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Ek Thi Daayan official poster

Ek Thi Daayan(2013)

5.2/10
Hindi•135 mins•theatrical•

Ek Thi Daayan is a 2013 Indian Hindi-language supernatural horror thriller film directed by Kannan Iyer. The film stars Emraan Hashmi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kalki Koechlin, and Huma Qureshi. It is based on the short story Mobius Trips by Mukul Sharma. The story follows a famous magician named Bobo who is haunted by memories of a witch from his childhood. The film blends Indian folklore about witches with modern psychological horror. It was produced by Vishal Bhardwaj and Ekta Kapoor under their respective banners. The music was composed by Vishal Bhardwaj with lyrics by Gulzar. The film received mixed reviews but was praised for its atmosphere, performances, and unique approach to horror. It was released on April 18, 2013, in India.

Director:Kannan Iyer
Filmed In:Mumbai, India
Mood:
darksuspensefulemotional
IMDbTMDBRotten TomatoesWikidata

Ek Thi Daayan is streaming on MX Player and Prime Video.

Where to watch:
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Quick Facts

Streaming on
MX Player, Prime Video, Hungama Play
Theatrical Release
19 April 2013
Director
Kannan Iyer
Language
Hindi
Runtime
2h 15m
Rating
5.2/10

Storyline

A famous magician named Bobo is haunted by terrifying visions of a witch. He seeks help from a psychiatrist to uncover his childhood memories. He must confront the woman he believes is a witch — his stepmother Diana. But the truth is more dangerous than he imagines.

“The witch is closer than you think.”

Film Details

5.2Rating
135Minutes
HindiLanguage
UACertificate
Release Date19 April 2013
Release Typetheatrical
Also Known AsOnce There Was a Witch
Filmed InMumbai, India

Parental Guide

Violence
High
Language
Moderate
Sex / Nudity
Moderate
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
High

Where to Watch

MX
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Stream Free
P
PrimeSubscription
30 Days FreeThen ₹299 / month
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HG
HungamaSubscription
₹99 / month
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Vibe & Tags

Mood
darksuspensefulemotional
Themes
familyidentitysurvivalcorruption
Toneintense
Pacingslow-burn
Complexityrequires-attention
Audiencemultiplex
Best Withwith-partner
Violence3
Emotion4
Humor1
Rewatchability3

Cast & Crew

#1
Emraan Hashmi, Actor in Ek Thi Daayan
Emraan HashmiBejoy Charan Mathur (Bobo)
→#2
Huma Qureshi, Actor in Ek Thi Daayan
Huma QureshiTamara
→#3
Konkona Sen Sharma, Actor in Ek Thi Daayan
Konkona Sen SharmaDiana
→#4
Kalki Koechlin, Actor in Ek Thi Daayan
Kalki KoechlinLisa Dutt
→
#5
R
Rajatabha DuttaDr. Ranjan Palit
→
#6
S
Sara ArjunMisha
→
#7
B
Bhavesh BalchandaniZubin
→
#8
V
Vikas ShrivastavPolice Officer
→#9
P
Pavan MalhotraProf. Charan Mathur
→
#10
V
Visshesh TiwariYoung Bobo
→
#11
K
Kannan IyerDirector
→
#12
E
Ekta KapoorCrew
→
#13
Vishal Bhardwaj, Screenplay in Ek Thi Daayan
Vishal BhardwajCrew
→

Reunion Meter

Frequent partnerships reunited for Ek Thi Daayan

Cast reunions in this film: Vishal Bharadwaj & Konkona Sen Sharma (3 films together).

Vishal Bharadwaj
Vishal BharadwajScreenplay
3rd time
Konkona Sen Sharma
Konkona Sen SharmaActor
Vishal Bharadwaj × Konkona Sen Sharma — 3 films together →

Trivia

  • The film's title was inspired by a popular Hindi nursery rhyme about a witch, which is referenced in the movie.
  • Actor Emraan Hashmi performed many of his own magic tricks after training with a professional magician.
  • The movie's climax was shot in a real, abandoned sanatorium to create a more authentic eerie atmosphere.
  • Director Kannan Iyer originally conceived the story as a short film before developing it into a feature.
  • The film's soundtrack includes a rare playback singing cameo by actress Konkona Sen Sharma.
  • It was one of the first major Bollywood horror films to integrate visual effects from both Indian and international studios.
  • The character of the witch, Daayan, draws from various North Indian folk tales rather than a single source.

Frequently Asked Questions