We have all grown up reciting this popular nursery rhyme; Machhli Jal Ki Rani Hai, but post the release of this film with a title that has been borrowed from this nursery rhyme for children, I am sure people would like to avoid reciting it. Such is the impact of this film, which is supposed to be a horror film, but can easily pass as a comedy flick.
Machhli Jal Ki Rani Hai is all about a couple, Ayesha (Swara Bhaskar) and Uday (Bhanu Uday) and how Ayesha experiences paranormal activities in her new house, well this one sounds like Ramgogal Verma’s Bhoot……Oops!!!
Ayesha (Swara Bhaskar) and Uday (Bhanu Uday) relocate to Jabalpur from Mumbai after Uday and wife Ayesha meet with a major road accident that leaves an impact on her mind and devolves into depression. At the guesthouse, where they are put up, Ayesha senses a mysterious presence.
All this is followed by nightmares, hallucinations, creepy noises, paranormal occurrences and soon Ayesha tells Uday that they need to vacate the guesthouse.
Even though Swara tries hard to be dark and deadly, she ends and she falls flat. Bhanu Uday is very disappointing and his effort to act shows on screen. He fails to be natural and real in his gestures, facial expressions and dance moves. Deepraj Rana, who plays an exorcist, is passable but the film belongs to Hemant Pandey who is genuinely comic.
The director, if there is any, is Debaloy Dey who has just left everything on autopilot and let everyone do their own thing. The end result is confusing and the film looks very wishy-washy.
Most scenes in Machhli Jal Ki Rani Hai are shot in traditional television format, where a master shot cuts back and forth to a mid-shot, irrespective of the action.
The treatment of Machhli Jal Ki Rani Hai is juvenile and just all over the place. The script, again if there is any, is bizarre script and shows the director’s inability to create an impact.
What is surprising is the fact that not only did a film like Machhli Jal Ki Rani Hai found a financer/producer, it also managed to get some actors, as well as see a release.
I guess for a movie with no script it quite an achievement.
Ratings: *1/2
