Vaastu Shastra is a 2004 Indian Hindi horror film produced by Ram Gopal Varma aka RGV (Raat; Kaun? Bhoot; Phoonk) and directed by Saurab Narang from a screenplay by Charu Du Acharya. The term vastu shastra (vāstu śāstra) refers to an ancient science of architecture for constructing and locating buildings to be in harmony with nature.
The film stars Susmita Sen and J.D. Chakravarty. It was released on 22nd October 2004, with largely positive reviews. Vaastu Shastra was dubbed into Telugu as Marri Chettu.
Plot synopsis:
Jhilmil Rao (Sushmita Sen) and Virag Rao (J.D. Chakravarthy) buy a new house in the suburbs of Mumbai. There is a creepy-looking gnarly old tree outside the house.
Jhilmil, a gynaecologist, works late just like her husband Virag — they’re hardly there for their little son.
The problem comes when he starts making imaginary friends. At least that’s what Jhilmil and Virag think. But their son starts getting obsessed with his “friends”…
Reviews:
“Sachin K. Krishn’s camerawork is eye-catching without being glamorous. The frames create a feverish flush of fear without overdoing the sleek exteriors of the bungalow where the horror unsheathes in glowing purple shades. While the first half gives us, and the characters, a chance to catch our breath, the second half pulls out all stops to unleash a furious terror across the plot’s sweltering scenario.” Subhash K Jha, Glamsham.com
“This film suffers from some very predictable twists of the plot, but it still does have some punch here as a stylish and mildly creepy ghost story.” Mark R. Leeper, SFCrowsNest
Cast:
Sushmita Sen as Jhilmil Rao
J. D. Chakravarthi as Virag Rao
Ahsaas Channa as Rohan
Peeya Rai Chowdhary as Radhika
Rajpal Yadav as Mad Guy
Purab Kohli as Radhika’s boyfriend
Rasika Joshi as Rukma (Maid)
Sayaji Shinde as Inspector Bhupal Gorpade
Zakir Hussain as Dinesh Dubey (zombie)
Filming locations:
Saswad, Maharashtra, India
Pune, Maharashtra, India
