Rakht   Producer: Vijay Mallya (Cine Blitz Productions) and Sunil Sh Director: Mahesh V. Manjrekar Starring: Bipasha Basu, Sanjay Dutt, Sunil Shetty, Dino Morea, Amrita Arora, Neha Dhupia, Yana Gupta, Himanshu Malik, Payal Rohatgi, and Abhishek Bachchan (guest appearance) Music: Shamir Tandon, Anand Raj Anand, Blue, Naresh Sharm Lyrics: Dr. Deepak Sneh, Salim Bijnauri, Ajay Jhingran, Sa Genre: Horror Recommended Audience: Parental Guidance Film Released on: 03 September 2004 Reviewed by: Shruti Bhasin  - Rating: 6.5 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review Music Review

A few years back, I watched a movie called THE GIFT, which had its share of freaky moments, but as I watched Rakht, I felt more chills, despite predicting the ending. But that’s okay, because this film was entertaining, but also holds its share of flaws.

Our story begins with Drishti (Bipasha Basu), a young widow, who reads tarot cards to make a living. She also has a young son. She hangs around with her best friend, Tanya, and also her mechanic, crazy friend, Mohit (Suniel Shetty).

She has an admirer in her son’s school principal, Rahul (Sanjay Dutt), but he is already engaged to the flirtatious Natasha (Amrita Arora).

Finally, Drishti has to deal with her customer Rhea’s (Neha Dhupia) psychotic and violent husband, Sunny (Dino Morea).

Confused yet? Well, this is a multi-star cast, but there was only need for them to create a mystery around. You see, Natasha is the mayor’s (Sharat Saxena) daughter and she has a wandering eye. She is seen by Drishti in a comfy position with lawyer Abhi (Himanshu Malik). Drishti ignores what she sees despite her attraction to Rahul.

Then, Natasha disappears and the hunt is on to see the killer revealed. Is Natasha alive? If not, who killed her? The police and Rahul go to Drishti for revelations but whatever she sees will only cause her trouble. The rest of the film is a wild goose hunt. Sunny is arrested but Drishti is convinced its not him.

Now to tear this movie apart, well I have to admit, I was freaked out. I am a sucker for horror flicks, but this one was very chilling in parts. It had blood, suspense, mystery, and entertainment, but the first half is very slow compared to the finale.

Bipasha Basu impresses in a different look and role. She plays her role conservatively. Sanjay Dutt looked old, but was still okay. Sunil Shetty and Neha Dhupia are wasted. Amrita Arora as a hoochie is convincing. Dino Morea in a new avatar is a revelation.

Now for the item numbers. Abhishek’s role is limited. Yana Gupta’s “Oh what a babe!” is overrated.

Direction by Mahesh Manjrekar leaves a lot to be desired, because the movie seems rushed together and not as polished as his other films.

Overall, the film should be watched if you like freaky films.