Reference Auto

Response: Haunted 3D was released in two other languages other than Hindi, in Tamil and Telugu, and in 3D cinema halls, the response has been encouraging with occupancy at nearly 70 per cent. But in 2D, the numbers have been a dampener with an average 30 per cent occupancy. The morning shows were even dismal with the figure standing at 15 per cent.

The average occupancy could pick up this week and the weekend ahead, which would be crucial to the earnings of Haunted 3D. Earnings during the previous weekend haven’t come in but it could be in the range of Rs 4-6 crore, which would be abysmal.

Film type: Horror

Cast: Mahaakshay Chakraborty, Tia Bajpai, Achint Kaur, Arif Zakaria, Mohan Kapoor and Sanjay Sharma

Director: Vikram Bhatt

Time of movie: 2 hours 25 minutes

Story: In Haunted 3D, Glen Manor is a gigantic mansion nestled in the lonely mountains of Dalhousie. Its no ordinary house and has a secret past that reverberates into the present.

The story is about Rohan (Mahakshay Chakraborty), a real estate agent’s son, who has brought the property, wanting to sell it off and make a huge profit.

While planning to sell, he realises that he is set to lose lakhs as the house is in the control of a spirit. And when he probes the uncanny incidents, he meets a girl and falls in love with her.

This discovery brings him face to face with the biggest challenge of his life, how to save the girl Meera (Tia Bajpai) who is already dead. He discovers that the only solution to this problem is to feel the emotions of Meera’s spirit and he goes back into the past in order to save her.

But can he really save Meera from her piano teacher (Arif Zakaria), the evil spirit? Can Rehan rework the story, while going back into the past and restore Meera’s life?

Review: In 3D, the effects are thrilling and it’s worth watching. In 2D, the effect does get mellowed down. Vikram Bhatt is arguably the best horror director today but his move of bringing in new faces in the lead role completely finds itself out of sync with the public. Rather than the lead actor, it’s Achint Kaur and Arif Zakaria who end up thrilling you.

Yes, Haunted 3D can send a chill or two down your spine. New technology has blended well with the ancient beliefs of Indians and the special effects are thrilling. Even though there are times when you’ll fall off your seat (that is, if you’re watching it in 3D), overall it’s just about an average film.

Rating: 3/5 (3D); 2.5/5 (2D)