Introduction: A Journey Through the Fog of Memory
Directed by Pavan Kirpalani, Gaslight isn’t your typical Bollywood thriller. Much like Her (2013) explored emotional detachment in a digital world, Gaslight explores emotional unease, mental fragility, and buried truths through a suspenseful narrative soaked in dread.
Starring Sara Ali Khan, Chitrangda Singh, and Vikrant Massey, this psychological whodunit unfolds in a world where nothing is as it seems—and everyone has something to hide.
Plot Without Spoilers: Trust No One, Not Even Yourself
When Meesha (Sara Ali Khan) returns to her royal ancestral home after years away, she finds her father missing—and everyone insists he’s fine. But eerie encounters, strange silences, and flickers of memories lead her to believe something sinister is at play.
As Meesha tries to uncover the truth, she must grapple with her own mental health, unreliable allies, and a house full of ghosts—real or imagined.
The suspense isn’t in the murder. It’s in doubt—and Gaslight builds it frame by frame.
What Works: Atmosphere, Performances, and Subtle Themes
1. Sara Ali Khan’s Best Performance Yet
Khan delivers a surprisingly layered performance, portraying vulnerability without losing strength. Her portrayal of Meesha’s confusion and suspicion is the film’s emotional anchor.2. Evocative Cinematography
Dimly lit hallways, rain-soaked courtyards, and oppressive interiors reflect Meesha’s unraveling psyche. The visuals are not just aesthetic—they enhance the emotional narrative.3. Supporting Cast
Vikrant Massey excels in his usual understated intensity, while Chitrangda Singh adds a quiet menace and grace to the proceedings.4. A Tense Score and Pacing
The film builds tension slowly, opting for psychological thrills over cheap jump scares, letting silence and uncertainty do the heavy lifting.
Life Lesson: Reality Isn’t Always What It Seems
“When you doubt everything around you, you start doubting yourself too.”
Gaslight dives deep into the trauma of being unheard, the isolation of mental illness, and the manipulation that hides in love and loyalty. Like Her, it’s introspective—not loud or frantic, but deeply unsettling in its emotional resonance.
Final Thoughts: A Quiet, Psychological Puzzle Worth Piecing Together
If you’re looking for a fast-paced action thriller, Gaslight might feel slow. But if you appreciate emotionally complex storytelling, brooding atmosphere, and nuanced performances—it’s a film that rewards patience.
It’s a haunting mystery where truth is layered, trust is fragile, and silence is weaponized.
🍿Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
✅ Atmosphere & Tone: 8.5/10
✅ Performance: 8/10
✅ Narrative Depth: 7.5/10
✅ Emotional Impact: 8/10
✅ Rewatch Value: 6.5/10Final Verdict:
Gaslight is a stylish and slow-burning thriller that examines trust, trauma, and memory with grace and darkness. One of Sara Ali Khan’s most mature performances to date.