The Untold Tale of 'Gehraai': A Film Warned Against by Tantriks, That Shattered Its Makers' Lives

When Dark Magic Haunted Bollywood: The Cursed Story Behind the Film 'Gehraai'

Creating horror movies in Bollywood has always been a daunting task, but few films come with a chilling backstory as disturbing as Gehraai. Released in 1980, the film was shrouded in real-life mysticism, dire warnings from occult practitioners, and a string of misfortunes that later led many to call it a "cursed film."

Even before the cameras started rolling, Gehraai had stirred fear—not in audiences, but among those who believed in the power of black magic. Several tantriks (occult practitioners) warned the makers not to proceed with the film. According to reports, they claimed the subject matter would invite dark energy and irreversible misfortune. Despite the eerie cautions, filmmakers Aruna Raje and Vikas Desai chose to go ahead—and what followed was nothing short of a nightmare.

A Film Born of a True Story

Gehraai wasn't just another horror thriller. Directed by real-life husband and wife duo Aruna Raje and Vikas Desai, the film delved deep into the world of black magic and possession. Its storyline revolved around a Christian girl who becomes possessed by a Muslim spirit that recites poetry in Urdu. The narrative was inspired by a real incident that Aruna had once heard in Lucknow, lending an even more haunting layer to the film’s production.

The project aimed to break conventional horror storytelling with psychological undertones and supernatural depth. The lead cast included legendary actors like Amrish Puri, Padmini Kolhapure, Anant Nag, and Indrani Mukherjee, who brought the eerie tale to life on screen.

The Price of Ignoring Warnings

Before shooting began, Aruna Raje reportedly consulted several tantriks for research. To her surprise, every single one of them urged her not to make the film. “You are meddling with dangerous forces,” they said. “If you don’t stop, disaster will follow.” Yet, convinced of the story’s artistic value, the duo went ahead.

After Gehraai released, the supposed curse began to manifest—at least according to media reports and Aruna herself. In a candid interview, she revealed that their personal lives crumbled post-release. Aruna and Vikas's marriage ended in divorce, and they faced a series of emotional and psychological struggles. Some people even labeled them as "mentally unstable" after the film’s debut.

The Legacy of a “Cursed” Film

In the years that followed, Gehraai was labeled a jinxed or cursed film by some within the industry. Rumors swirled about misfortunes plaguing its cast and crew, and the film developed a cult following because of its eerie origins and aftermath. However, the actual truth behind these events remains unverified, and much of what is known today stems from interviews and media coverage rather than documented fact.

While it’s impossible to determine whether Gehraai was truly cursed, its legacy remains one of the most bizarre in the history of Indian cinema. The film continues to stir curiosity, with many still discussing its dark themes and mysterious behind-the-scenes events.

Today, Gehraai is available on YouTube, allowing newer generations to witness the film that was once considered too dangerous to be made. Whether you believe in curses or not, the strange happenings surrounding the movie make it one of Bollywood’s most compelling cinematic flashbacks.