JOIN US'Roohi' movie review: Rajkummar Rao-starrer is a big disappointment
Director: Hardik Mehta
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Sharma and Alexx O'Nell
Rating: 2/5
Actor Rajkummar Rao's latest movie Roohi, which hit the screens on Thursday, is a mediocre attempt at storytelling that fails to deliver the goods. The film revolves around the journey of two good-for-nothing guys who kidnap a young woman on the orders of their boss. The basic storyline is quite predictable and does not offer anything new or fresh to the viewer. Its impact is diluted by the lacklustre execution.
The screenplay is quite convoluted, which makes it difficult for the viewer to relate to the reel tomfoolery. It also tends to 'tell' rather than 'show' which is one of the cardinal sins of storytelling. The pace is a bit inconsistent, another big issue. To give credit where it is due, the pre-interval block hits the right notes but this virtually counts for nothing as the sequences after the intermission are simply terrible. Roohi practically falls apart in the last 25 odd minutes.
Also read: 'Roohi' box office prediction: Rajkummar Rao-starrer to open on a decent note
Most of the so-called spooky scenes are as pedestrian as anything can be. The twist towards the end too may evoke mixed reactions. The sequences between Rajkummar and Varun Sharma, however, have come out better than expected.
The Aligarh actor is quite impressive and tries to salvage the otherwise hopeless film. His antics when the character is spooked out are quirky and tickle the funnybone. Varun complements Rajkummar reasonably well, upping his game when needed.
Janhvi Kapoor fails to make an impact as she is burdened with a role that is nothing more than a caricature. Roohi is likely to be a step in the wrong direction for the Gunjan Saxena star.
Alexx O'Nell deserved a meatier role.
The supporting cast serves its purpose.
The soundtrack is strictly okay with the Bhootni number being the pick of the lot. The background score makes a limited impact. The editing could have been better as several scenes, especially in the second half, drag. The other technical aspects have been handled with a degree of competence.