Ek Thi Daayan: To watch or not to watch?

If you are completely new to the supernatural film genre, you might end up giving a thumbs up to Ek Thi Daayan. But for those, who can easily differentiate between supernatural flicks which are just passable and those that are unbearably scary, this Bollywood project could be a strict No!

Agreed, it has no hushed vampires, animated slaughters and gore, but the film, which stars Emraan Hashmi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kalki Koechlin, Huma Qureshi, Pavan Malhotra, still manages to create a spooky experience. An experience memorable enough for those who have no high expecations from the film, we think.

Why to watch...
The Hook: The movie offers what is expected from it – suspense – right in the beginning. Yes, you step right into an enigmatic scene.

The film opens with a scary sequence with Bobo’s (Emraan Hashmi) magic trick going wrong.  Yes, despite several rehearsals, practice sessions, we assume, Bobo commits a mistake which proves detrimental to a colleague’s safety. As the film proceeds, we realise, how encountering a daayan (who killed his sister) in his childhood leaves an indelible impact on his mind, destroying his personal and professional life.

Heart goes out for Bobo: Emraan aka Bobo maybe the hero, but that doesn’t mean he is flawless. His life is not only fraught with fears, but his inability to come out of the tentacles of a disturbing childhood, puts his professional and personal life in jeopardy. As he battles the formidable fears in life, viewers want him to succeed. It is his determination to avenge the murder of his father and sister that makes him human.

Like a typical supernatural /horror film, Ek Thi Daayan manages to create the impression that the hero has fears, which makes him as vulnerable as us.

As the viewers begin to relate to Bobo, the film manages to earn their appreciation.
   

Konkona Sen outshines other actors: Since her father Mukul Sharma has penned the original story, it could be one of the reasons why the actor succeeds in creating a spooky atmosphere, almost effortlessly. Konkona, who is popular for approaching acting internally, expresses her thoughts through her eyes. All in all, nothing can beat Konkona’s impressive act.
  

Why not to watch...

Foreplay: Agreed, the film manages to tease the viewers and make them sit on the edge of their seats in the first half, but we have to admit that in the second half, when Bobo’a fear of the Daayan’s return in his life resurfaces, the film gets a little predictable.

Songs are impressive, but are they required?:  While the music of the film is very impressive, you wonder if ‘Tottey Ud Gaye’ and a romantic number between Bobo and his wife is really required. So while you are shocked and awed by the performances of Konkona Sen and Vishesh Tiwari, inclusion of these songs look a little unconvincing.