Phoonk 2

Rating:**

The sequel to ‘Phoonk’ is not directed by Ram Gopal Varma,but the blueprint is definitely his. So is the plot,taking off from where the first ‘Phoonk’ left off,involving a back-from-the-grave evil spirit,rearing for vengeance.

RGV’s 2008 original was more unwitting comedy than horror. ‘Phoonk 2’,we are happy to report,is not set up for laughs. What it does have,in abundance,is blood. It seeps down body parts,and pools on the floor every so often. So,yes,’Phoonk 2’ works as a creep-out,gross-out horror flick,especially in the second half,when the gloves come off,and the ‘bhoot’ races about a deserted bungalow,impaling and dismembering.

The first film ended with the death of the woman ( Kalsekar in raccoon eyes and a permanently snarling mouth) who had a cast a black magic spell ( yes,yes,all the superstitious shtick is back,so are the black-robed ‘taantriks’) on the young daughter of the family. ‘Phoonk 2’ starts with the family moving into a sprawling new house,but unable to cast off old ties. The father ( Sudeep ) tries to keep his wits about him as things go from bad to worse : daughter ( Chanana) becomes enamoured of a hideous doll she finds in the forest that surrounds the house,and wife ( Khanvilkar) starts hearing noises and looking hunted.

It would have been more of a shocker if the director had dumped the standard RGV horror shots ( characters stumbling through thick forests,terrified house help that you know will come to no good,dubious handymen,and orchestral soundtrack),because you end up drumming your fingers when this stuff is going on. Still,’Phoonk 2’ manages to startle and scare in a few places,even if a few scenes look filched from a couple of Japanese horror films,once in a while. Can’t ask for more,not from RGV’s brand of horror.

Just make sure to keep the kids away from this one.

shubhra.gupta@expressindia.com