Dahshat(1981)
Dahshat is a 1981 Indian Hindi-language horror film directed by Shyam Ramsay and Tulsi Ramsay. It stars Navin Nischol, Sarika, Om Shivpuri, and Nadira. The story follows Dr. Sameer, a young doctor who returns to his hometown and discovers a grave robber stealing corpses. He traces the robber to the mansion of Dr. Vishal, a scientist conducting dangerous experiments to create a superhuman. When Dr. Vishal's jealous wife injects him with an animal serum, he transforms into a bloodthirsty monster at night. The film is a cult classic of the Ramsay brothers' horror era, known for its mix of romance, science fiction, and monster horror. It was released in 1981 and is available on streaming platforms.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube, Plex, Dailymotion
- Theatrical Release
- 19 June 1981
- Director
- Shyam Ramsay
- Language
- Hindi
- Rating
- 6.5/10
Storyline
A young doctor returns home to find graves being robbed. He discovers a mad scientist creating a superhuman. When the scientist is injected with a serum, he becomes a monster. Now the doctor must stop the beast before it kills everyone he loves.
“The horror that science created.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Dahshat
Cast reunions in this film: Shyam Ramsay & Tulsi Ramsay (11 films together), Sarika & Om Shivpuri (3 films together), Shyam Ramsay & Om Shivpuri (2 films together), Navin Nischol & Tulsi Ramsay (2 films together), Navin Nischol & Om Shivpuri (2 films together), and Tulsi Ramsay & Om Shivpuri (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film was originally titled 'The Monster' but was renamed 'Dahshat' to avoid confusion with another film.
- It was one of the first horror films to use a 'werewolf'-style monster in Hindi cinema, predating more famous titles.
- The Ramsay brothers often reused sets; the mansion here may have been used in their other horror films like 'Purana Mandir'.
- Actor Vijayendra Ghatge, who played the monster, had to undergo lengthy makeup sessions using imported latex.
- The film's soundtrack, by Ajit Singh, included a popular song 'Aaja Aaja' despite its horror theme.
- Shyam Ramsay co-wrote the story, continuing the family's trend of blending horror with family drama elements.
- The film's climax was shot using basic in-camera effects, typical of the low-budget Ramsay productions of the era.