Mahesh Bhatt, K Sera Sera, Vikram Bhatt Productions, Loneranger and Houseful Motion Pictures’ Judaa Hoke Bhi… (A) is a horror film.
Aman (Akshay Oberoi) and Meera’s (Aindrita Ray) marriage is falling apart because of the former’s alcohol addiction. Meera tries her best to keep the marriage going while also taking care of the household expenses. But at one point, she gives up on Aman, and takes up an assignment of ghost-writing the biography of Siddharth Jaywardhan (Meherzan Mazda), a rich businessman in Uttarakhand. Siddharth is no ordinary businessman. He is actually a soul-sucking devil and he soon has Meera under his control. Actually, Siddharth is an old king who had never died.
Meera almost refuses to even acknowledge Aman when he comes to Uttarakhand to rescue his wife from Siddharth’s evil clutches. What happens thereafter?
Mahesh Bhatt has written a story and screenplay which lack novelty. One has seen such dramas dime a dozen in earlier horror films. The twists and turns are interesting at times but contrived at other times. His dialogues are routine.
Akshay Oberoi looks handsome and acts well as Aman. Aindrita Ray is quite effective as Meera. Meherzan Mazda looks nice and performs reasonably well in the role of Siddharth Jaywardhan. Rushad Rana lends decent support. Jia Mustafa and Punit Tejwani are alright. Others pass muster.
Vikram Bhatt’s direction is quite good but one has seen too many such dramas, several made by Vikram Bhatt himself. The impact of the narration on the viewers, therefore, is not half of what it ought to be. Music (Puneet Dixit and Harish Sagane) is melodious. Lyrics (Shweta Bothra and Puneet Dixit) are so-so. Prakash Kutty’s camerawork is of a good standard. Moses Fernandes’ action and stunts are alright. Naushad Memon and Subhajyoti Dutta’s production designing is fair. Kuldip Mehan’s editing could’ve been sharper.
On the whole, Judaa Hoke Bhi… is an ordinary fare but will face rejection at the ticket windows because it has been released with almost nil promotion.
Released on 15-7-’22 at Maratha Mandir (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Aum Exhibitor. Publicity: almost non-existent. Opening: horrifyingly poor. …….Also released all over. Opening was weak almost everywhere.