Paheli(2005)
'Paheli' (2005) is an Indian Hindi-language fantasy film directed by Amol Palekar. It stars Shah Rukh Khan in a dual role as Kishanlal and a ghost, alongside Rani Mukerji as Lachchi. The story follows a newlywed bride whose husband leaves for a five-year business trip, only to be replaced by a loving ghost who takes his form. Set in rural Rajasthan, the film blends folkloric magic with a woman's personal journey toward happiness. It was India's official entry to the 79th Academy Awards and won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for Shreya Ghoshal. The film was released on 24 June 2005 and grossed ₹32 crore worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Netflix
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 2005
- Director
- Amol Palekar
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 25m
- Rating
- 6.2/10
Storyline
A young bride named Lachchi is abandoned by her workaholic husband on their wedding night. A ghost falls in love with her and takes her husband's place. Lachchi must choose between her cold real husband and the loving ghost who makes her truly happy.
“Love is the only riddle worth solving.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Paheli
Cast reunions in this film: Anupam Kher & Amitabh Bachchan (13 films together), Anupam Kher & Naseeruddin Shah (12 films together), Anupam Kher & Sunil Shetty (11 films together), Anupam Kher & Rajpal Yadav (11 films together), Shahrukh Khan & Rani Mukerji (10 films together), and Shahrukh Khan & Juhi Chawla (10 films together).
Trivia
- The film is based on a Rajasthani folk tale called 'Duvidha' by Vijaydan Detha, which was also adapted into a 1973 film of the same name by Mani Kaul.
- It was India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 78th Academy Awards, but it was not nominated.
- The movie was entirely shot in Rajasthan, with many scenes filmed in the historic village of Sambhar Lake to capture authentic rural settings.
- Shah Rukh Khan, the lead actor, also produced the film under his production company, Red Chillies Entertainment.
- The film's visual effects, including the talking puppet, were created by the Indian studio Prime Focus, marking early high-end VFX work in a Hindi film.
- Despite its star cast, the film had a modest box office performance in India but received positive critical acclaim for its unique story.
- Director Amol Palekar chose to use extensive traditional Rajasthani music and folk instruments to stay true to the story's cultural roots.