Jarann Movie Recap and Review: A Chilling Marathi Supernatural Drama
Welcome to The Movie Time, your trusted source for immersive, spoiler-filled recaps and reviews of the latest cinematic and streaming releases! Today, we’re diving into Jarann, a Marathi supernatural drama that crept into theaters on June 5, 2025, and premiered on ZEE5 on July 24, 2025. Directed by Anees Bazmee and starring Amruta Subhash, Avanee Joshi, and Kishor Kadam, this eerie tale of black magic unfolds in a Konkan village and urban Mumbai. Let’s explore whether this haunting saga casts a spell or fades into the shadows
A Doll’s Dark Secret: The Plot
Jarann centers on Radha (Amruta Subhash), a troubled woman whose life unravels after a trip to her ancestral village in Konkan. The story opens with Radha and her teenage daughter, Saie (Avanee Joshi), visiting their dilapidated family home for a ritual cleansing. There, Radha finds a mysterious doll buried in the courtyard, triggering strange behavior—she speaks in an eerie voice and grows violently possessive of the doll. Back in Mumbai, Radha’s condition worsens, alarming Saie and their house help, Mangal (Snehal Shidam), who senses an unnatural presence.
Radha has been under psychiatric care since childhood, treated by Dr. Dhananjay Kulkarni (Kishor Kadam) for unexplained episodes. When Radha’s new therapist, Dr. Rashmi Pandit (Jyoti Malshe), digs deeper, Radha recounts a chilling childhood incident involving a village tantrik and a cursed doll. Saie, meanwhile, begins playing with the doll, claiming it “speaks” to her, echoing Radha’s symptoms. A subplot follows Mangal’s nephew, a local priest (Sachin Khedekar), who warns of a malevolent spirit tied to the family’s past.
Flashbacks reveal Radha’s mother was accused of witchcraft in the 1980s, sparking a village feud that ended in a ritual gone wrong, binding a vengeful spirit to the doll. As Radha’s possession escalates—she attacks Saie in a trance—the priest and Dr. Rashmi team up, blending spiritual and psychological lenses. The climax, set in the Konkan house during a stormy night, sees a harrowing exorcism where Saie’s courage and Mangal’s faith confront the spirit. Radha is freed, but a cryptic epilogue hints the doll’s curse lingers, leaving an open-ended chill.
The Good: Amruta’s Intensity and Eerie Atmosphere
Jarann is a gripping Marathi supernatural drama that leverages Amruta Subhash’s powerhouse performance. Director Anees Bazmee, known for Bollywood comedies, ventures into Marathi with a moody, unsettling tale that respects regional folklore. Amruta is mesmerizing as Radha, her descent into possession—marked by guttural whispers and haunted stares—chillingly authentic. Avanee Joshi’s Saie is a compelling co-lead, her teenage angst and bravery grounding the horror. Kishor Kadam’s Dr. Dhananjay adds gravitas, his skeptical yet empathetic role balancing the supernatural.
The Konkan setting, with its misty jungles and creaky havelis, is captured in haunting cinematography by Santosh Thundiyil, making the village a spectral co-star. The Mumbai scenes, with cramped flats and rainy nights, amplify urban dread. The sound design, by Resul Pookutty, is a standout—creaking floors, distant chants, and eerie whispers create a skin-crawling vibe. Sachin-Jigar’s minimalistic score, with the haunting Konkan Raag, enhances the tension. The writing weaves Marathi cultural elements—tantrik rituals, coastal myths—with psychological horror, offering a fresh take on possession tropes.
The Not-So-Good: Uneven Pacing and Clichéd Scares
While Jarann unsettles, its 140-minute runtime feels bloated, with slow-burn buildup dragging in the first half. The psychological therapy scenes, though insightful, repeat Radha’s trauma without advancing the plot. Some horror elements—jump scares, flickering lights—lean on clichés, diluting the film’s unique folkloric edge. Jyoti Malshe’s Dr. Rashmi is underutilized, her arc reduced to expository dialogue.
The village feud subplot, while intriguing, is rushed in flashbacks, leaving the spirit’s motives vague. Supporting characters like Mangal’s nephew, despite Sachin Khedekar’s solid performance, feel like plot devices. The climax’s exorcism, though intense, borrows heavily from global horror tropes, missing a chance to fully embrace Konkan mysticism. Technically, the film is strong, but some CGI during the spirit’s manifestation looks dated, breaking immersion. A tighter edit and bolder horror could’ve sharpened its impact.
Performances: A Haunting Ensemble
Amruta Subhash anchors Jarann with a riveting Radha, her physicality and emotional range making every possession scene harrowing. Avanee Joshi’s Saie is a natural, her fear and defiance resonating with younger viewers. Kishor Kadam’s Dr. Dhananjay brings quiet authority, while Snehal Shidam’s Mangal adds rustic warmth. Sachin Khedekar’s priest is compelling but underused, and Jyoti Malshe’s Dr. Rashmi feels functional despite a solid effort. Supporting players like Anant Jog (as a village elder) add texture, but minor roles lack depth.
Music and Technical Aspects: A Spooky Triumph
Sachin-Jigar’s score is chillingly effective, with Konkan Raag blending folk chants with dissonant strings. The background music amplifies dread without overpowering. Santosh Thundiyil’s cinematography paints Konkan and Mumbai in moody greens and grays, with dynamic shots of rituals and storms. Production design, from cobwebbed havelis to cluttered flats, feels lived-in. Editing by Steven Bernard is uneven, crisp in horror but sluggish in drama. Resul Pookutty’s sound design—whispering winds, ritual drums—is immersive, though minor CGI flaws in the climax distract.
Audience Reaction
Fans on social media, per X posts, have praised Jarann as a “spooky Marathi gem,” lauding Amruta Subhash’s “terrifying act” and the “Konkan chills.” Viewers love the “eerie sound design” and “Amruta-Avanee duo,” with the exorcism scene earning buzz. Some, however, noted the “slow start” and “generic scares,” suggesting a shorter runtime. The film’s theatrical run was modest, per Film Information, with stronger urban traction in Mumbai. Compared to 2025 Marathi releases like Aambat Shoukin, it’s hailed for its bold genre but critiqued for pacing.
Final Verdict: A Creepy but Uneven Marathi Chiller
Jarann is a chilling Marathi supernatural drama that thrives on Amruta Subhash’s haunting lead, Konkan’s eerie vibe, and a gripping soundscape. Anees Bazmee’s direction and Sachin-Jigar’s score craft a moody tale of black magic with desi soul. While sluggish pacing and clichéd scares temper its spell, its performances and atmosphere make it a must-watch. It’s a spooky ride for Marathi horror fans craving a blend of folklore and dread.
Rating: 3.6/5 Stars
A haunting, scenic chiller that’s big on atmosphere but light on innovation, perfect for a creepy movie night.
Why You Should Watch (or Skip) Jarann
Watch it if: You love Marathi dramas, supernatural horror, or Amruta Subhash’s intense roles.
Skip it if: You prefer fast-paced horror or dislike repetitive psychological beats.
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Tags: Jarann, Amruta Subhash, Avanee Joshi, Kishor Kadam, Marathi movie, supernatural drama, 2025 movies, Anees Bazmee, Konkan, Sachin-Jigar, movie review, movie recap
