1920

Vikram Bhatt's 2008 Indian film is a story of exorcism set in the colonial period. Arjun marries Lisa against the objections of his family and his religion, and the two move to a remote area for the job of pulling down and rebuilding a mansion. There is something in the house and she quickly falls under its influence. The film builds its horror from conventions borrowed from Western examples: the changed voice, the movements of the body, the calling of a clergyman. But the story sets these in an Indian context, and that Arjun has abandoned his faith and must return to it to save his wife is its central idea. The production played a part in reviving horror in Indian cinema and led to sequels. The effects are limited and the atmosphere is built from location and music. Who it's for: viewers who like Indian horror and exorcism stories. Who it's not for: anyone expecting an original horror plot; the film follows familiar patterns.