Ragini MMS Review

Ragini MMS Review

Taking its structure from the much-talked aboutParanormal Activity but adding a 'spirit' of its own,Ragini MMS is amongst those contemporary horror films which don't delve much into the past of the ghost, yet trying to present some chilling moments.

A young couple Uday (Rajkumar Yadav) and Ragini (Kainaz Motivala) visit a friend's farmhouse, which happens to be haunted. This one-line idea, more or less, summarizes the entire story of the film. The entire runtime of the film happens to be video footage, either shot on handheld camcorder or through hidden cameras. While the haunted house setting and the concept of a couple filming themselves on camcorder are derivates of Paranormal Activity , the film seems to seek more inspiration from the Indian counterpartLove Sex aur Dhoka (coming from the same banner). It's basically an extension to the second story from the episodic LSD where the boy (played by same actor – Rajkumar Yadav) plans to film an explicit video of his sexual escapade with the girl. That brings MMS in the title and theme, though it adds no new dimension to the story.

While the film uses every horror element from sound-n-lighting effects to impulsive background score, the outcome is not outright clichéd or tacky. The mere still-and-silent sight of the rooms of the haunted house could make a chill run down your spine. The first time that the spirit makes its presence felt is electrifying, after which it arrives with such a jolt that the narrative needs to waste no time on the conventional conflict of the protagonist's disbelief in the supernatural.

The initial reels comprise of liberal dose of intimacy between the couple which, despite having mean MMS motives, is not downright crass. However, as a viewer, the focus is more on tracing the trail of the ghost in any scene than on the sexual stint of the couple.

With zilch heroism attached to the timorous male protagonist, he, never for a moment, attempts to fight the phantom like any traditional hero would. That makes the ghost story more believable. Rajkumar Yadav is exceptionally good in the scenes when he is terrorized by the spirit. Also the confined and inescapable situation (handcuffed), which the female protagonist lands herself into, makes her more vulnerable to the evil. Appreciatively, Kainaz Motivala isn't amongst the league of actresses merely exploited for skin-show. She gets scope to perform in the concluding reels and adds credibility to her character, apart from the requisite sensuality expected from her. Unlike most conventional horror flicks, the effort is never to put an end to the evil force but to simply escape from it. Moreover with almost the entire film happening in real time, one can actually relate to the fear of the characters.

Unlike in Paranormal Activity where one actually experienced the fear through the movements of a single handheld camera, Ragini MMS , for its major runtime, uses a static and multiple camera setup (like in a Bigg Boss house). While the multiple cameras reduce the monotony, its static state dilutes the dynamic dreadful effect to an extent. Nevertheless, while there was no rational explanation of the evil existence in theHollywood flick, here the identity of the entity is not as intangible. Though there is no flashback account to the spirit, there are subtle references to its past.

The disturbing camera movements in the final reels are confusing. However Ragini's conflict to carry the camera with her, under such critical circumstances, appears too artificial to meet the structural requirement of the film. Also an appended epilogue, explaining the conception and modus operandi of the MMS was uncalled for.

While it's not absolutely original or the scariest film ever, it's not formulaic either, like most Indian face-horrors. Ragini MMS stays true to its genre and does induce some spooky moments.