Gehrayee(1980)
Gehrayee is a 1980 Indian Hindi-language horror thriller film co-directed by Vikas Desai and Aruna Raje. The film stars Shreeram Lagoo, Padmini Kolhapure, Anant Nag, and Indrani Mukherjee, with Amrish Puri in a guest appearance. The story follows a rationalist manager whose daughter becomes possessed after he sells his ancestral land. The possession reveals a dark secret from his past involving a servant's wife. The film explores themes of guilt, revenge, and the clash between rationalism and superstition. It is known for its serious treatment of the horror genre and its strong performances. Gehrayee was produced by N. B. Kamat and written by Vijay Tendulkar, Vikas Desai, and Aruna Raje. The film is not widely available on streaming platforms but remains a cult classic among Indian horror enthusiasts.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- ShemarooMe, YouTube, Plex
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1980
- Director
- Arunaraje
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 15m
- Rating
- 7.5/10
Storyline
A successful manager sells his ancestral land for money. His daughter suddenly becomes possessed by a vengeful spirit. The spirit reveals a dark secret from his past. The family must fight fake exorcists and real black magic to save her. But the roots of evil lie in a sin committed years ago.
“Some secrets never stay buried.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Gehrayee
Cast reunions in this film: Padmini Kolhapure & Shreeram Lagoo (4 films together), Amrish Puri & Padmini Kolhapure (3 films together), and Amrish Puri & Shreeram Lagoo (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film was inspired by a real-life exorcism case in Karnataka that made headlines in the 1970s.
- It was one of the first major Hindi horror films to be directed by a woman, Aruna Raje.
- The movie was shot on location in Coorg, using the region's misty plantations to create a spooky feel.
- Actor Padmini Kolhapure, who played the possessed daughter, was only 15 years old during filming.
- The film's title 'Gehrayee' translates to 'depth,' hinting at hidden family secrets and supernatural forces.
- Despite its cult status today, the film was not a major commercial success when it was first released.
- The sound design used minimal music, relying on natural sounds like wind and whispers to build fear.