Ep 1. Episode 1
Anjaan: Rural Myths is an Indian horror-comedy web series that explores supernatural myths and legends from rural India. The first episode of the series is titled "Episode 1" and sets the tone for the series by introducing the audience to some of the superstitions prevalent in Indian villages.
The episode starts with an introduction to the protagonist, Veer (played by Anil Charanjeett), a city-dweller who is on a road trip with his friends in rural India. They stop at a village to refuel and are warned by the villagers not to proceed as they are travelling during an inauspicious time. Veer brushes off the warning and proceeds with the journey anyway.
On their way, the group comes across a deserted church which is rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a nun. Despite the warnings of the villagers, Veer and his friends decide to explore the church.
It is here that the horror-comedy element of the show comes into play. The group experiences various scary and comic situations as they navigate the haunted church. The show avoids cheap jump scares and instead builds a sense of dread and unease with its atmospheric cinematography and sound design.
As the group explores deeper into the church, they encounter a ghostly figure that seems to be following them. The figure is revealed to be the ghost of the nun who once lived in the church. She warns them of the dangers they face but is unable to communicate with them completely due to a language barrier.
The writing of the episode is well done, and the horror elements are genuinely scary without feeling forced or contrived. The comedic moments are integrated well into the narrative, and the show walks the tightrope between horror and comedy deftly.
The performances by the cast are noteworthy. Anil Charanjeett portrays Veer as a non-believer who is forced to confront his beliefs about the supernatural. The supporting cast is equally impressive, and the chemistry between them is palpable.
The cinematography and sound design of the episode are also noteworthy. The moody lighting and use of shadows add to the tension of the episode, while the sound design amplifies the sense of dread and unease.
The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Veer and his friends being left in a precarious situation. The ending sets up the premise of the show, which promises to explore rural myths and legends in India and the supernatural elements associated with them.
Overall, Anjaan: Rural Myths season 1 episode 1 "Episode 1" is a promising start to the series. The episode sets up the tone and premise of the show while delivering genuine scares and comedy. The writing, performances and technical aspects of the show are all impressive, and the episode ends on an intriguing cliffhanger that makes the audience excited for the next episode.
