Review: “Gaslight” – Sara Ali Khan Shines in an Otherwise Lackluster Mystery Thriller
Starring: Sara Ali Khan, Vikranth Massey, Chitrangadha Singh, Rahul Dev, Akshay Oberoi, Shishir Sharma & Others
Director: Pavan Kirpalani
Producers: Ramesh Taurani, Akshai Puri
Music Director: Gaurav Chatterji
Cinematography: Ragul Herian Dharuman
Editor: Chandan Arora
Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan takes on the lead role in the new film “Gaslight,” which premiered directly on Disney Plus Hotstar. Directed by Pavan Kirpalani of “Ragini MMS” fame, the movie features Vikranth Massey and Chitrangadha Singh in prominent roles. Let’s delve into this mystery horror thriller.
Synopsis:
Meesha (Sara Ali Khan), a wheelchair-bound woman and estranged daughter, returns to her family’s ancestral palace at the behest of her father Raja Ratan Singh (Shataf Figar). Upon arrival, she encounters her stepmother Rukmani (Chitrangadha Singh) and the estate manager Kapil (Vikranth Massey). Strange and supernatural occurrences begin to unfold, leading Meesha to believe that her deceased father is trying to communicate with her. As the mystery deepens, Meesha, Rukmani, and Kapil embark on a journey to unravel the truth behind her father’s disappearance.
Highlights:
The film presents an intriguing premise, and Sara Ali Khan delivers a commendable performance, carrying the weight of the movie with conviction. Vikranth Massey and Chitrangadha Singh also shine in their respective roles, with a surprising twist towards the end that keeps viewers engaged.
Drawbacks:
Despite its potential, “Gaslight” falls short in execution. Predictable twists and a sluggish pace hinder the viewing experience. The lack of suspenseful moments and underdeveloped character arcs, particularly that of Sara Ali Khan’s character, contribute to the film’s overall boredom. Additionally, unnecessary supporting characters add unnecessary length to the narrative.
Technical Review:
While the background score by Gaurav Chatterji and cinematography by Ragul Herian Dharuman are noteworthy, they are overshadowed by the film’s weak script and uninspired direction. Director Pavan Kirpalani fails to capitalize on the intriguing premise, resulting in a lackluster viewing experience.
Verdict:
“Gaslight” offers moments of intrigue and a standout performance by Sara Ali Khan but ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling mystery thriller. Despite its promising elements, the film struggles to maintain audience engagement, making it a disappointing watch overall.