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Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How Ram Gopal Varma's Kaun? starring Urmila Matondkar Became a Cult Psychological Thriller That Changed Bollywood
Bollywood's psychological thrillers, though niche, are gaining traction, with films like 'Kaun?' setting a precedent for minimalist suspense. The genre's struggle for mainstream acceptance stems from its reliance on subtlety, contrasting Bollywood's typical spectacle. OTT platforms are now fostering a renaissance, offering creative freedom and audience openness for these mind-bending stories, signaling a promising future. Bollywood is best known for its colorful musicals, larger-than-life heroes, and high-octane drama. But beneath this glittering surface lies a small, remarkable niche — psychological thrillers that probe the human mind, build suspense through silence and subtlety, and often unfold in confined, claustrophobic spaces. These films, though critically praised, have rarely become mainstream blockbusters. Take 'Kaun?' (1999), for example. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma and starring Urmila Matondkar and Manoj Bajpayee , it is a masterclass in minimalist suspense — set entirely inside a single house, with no songs, and just three characters. The film's taut narrative and eerie tension earned it cult status, yet such gems remain exceptions rather than the rule in Bollywood. Reflecting on what drew her to the role, Urmila Matondkar shared, 'I think as an actor, I have always looked for challenges—bigger and greater than the ones I've faced previously. So, having had a huge hit with Rangeela and carrying the image of a glamour star, I was definitely looking to explore different avenues and try something new. And I think nothing challenges an actor more than a psychological thriller... Everything is literally in the actor's head—you're trying to bring that alive for the audience. ' She added, 'The beauty of 'Kaun?', which is also one of its biggest challenges that people often don't realize, is that I'm alone in the house. There are no lines, no dialogues to show what she's thinking or feeling. It all had to be conveyed through body language, expressions, and the overall energy—just by myself... It was both terrifying and incredibly exciting as an actor. That's what drew me in.' So why has Bollywood struggled to embrace psychological thrillers fully? And is the tide finally turning, thanks to the OTT revolution? 'ETimes' explores the journey of Bollywood's underrated psychological thrillers, their challenges, and their promising future. A Timeline of Bollywood's Psychological Thrillers Psychological thrillers in Bollywood have often come in waves, typically led by visionary directors willing to experiment. Raat (1992): One of Bollywood's earliest blends of horror and psychological suspense, 'Raat was directed by Ram Gopal Varma and starred Revathi. It remains notable for its eerie atmosphere and complex storytelling. Kaun? (1999): A defining psychological thriller made on a modest budget, Kaun? was written by Anurag Kashyap and directed by RGV. With only three characters and no songs or outdoor scenes, it subverted every Bollywood norm. The plot, which begins as a home-invasion scenario, gradually reveals that the supposed victim is, in fact, the true threat. Kashyap explained, "We wanted to create a sense of paranoia not just for the character, but for the audience too. The film had to work purely on atmosphere and suspicion.' Subtle clues — a dead cat, dream sequences, and news of a killer on the loose — only gain meaning after the twist is revealed. The eerie score by Sandeep Chowta and tight 94-minute runtime further amplify the tension. Though underappreciated at the time due to lack of songs and its unconventional form, 'Kaun?' is now regarded as a cult classic that anticipated the minimalism seen in modern digital thrillers. As Matondkar explained, 'In Stephen King 's books, there's often an entire chapter dedicated to describing what a character is going through. Here, I had just one shot. How much more challenging can it get?' She also noted, 'So today, I feel the audiences have seen many more movies and genres like this. And that's why they feel a little more comfortable with this kind of format. And they're ready to explore more. And therefore, it's really beautiful and fabulous to see how much of Gen Z also knows about Kaun? , and they have seen it, and they really are shocked if somebody hasn't seen it—who really likes good movies and, you know, things like that.' Ek Hasina Thi (2004): Directed by Sriram Raghavan and starring Urmila Matondkar and Saif Ali Khan, this film explored revenge and psychological manipulation with a gritty, noir-inspired tone. No Smoking (2007): Anurag Kashyap's allegorical thriller starred John Abraham and boldly mixed surrealism with dark themes of addiction and control. 13B : Fear Has a New Address (2009): This horror-thriller starring R Madhavan combined supernatural elements with psychological tension, marking a crossover between genres. Table No. 21 (2013): Directed by Aditya Datt, this film used the structure of a game to explore guilt and morality, blending thriller elements with social commentary. Phobia (2016): Starring Radhika Apte and directed by Pawan Kripalani, Phobia focused on agoraphobia and trauma, delivering a tightly wound psychological narrative. Andhadhun (2018): Perhaps the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed recent example, Sriram Raghavan's Andhadhun starred Ayushmann Khurrana and Tabu in a black comedy thriller that delighted audiences with its unpredictability. Raat Akeli Hai (2020): Directed by Honey Trehan, this crime thriller starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte layered mystery with psychological complexity, gaining praise on OTT platforms. Why Bollywood Has Shied Away Bollywood's traditional storytelling thrives on spectacle: vibrant songs, melodrama, and clear-cut heroes and villains. Psychological thrillers, on the other hand, depend on silence, ambiguity, and nuance — elements that can feel alien to the typical Bollywood formula. Urmila Matondkar noted, 'I definitely feel the reason this genre hasn't traditionally done well in India is because... movies like 'Kohraa', 'Woh Kaun Thi?', 'Bees Saal Baad'—even though they had thriller elements—still leaned heavily on songs, misty visuals, dark bungalows... I think filmmakers were a little wary of pushing boundaries further and diving into a clean-cut psychological horror or thriller format. ' She continued, 'That's also partly why 'Kaun?' didn't do well when it first released. People just weren't ready for a film like that... It was almost too intimate, too intense for audiences at the time.' This hesitancy extends to the market as well. Bollywood stars often avoid such films due to their risky narratives and lack of glamorous 'hero' arcs. However, actors like Urmila Matondkar, Radhika Apte, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Ayushmann Khurrana have bucked this trend, bringing critical acclaim to their performances in this genre. The OTT Renaissance: A New Home for Mind-Benders The rise of OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar has sparked a new interest in psychological thrillers. These platforms offer creative freedom to filmmakers, unbound by traditional box office pressures and censorship constraints. Shows like Paatal Lok and films like Freddy and Raat Akeli Hai demonstrate the trend of intelligent thrillers, providing fresh and daring narratives that delve deep into the psyche. Still, not all episodic thrillers have delivered consistently. Several 2023 shows like Kohrra, Guns & Gulaabs, Dahaad, and even Manoj Bajpayee's Killer Soup were praised for their potential but criticized for sagging narratives and overlong formats. In contrast, compact thrillers like Kaun? remind us of the power of brevity and tight storytelling — especially when suspense is the core engine. Matondkar remarked, 'Over the years, the rise of OTT platforms and the variety of genres they offer... have really opened people's minds in ways that weren't possible back when Kaun? hit theaters.' She recalled, 'In fact, I remember it being the biggest risk of my career... One of my producers or directors even told me, 'Thank God it didn't do well,' because I played someone who's almost a psychopath... I was completely amused by that comment.' 'But yes, filmmakers' mindsets have changed, and so have audiences'. Thank God for that,' she concluded. 'Whenever any kind of work is appreciated—no matter when it happens—an actor truly looks forward to that and enjoys it deeply.' The Psychological Pull of Thrillers Psychologists point to the unique engagement psychological thrillers provoke in viewers. Ambiguity and silence create a space where viewers' imagination takes over, making the experience intensely personal and unsettling — a quality that Bollywood is only beginning to explore more consistently. Conclusion: The Dawn of a New Era? The appetite for psychological thrillers in India is growing, buoyed by sophisticated audiences and the expansive reach of digital platforms. While Bollywood has only sporadically embraced the genre, the future looks promising. If Kaun? was the spark, today's psychological thrillers could be the flame lighting the way for Bollywood's darker, more thrilling stories to take center stage. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
17-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Ancient traditions unfold at Poinguinim's Gadyaanchi jatra
Canacona: Gadyaanchi Jatra was celebrated recently with thousands of devotees flocking to Mahalwada, Poinguinim. The jatra, held every three years in May, celebrates Lord Betal , a deity of Poinguinim and neighbouring villages. A ritual called 'Jevnni' is performed in the first year. In the second year, a procession called 'Ttakaa' takes place, and in the third year, the Gadyaanchi Jatra is celebrated with religious fervour. It is believed that Betal had conquered 12 talukas in Goa, along with Poinguinim, in the 13th century. The villagers asked him to live in Poinguinim and offered a jatra every three years in return. Since then, the famous Gadyanchi Jatra has been celebrated. The two Taranga, Satri and Pillkucho (peacock feathers), are brought to the place before the jatra. Two exceptionally large tree trunks called Khaamb, around 40-45 feet tall, are put in front of the Betal temple. A huge wooden spindle called Raat with four arms is fixed on the Khaamb. On the day of the jatra, the image of Betal in the temple is decorated traditionally. The decoration of the temple has remained unchanged for years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo Four males dressed in white – a dhoti and turban with a sword in the right hand and a piece of cloth in the other – known as Gade, take part in the ceremony. They are brought to the temple dancing on the beats of ancient songs with dhol and taso (musical instruments) along with other devotees of their community. The Gade, with their community, sing and dance with their swords in front of the temple. The four Gade are pierced with a metal hook into their back muscles, and other devotees from their community are pierced in their stomach. The Gade climb the Khaamb holding their sword and a piece of cloth. They are then tied to the arms of the Raat and rotated for some time. They are kept in the temple till their wounds are healed. At midnight on the day after the jatra, two Redde (cape buffaloes) are brought to the temple. One enters the temple, while the other departs. The buffalo that enters is then sacrificed to Betal. The temple remains closed for a week after the jatra for all devotees. Only their chief is allowed to enter. According to the folklore, in early centuries, one of the Gade would fall off the Raat while rotating and would be sacrificed to Betal. But that ritual is now banned.
Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
GenZ watches Satya: A masterclass in filmmaking, Manoj Bajpayee's gem is approved by all generations
Satya and I were born in the same month and same year, yet never had an opportunity to meet each other. I always heard that Satya is an ultimate classic, the best of Ram Gopal Varma, the film that gave Manoj Bajpayee his much deserving due in the industry and made Urmila Matondkar the talk of the town. Yet, the film was something I judged by its cover and didn't care to sit down and carefully browse through its pages. Being someone who is not a fan of action or thriller; a movie on underworld and gangsters was not exactly in my sandbox. Little did I know what I was missing all this while? On the occasion of Manoj Bajpayee's 55th birthday, I decided to finally give it a watch and I am glad I did. Satya is a masterclass in filmmaking. I fell in love with Ram Gopal Varma (someone I have been judging lately for his recent movies and statements) for the genius he is. This film both made me happy and sad at the same time for having a great filmmaker who somewhere lost his purpose in life. I had watched Bhoot, Raat and The Attack of 26/11, among others and knew he was great at his job, and then simply like others thought that maybe success got into his head, but after watching Satya, I couldn't help but be in awe of his work and forget his past missteps. Not once did I feel that I was watching a film as old as me. Everything looked so real, raw, and slice of life. The film had me from the very first scene. The introduction of the film's titular character (played by JD Chakravarthy), right from the time he stepped into the city of dreams to how he ends up being the most important member of one of the deadliest gangs of Mumbai, just had me at the edge of my seat, wanting to know his each and every move. Satya comes from nowhere, with a bag in his hand, a vacant expression on his face and aggression on his mind, and warmth in his heart for a few. The movie might have Satya as its title, but as I watched, every character who appeared even for a couple of minutes, left a lasting impression. Looking at a young Sanjay Mishra, even in such a small role, was such a bliss. Moving forward, Manoj Pahwa, Saurabh Shukla, Makarand Deshpande, every actor in the frame is a fleshed out character with their hopes, sorrows, joys and aspirations. While every character and scene in the film deserve a long note of appreciation, my favourite moments featured Makarand Deshpande and Saurabh Shukla. Oh, how I fell in love with their drunk conversation. Bhiku Mhatre is just out of jail, he celebrates his return with his gang with the song Kallu Mama, with every shot of the song giving flashback of stories these actors share from their struggling days. A small room with a number of people, drinking at night, living life to their fullest as though there is no tomorrow. Their sorrows dipped in alcohol, happiness on their force and the carefree dance. And then I met a young Shefali Shah on screen, playing Bhiku's wife with their chemistry so lived-in that you will believe that they actually are married for years. She stands out in the scene where Bhiku Mhatre brings his friend Satya to his house after their first encounter, late at night as Mumbai is being pelted by rain. She starts by yelling at her errant husband for not returning home after getting released from jail, and now showing up drunk. It's her reaction when Bhiku slaps her in front of his friend that arrests your attention — she steps back and freezes in shock, tears filling her eyes, her trembling lips and then embarrassment and shame on her face. One wonders why an actor of her talent was reduced to playing Akshay Kumar 's mother in Waqt. As much as I admired Shefali Shah, who had a fearless yet grounded character and made sure to leave an impact every time she came on screen, I also couldn't help obsessing over Urmila Matondkar's character, Vidya, in the film who largely speaks with her liquid eyes. While JD Chakravarthy was Satya for a reason in the film, the man of the hour Manoj Bajpayee took me to a whole another world with his acting, which looks effortless but speaks volumes about what an exceptional actor he is. His comic timing, aggression, fearless attitude, and love for his wife. He had my heart at every scene. The favourite of all when he goes on a double date with Satya, Vidya, and Pyari. Manoj, fully submerged in his Bhiku Mhatre character, humourously recalls taking his wife Pyari to watch Jurassic Park on her last birthday. ' Pichle saal mere wife ka birthday tha, mai isko picture leke gaya tha, who kaunsi? Chipkali wali picture. Woh kya naam the uska? Jija Mata Parak.' While I wondered if he was trying to name a Marathi film, I soon realised he meant to say Jurassic Park. And he doesn't stop there, he goes on to explain the film in detail. The entire conversation had me in splits and I couldn't wait to see more and more of Bhiku Mhatre in the entire film. I had forgotten there was Manoj Bajpayee, as all I saw is a man whose name is Bhiku Mhatre and how he stole the spotlight every time he entered the frame. While the list can go on and on about how beautifully this film has been written by Saurabh Shukla and Anurag Kashyap, and directed by Ram Gopal Varma, the conclusion remains it is evergreen. Satya is every generation approved.
