Tahkhana(1986)
Tahkhana (also known as Tahkhana: The Dungeon) is a 1986 Indian Hindi-language horror film directed by Shyam Ramsay and Tulsi Ramsay. The film stars Hemant Birje, Aarti Gupta, and Kamran Rizvi in lead roles. The story follows two sisters separated at birth and a group of treasure hunters who enter a dungeon guarded by a bloodthirsty monster. The film blends family drama, betrayal, and supernatural horror. It was produced by Gangu Ramsay and features music by Ajit Singh. Tahkhana is part of the Ramsay brothers' famous Bollywood Horror Collection. The film has gained a cult following over the years. It was released on DVD and Blu-ray by Mondo Macabro as part of a box set.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 11 December 1986
- Director
- Shyam Ramsay
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 5m
- Rating
- 4.7/10
Storyline
Aarti and her boyfriend Vijay search for a hidden treasure. The treasure is buried in a dungeon. But an ancient monster guards it. Aarti also hopes to find her long-lost sister. The group must survive the monster and a traitor among them.
“The dungeon holds your worst nightmare.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Tahkhana
Cast reunions in this film: Shyam Ramsay & Tulsi Ramsay (11 films together), Puneet Issar & Hemant Birje (3 films together), Puneet Issar & Shyam Ramsay (2 films together), Puneet Issar & Tulsi Ramsay (2 films together), Puneet Issar & Aarti Gupta (2 films together), and Shyam Ramsay & Hemant Birje (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film was originally titled 'Tahkhana: The Dungeon' but was shortened to just 'Tahkhana' for release.
- It was part of a wave of horror films from the Ramsay brothers in the 1980s, known for their low-budget but popular scares.
- Actor Vijayendra Ghatge, who played Vijay, was primarily known for supporting roles in mainstream films, not horror.
- The movie's climactic dungeon scenes were filmed in a single, reportedly cramped set to save on production costs.
- Unlike many Ramsay films, this one features a treasure hunt plot mixed with the horror, similar to adventure movies of the era.
- The soundtrack, including the song 'Aaja Aaja,' was composed by Bappi Lahiri, who was famous for disco but also scored many horror films.
- The film did modest business but is now considered a cult classic among fans of 1980s Hindi horror cinema.