Gulabo Rani is a spine-tingling Pakistani horror thriller featuring a young cast that does a spectacular job of portraying fear around the age-old tropes of haunted hostels and estranged spirits. The film is directed by Usman Mukhtar, who does a tremendous job of creating a sense of eeriness that is crucial for the film.
Gulabo Rani Plot
The plot revolves around a young boy named Usama Javed Akhtar, who joins a university hostel and is placed in a room in the historically haunted part of the university.
From the very beginning, the director draws the audience into the story by establishing the atmosphere of the hostel. The creaking floorboards, the shadows that seem to move on their own, and the feeling of isolation and dread that permeates every scene all contribute to a sense of unease that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The characters are well-developed, and the actors all do an excellent job in portraying the fear and anxiety that their characters are experiencing. Usama Javaid Haider, who plays the lead role, is particularly impressive in his portrayal of a young man who is struggling to cope with the paranormal events that are happening around him.
Khushhal Khan, who plays the university bully, is also excellent in his role, bringing depth and complexity to a character that could easily have been one-dimensional.
The character of the university bully is presented as someone who has experienced a traumatic event in his childhood, which has influenced his behavior and treatment of others. This theme is particularly poignant in the context of the horror genre, as it highlights the idea that the real monsters in our lives are often the ones, we create ourselves.
Directorial Brilliance in Gulabo Rani
The director is successful in integrating traditional horror-film tropes of “churails” and “badroohs” to presenting human emotions. The film also touches on the idea of bullying and how it can have a lasting impact on a person’s life.
One of the strengths of the film is the way in which the director is able to make the audience care about the characters. As Stephen King famously said, “Horror movies work better when we have a stake in the game. The more we care about the characters, the more human they are to us.”
Usman Mukhtar, the director, successfully makes us care about the characters in Gulabo Rani. We feel Usama’s fear and anxiety, and we understand the trauma that the university bully has experienced. This makes the horror elements of the film much more effective, as we are invested in the outcome and want to see the characters survive.
Questioning Fear and Past Experiences
The film does an excellent job in questioning fear and how our past experiences influence how we tackle fear and challenges that come our way. The characters present different versions of the story, adding to the sense of mystery and intrigue that permeates the film. The confrontations with the spirit herself are intense and well-executed, and the climax is satisfying and cathartic.
Overall, the themes of fear, trauma, bullying, and isolation are all expertly woven into the fabric of Gulabo Rani, elevating it beyond a traditional horror film and making it a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.
Expert Lighting and Acoustics
The sound design is top-notch, with eerie whispers and creaking floorboards contributing to the overall atmosphere of the film.
The lighting in Gulabo Rani is a standout feature of the film, and it perfectly captures the eerie atmosphere and suspenseful tone that are crucial elements of the horror-thriller genre. The director, Usman Mukhtar, expertly employs various cinematic tropes to create a visual language that heightens the tension and fear in the film.
For instance, the low-key shadows not only contribute to the film’s unsettling atmosphere but also add to the mystery of the haunted hostel. The strategic use of chiaroscuro lighting, which is the contrast between light and shadow, also serves to highlight the ghostly apparitions that appear throughout the film.
Moreover, the use of color is also noteworthy in Gulabo Rani, with muted tones and desaturated hues used to evoke a sense of foreboding and dread. The cool blue and green hues that dominate the color palette create a sense of detachment and otherworldliness, underscoring the supernatural elements of the film.
Our Verdict
Some snappy edits may be off-putting to some viewers, few of the cuts and edits don’t really make sense as a viewer, but you’re willing to ignore little sloppy errors when the director and his crew has done a splendid job in suspending disbelief.
In conclusion, Gulabo Rani is a must-watch if you want to learn how horror is done. The performances are excellent, and the direction is top-notch, creating a sense of dread and suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The short-film has already won 7 awards and is well on its way to global recognition. Whether you are a horror aficionado or just looking for a thrilling ride, Gulabo Rani is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates well-crafted storytelling and exceptional film making.
