haunts a young couple and their friend, who try to save the couple's daughter from the ghost. The film received mixed reviews upon its release and was a moderate box office success.
Roohi was shot in the town of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, with the filmmakers stating that they chose the location due to its "historical significance and eerie beauty." The film's lead actors, Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor, underwent rigorous training in order to prepare for their roles, with Rao stating that he had to "learn a lot about the body language and mannerisms of a possessed person."
The film's music, composed by Sachin-Jigar, received positive reviews and was a commercial success. The song "Panghat" became particularly popular and topped the charts upon its release.
Roohi received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. While some praised the film's performances and horror elements, others criticized it for its predictable plot and lack of originality. Despite this, the film was a moderate box office success and garnered a cult following among horror film fans.
Overall, Roohi is a horror comedy film that aims to entertain audiences with its mix of scares and laughs. While it may not be a groundbreaking film, it does offer an enjoyable experience for those looking for a light-hearted horror film.
Roohi was released in theaters and on streaming platforms on March 11, 2021. It was one of the first major Bollywood releases to hit theaters after the COVID-19 pandemic caused a widespread shutdown of cinemas.
The film was directed by Hardik Mehta, who is known for his work on the critically acclaimed film Kaamyaab (2020). Roohi marked Mehta's directorial debut in the horror genre.
The film's cast also includes talented actors such as Pankaj Tripathi, Alexx O'Nell, and Ronit Roy in supporting roles.
Roohi was produced by Dinesh Vijan's production company Maddock Films, which has produced several successful films in the past, including Stree (2018) and Luka Chuppi (2019).
In addition to its horror elements, Roohi also explores themes of love, friendship, and family. The film's lead characters, played by Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor, have a strong bond and work together to overcome the challenges they face.
Roohi was released on a limited number of screens due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but still managed to perform well at the box office. The film earned over ₹50 crore (approximately $6.7 million) in its first week of release, making it a moderate success.
The film's lead actors, Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor, received praise for their performances. Rao, in particular, was praised for his ability to portray a wide range of emotions as the possessed character.
Roohi was released in several international markets, including the United Arab Emirates and the United States. It received a mixed response from audiences and critics in these markets, with some praising its unique blend of horror and comedy, while others criticized it for its lack of originality.
The film's success has led to speculation about the possibility of a sequel. However, no official announcement has been made as of yet.
Roohi is part of a growing trend of horror comedies in Bollywood, which have proven to be popular with audiences in recent years. Other successful films in this genre include Stree (2018) and Go Goa Gone (2013).