I eagerly await the release of a Clean Slate Filmz production. Owned by actor Anushka Sharma, the production house is known for backing homegrown horror such as “Pari” and “Bulbbul.” Both are critically-acclaimed-yet-under-appreciated Bollywood outings. They cleverly subvert common horror tropes and prove that the genre can be unique and meaningful sans clichéd jump scares while also used to address regressive or taboo topics plaguing men and women alike. 2017’s “Phillauri” is no exception.
“Phillauri” is more of a tender rom-com and period piece with supernatural elements incorporated in it rather than an out-and-out horror. It unravels via the lens of Shashi (played by Sharma herself), a ghost from the 19th century who is trying to make sense of how she’s time travelled forward to the 21st century, where she is now stuck in a limbo.
Likable Characters and Refreshing Worldviews
Shashi’s character is a cross between Tim Burton’s “Corpse Bride” and Casper the friendly ghost. She’s naïve but courteous and feisty, in both life and death. Additionally, Shashi’s also a poet who never fulfilled her dream due to the bars of patriarchy. Cut to the year 2017. Long after her demise, Shashi’s path accidentally crosses with Kanan (Suraj Sharma), who flies from Canada to India to begrudgingly fulfill a promise to marry Anu (Mehreen Pirzada), whom he’s known since the tenth grade. His superstitious family insists on the premarital ritual of marrying the to-be groom off to a tree and to rid him of a curse that could bring the couple marital bad luck. The tree—which just happened to be Shashi’s abode—is immediately chopped down after the ritual, rendering her restless spirit homeless and with no option but to haunt Kanan, resulting in amusing situations.
“Phillauri” benefits from likable characters with progressive worldviews. Both Shashi and her late lover, a musician named Roop (played by Diljit Dosanjh) join forces to change society’s dated outlook towards women and ostracism of artistes too. This also ties in with Kanan’s own struggles with validation, since he’s treated as an unemployed vagabond rather than as a working musician, thus feeding into his low self-esteem.
Sensitivity Without Exploitation
Shashi’s quest to find her purpose also crosses over with her. Thus, her new purpose becomes to act as a mediator between the self-pitying Kanan and Anu—the latter who is frustrated at her beau’s disinterest in communicating/opening up to her—and to teach the couple some lessons in teamwork and selflessness. The film also draws comparisons between timeless romances and modern day ‘situationships.’ This is further highlighted via the multiple back and forths between the past and present, contrasting the fairytale romance of Shashi-Roop with the unhappy pairing of Kanan-Anu. “Phillauri” is also one of the few movies that addresses the topic of ‘arranged marriage jitters’ from the perspective of the indecisive male character, thus affording more sympathy to Kanan.
The movie also weaves in a real-life tragedy into the climax, and the same is approached with sensitivity too, without coming across as exploitative or tone deaf (such as in case of “Kalank”). It also ties into the untimely and heartbreaking fate of Roop. I won’t reveal much since it could spoil the final act for viewers, but as a history buff, it hit me like a ton of bricks when the date of this particular historical incident was revealed.
An Unorthodox Ghost Story
Anushka Sharma plays Shashi with grace and a dash of a mean streak/rebellious spirit. Actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh turns in a nuanced performance as Roop, the gloating musician learning to value his craft and in turn is also determined to earn his paramour’s love as well as her respect. This performance allows Dosanjh to flaunt his showmanship too. Suraj Sharma is not far behind as commitment-phobe Kanan and his impeccable comic timing stands out in his interactions with the ghostly Shashi. Mehreen Pirzada lends ample support as Anu.
Ballads such as “Din Shagna Da” (a folk song which has become a staple at Indian weddings and in viral reels now) and “O Saiba” are both soulful melodies and bound to hit one in the feels.
“Phillauri” is one of those few unorthodox ghost stories that feels like a warm hug. It’s spooky yet saccharine sweet and even dreamlike. And of course, the tears don’t stop flowing even after its spectral protagonist has attained closure and eternal peace.
*You can stream “Phillauri” for free on YouTube at the following link.
