“The Haunting (2023)” is a fresh entry into the Hindi horror space, aiming to break away from jump-scare clichés and dive deeper into psychological terror. Directed by Rahul Sharma, the film blends traditional haunted house tropes with a modern, layered narrative that keeps you hooked more than it startles you.

Performances

• Radhika Apte steals the show with a restrained, emotionally rich performance. She doesn’t just scream—she processes fear in silence, which makes it all the more real.
• Anupam Kher, playing the enigmatic priest who knows more than he lets on, delivers gravitas without overplaying his role.
• Shweta Tripathi, as Ananya’s estranged cousin, brings vulnerability and tension to the screen.
• Rohit Roy adds intensity as a local investigator caught between belief and logic.

Direction & Writing

Rahul Sharma shows maturity by focusing more on atmosphere and emotional depth rather than relying solely on loud sounds and grotesque visuals. The house itself feels like a living character, thanks to the cinematography and eerie sound design.

The screenplay unfolds like a puzzle. Every scene drops a breadcrumb, building suspense organically. It avoids over-explaining, which makes the horror sink in slowly but effectively.

Cinematography & Sound

The cinematography by Jay Patel deserves praise. Fog-laden landscapes, long tracking shots through narrow hallways, and dimly lit corridors enhance the feeling of dread.
The background score is minimalist but impactful. It doesn’t try to scare you forcefully—it unsettles you.

What Works

✅ A strong lead performance by Radhika Apte
✅ Subtle yet effective horror without jump-scare overload
✅ Cinematic quality visuals and sound design
✅ Layers of emotion, grief, and suppressed trauma
✅ The ending leaves you thinking

What Could Be Better

❌ Pacing dips slightly in the second act
❌ Some subplots could have been tighter
❌ The final twist, though clever, may confuse viewers who missed key clues

Final Verdict

“The Haunting (2023)” is not your average horror flick. It’s a slow-burn psychological thriller wrapped in horror, anchored by powerful performances and crafted direction. If you’re looking for an emotionally charged, atmospheric experience with a few genuine scares, this one’s worth your time.