Vash (film)

Vash is a 2023 Gujarati-language supernatural psychological horror film directed and written by Krishnadev Yagnik. The lead cast includes Janki Bodiwala, Hitu Kanodia, Niilam Paanchal, and Hiten Kumar. The story centers on a family whose daughter falls under the control of a stranger using black magic. The movie hit theaters on 17 February 2023 and earned mostly favorable reviews.

The plot follows Atharva, a pilot from Ahmedabad, who travels with his wife Beena and their children Aarya and Ansh to a remote village. There they meet Pratap, a stranger whose help Atharva initially distrusts but eventually accepts. Pratap uses hypnosis and dark arts to manipulate Aarya, causing her to act violently against her will. Atharva learns Pratap is a black magician intent on capturing Aarya. During a confrontation, Aarya pushes her brother Ansh off a terrace, severely injuring him. The family lets Pratap leave with Aarya while Beena drives Ansh to the hospital, but both die in a car crash. Atharva tracks Pratap to an abandoned temple where several other girls are under his control. Pratap orders the hypnotized girls to attack Atharva. After being injured, Atharva asks that only Aarya kill him. Confident, Pratap stops the attack and agrees. Atharva then uses scissors to deafen Aarya, blocking Pratap’s vocal commands. Shocked, Pratap is knocked unconscious, and Atharva cuts out his tongue, stripping him of his power to command. Ten years later, Atharva has imprisoned Pratap in an isolated location and tortures him regularly. Pratap begs for death, but Atharva refuses. Atharva leaves food for Aarya, who remains mentally affected.

The cast includes Hitu Kanodia as Atharva, Niilam Paanchal as Beena, Janki Bodiwala as Aarya, Aaryan Sanghvi as Ansh, and Hiten Kumar as Pratap.

The film was released in theaters on 17 February 2023 in Gujarat, after an initial planned date of 10 February 2023. It premiered on ShemarooMe on 26 April 2024.

Critics gave positive reviews. Shilpa Bhanushali of Mid-Day rated it 4 out of 5, noting it keeps the audience under a spell of fear with Gujarati flavor but advises considering the risk. Deepali Chhatwani of The Times of India gave 3.5 stars, praising the director’s consistent team and actors.