Star Cast: Karan Tacker, Kalki Koechlin, Saloni Batra, Danish Sood, Shubham Chaudhary
Web Series Review: BHAY – THE GAURAV TIWARI MYSTERY is an intriguing paranormal thriller with an unusual premise
Director: Robbie Grewal
Synopsis:
BHAY – THE GAURAV TIWARI MYSTERY is the story of a controversial man. The year is 2006. Gaurav Tiwari (Karan Tacker), based in Delhi, meets his friends at a house party. His pals decide to call the ghost of the house’s host, Buggy’s grandmother. The grandmother’s spirit uses Gaurav as a medium to communicate. Though Gaurav passes it off as a prank, Buggy senses that Gaurav was indeed possessed. He then enrolls at the Sherwood Flying Club in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom, to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot. One day, he’s about to die in a plane crash when the spirit of a dead pilot helps him out. Gaurav is taken aback by this episode and delves deep into the subject. His superiors are dissatisfied with his version that he was helped by a spirit and he’s asked to withdraw from the flying school. Gaurav returns to India and decides to be the country’s first paranormal investigator. He establishes Indian Paranormal Society and he’s joined by Megha (Saloni Batra), Siddharth (Danish Sood) and Raj (Shubham Chaudhary). Soon, word spreads and they travel all over the country to solve paranormal cases. 10 years later, on July 7, 2006, Gaurav Tiwari dies under mysterious circumstances. Irene Venkat (Kalki Koechlin) decides to write a book about him and while jamming with her, the IPS members realize that Gaurav’s death is linked to one of their past cases. What happens next forms the rest of the series.
Bhay – The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery Story Review:
BHAY – THE GAURAV TIWARI MYSTERY is based on the book ‘Ghost Hunter Gaurav Tiwari: The Life and Legacy of India’s Foremost Paranormal Investigator’ by Abhirup Dhar and the Indian Paranormal Society. The story is one-of-a-kind and unlike any other horror story. Arshad Syed’s screenplay goes back and forth constantly but keeps one hooked. Also, the proceedings are simplified. Arshad Syed’s dialogues are conversational.
Robbie Grewal’s direction is decent. He keeps the duration in check and in a few places, he manages to create an eerie feeling that goes well with the mood of the show. The first episode is the longest, at around 50 minutes, while the rest of the 7 episodes have a run time ranging from 22 and 35 minutes. However, the first episode makes a lasting impression as it depicts the beginnings of Gaurav into the world of paranormal. His first case is solid. What also works is how the audience, all of a sudden, comes to know that a half-a-decade old case might have some connection with Gaurav’s untimely demise. This bit works the best and keeps viewers captivated. The finale grabs attention and the show ends, probably with the hint of a sequel.
On the flipside, except for the track of Bruno and Bachuaa, one doesn’t feel scared by the goings-on. The ghosts, be it the ones in the house of the siblings, or in the graveyard, or the bride, don’t seem terrifying. In fact, they seem tacky and hence, the impact is diluted. While Robbie gets it right in some places, he also falters in ensuring that the viewers feel a chill down the spine. The track of Gaurav participating in a reality show spikes interest. But at the same time, the makers should have better explained how Gaurav continued despite his trust being broken by the management during the shoot of the first episode. Lastly, a mass-appealing show of this kind deserved better promotion.
Bhay – The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery Performances:
Karan Tacker delivers a smashing performance. He gets his act right and slips into the character effortlessly. Another fine performance from this performer this year after SPECIAL OPS 2 and TANVI THE GREAT. Kalki Koechlin has a crucial role and is dependable as always. Saloni Batra makes her presence felt. Danish Sood and Shubham Chaudhary lend able support. Nimisha Nair (Dr Niharika) has limited screen time but makes up for it with her act. Chinmaya Sharma (Aryaman) plays to the gallery, as per the requirement of his character. Adarsh Marathe (Bachuaa) is terrific and the only ghost that packs a punch. Others are decent.
Bhay – The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery music and other technical aspects:
BHAY – THE GAURAV TIWARI MYSTERY is a song-less show. However, Sangeet Haldipur and Siddharth Haldipur’s background score adds to the chilling effect. Aditya Kapur’s cinematography is very impressive. A few scenes are shot in found-footage style and it is well-woven. Mayur Tripathi and Srishti Rungta’s production design is a bit theatrical. Sachin Lovalekar’s costumes are realistic. The VFX is appropriate but substandard in a few scenes. Archit D Rasstogi’s editing is satisfactory.
Bhay – The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery Review Conclusion:
On the whole, BHAY – THE GAURAV TIWARI MYSTERY is an intriguing paranormal thriller powered by an unusual premise, a solid investigative hook and Karan Tacker’s terrific central performance. Sadly, a show with such mass appeal has dropped with limited promotion. Hence, it’ll need a strong word of mouth to catch the attention of its vast target audience.
Rating – 3 stars
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