Haute Review: Gulabo Rani is an eerie & creepy psychological horror which was long overdue

*Spoilers ahead

After creating jolts at the international film festival circuit, Usman Mukhtar has brought home the creepy dorm, haunting corridors and strange tales of his internationally acclaimed short film, Gulabo Rani.

Opening with fair warnings, disclaimers and a wilted rose, the director prepares you well enough for the emotionally traumatizing experience from the get go. A young guy, Akhtar, gets accepted into a 150-year-old university and finds lodging in a dilapidated and defamed Wing C of the dorms. As a man of reason, Akhtar doesn’t pay heed to the haunting stories of anguish that are associated to this long-abandoned and evidently spooky wing.

A senior giving Akhtar two tips to survive the hostel life

Whether it is the tale of a strangled courtesan or a principal who was burnt alive in that wing, Akhtar doesn’t believe in the paranormal despite the strange occurrences around him. He associates them more with the three bullies who bother him day in and day out. Until one night, perhaps the toll of the psychological distress gets the best of his rational mind to start questioning what’s out there.

Akhtar being bullied

A viewer will remain confused that are those actual shadows lurking in the darkness or his overactive imagination is shaking his nerves? Akhtar hears croaking vocals coming from the record player, sees a doppelgänger walking like a spider who may or may not be his alter ego ‘Gulabo Rani’. A theory is that perhaps his behavior is a reaction of the abuse he is subjected to via his peers or more plausible is that the young mind eventually falls deeper into the pit hole of despair and finds himself face to face with much worse supernatural being. Nonetheless, Akhtar gets more than he bargains for when he lives in that dorm.

Abandoning his star persona, director Usman Mukhtar has done a brilliant job with his foray into the realm of horror. It is a genre not explored in Pakistan as it is hard to make a script that is simple to comprehend yet uneasy to view. Gulabo Rani is emotionally draining and disturbing; it is more like an atmospheric horror where the scenes and settings irk you more than the characters. The sharp cuts and transitions in scenes may confuse an average viewer but they are all connected if you observe.

A still from inarguably the best scene of the short film

The scene stealer is undoubtedly the protagonist, played by Usama Javaid Haider, who has rightfully won laurels for this portrayal. One scene in particular where Akhtar acts like a courtesan and reveals the dark secrets of a bully borders on magnificence. Ali Mudar and Zunaira Inam Khan have knitted a fine piece of story that unveils itself layer by layer within 36 minutes. The subject of child abuse or childhood trauma leading to complex personalities is cleverly infused within the script.

The three bullies facing the most horrifying moment of their lives

Gulabo Rani is also a stunning example of contemporary psychological horror that incorporates unforgettable eerie music. The song Raat Ke Musafiron Suno along with the background score of Khauf by MRKLE, Nimra Gillani, Yasir Jaswal, the Band Irtaash are hauntingly beautiful. Applause is also due for Nadir Shahzad Khan for editing and Stardek for sound design.

Read more: Trailer review: Usman Mukhtar’s Gulabo Rani is a promising venture into horror genre

The cast of the film includes a very enticing mix of young actors, namely Usama Javed Haider, Meiraj Haq, Danial Afzal, Natasha Ejaz and Omer Abdullah. Khushhal Khattak has a special appearance.