By: Smitha Nambiar

Monday, October 25, 2004

Director: Sourabh Usha Narang
Cast: Sushmita Sen, Chakravarthy, Ahsaas Chana
Producer: K Sera Sera, Ram Gopal Verma

Directed by Sourabh Usha Narang, Vaastu Shastra was speculated to be scarier than Ram Gopal Verma's Bhoot.

The story revolves around the life of a happily married couple. Everything goes off well until one day, the family moves in to a huge palatial bungalow called 'Shanti Kutir' in Pune. Virag (Chakravarthy) who is a writer by profession is happy, as the place is the best location for his writing assignments. His wife, Jhilmil played by Sushmita Sen (a general physician) is a general physician in a reputed hospital in Pune. Little Rohan (Ahsaas Chana) too finds the place ideal for enjoying his summer vacations. Rohan, with the innocence and curiosity of a four-year-old begin to explore the place and comes across mysterious happenings inside the house. His parents don't believe the boy initially. However, one day something drastic happens and Jhilmil and Virag are forced to approach the police.

The family is shattered by three bizarre deaths - first, the maid is murdered after which Radhika and her boyfriend Murali (Purab Kohli) are slaughtered. Police thinks that it is perhaps the act of some psychopath. Jhilmil and Virag realise that they would now have to deal with the 'unknown' all by themselves. What happens next? Will Jhilmil and Virag be able to solve the mystery that surrounds the house? What will happen to Rohan? This forms the climax of the film.

 The strength of Vaastu Shastra does not lie in its story, but in its presentation. Like in Bhoot, this film scares you with its 'eerie silence'. The film sure does boast of excellent cinematography and sound effects and borrows its plot in bits and pieces from Hollywood flicks Sixth Sense and Pet Cemetry. The title bears no significance except for a small mention at the beginning.

Sushmita Sen as usual has given a brilliant perfomance of a protective mother. Chakravarthy has done a commendable job too. However, it is Master Ahsaas Channa who stands out. His expressive face speaks volumes without him having to speak much.

Overall, Vaastu Shastra is spooky because of its unexpected twists that take you on a ghostly trip and leave you with a cold and creepy feeling by the time you walk out of the theatre.

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