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Gayab
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Gayab
ग़ायब
Directed byPrawaal Raman
Written byPrawaal Raman
Kona Venkat
Screenplay byPrawaal Raman
Kona Venkat
Story bySuresh Nair
Prawaal Raman
Kona Venkat
Produced byRam Gopal Varma
StarringTushar Kapoor
Antara Mali
CinematographyPiettro Zuercher
Edited byAmit Parmar
Nipun Gupta
Music bySongs:
Ajay–Atul
Background Score:
Amar Mohile
Production
company
RGV Factory
Distributed byPrime Focus Ltd
Release date
  • 16 July 2004 (2004-07-16)
Running time
156 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Gayab (English: Disappearance)[1] is a 2004 Indian Hindi-language supernatural black comedy film directed by Prawaal Raman and produced by Ram Gopal Varma. It stars Tusshar Kapoor and Antara Mali as the lead protagonists. The film was declared below average at the box office. The simultaneously shot Tamil version, Jithan, had a delayed release in 2005.

Plot

[edit]

Vishnu Prasad is an unappreciated nerd. His mother nags him, and his father ignores him. He is in love with his neighbour Mohini, but she already has a boyfriend, Sameer. Vishnu sees Mohini in a cafe with Sameer. As Sameer goes to get drinks, Mohini's eyes meet Vishnu's. A shy and nervous Vishnu accidentally winks at Mohini, which angers Sameer into hitting him. Vishnu bursts into tears. Sad and depressed from his life, he goes to a beach.

Angry at God for the life he has given him, Vishnu asks the statue to make him disappear from the world as no one likes him. When he reaches home, he discovers that God took his wish literally and turned him invisible. Excited and happy, Vishnu gets many opportunities to spy on Mohini and get her boyfriend in trouble. He realises that he cannot wear any other clothes than the ones he was wearing on the day he received the boon because those were the only clothes that turned invisible with him realizing that it will show his invisible body with his other clothes on, so he quickly finds his white shirt which is invisible and puts it on before he get’s caught. When Vishnu sees his father is worried about him and also because of a nagging wife, he tells his father about his secret and calms him down. He plays the role of an invisible ghost to teach his mother a lesson. His mother gets scared thinking that the ghost is of her late father-in-law and faints. Vishnu thinks that he needs money to impress Mohini. So, he robs a bank and brings her all the cash, but Mohnini is shocked and terrified. Vishnu decides to tell her everything. Mohini flies in a rage and tells Vishnu to leave her alone as she is in love with Sameer.

Alone and heartbroken, Vishnu gets drunk and wanders the streets. The media makes up incredible stories after the bank robbery done by an "invisible force," and they try to get more information. The police department takes action and tries to hunt down the "invisible man.". Sameer decides to leave town with Mohini before Vishnu comes back looking for them again, but they are unable to do so. So they go into hiding, and Vishnu demands that the police bring him Mohini, or else he will wreak havoc throughout the city.

He also threatens them by comically disturbing the streets and a portion of the city (such as a restaurant, marathon race and politics). The police find Mohini and plead with her to help them find and kill Vishnu before he becomes an invisible murderer and a threat to the whole nation. Mohini agrees to help in their mission and goes to an abandoned building to meet Vishnu, as demanded by him. As Mohini diverts Vishnu's attention by involving him in a conversation, the cops surround the place to capture him. Vishnu tells Mohini that he has been wrong all along and that he has always loved her. He tells her that he has realised that loving her doesn't mean that he has control over her life. Mohini is struck by his words and realises that he is not a bad person.

She decides to save his life and tells him to run away as the cops are already in the building. Vishnu runs for his life and dives into a river as the cops shoot him. Minutes later, Vishnu's clothes (now visible) are the only things to surface. But his body is not found. Vishnu is presumed dead by the police and media. A few days later, Sameer and Mohini find Vishnu again on the side of the same river in which he supposedly drowned. Vishnu (now naked after escaping from the river) apologizes to them for whatever wrong he did and decides to lead a normal life. Vishnu is arrested and faces trial. Guilty of his acts, he spends a short time in jail and is later released. Many months later, Vishnu (now with his different clothes on) is recognised by the nation as a hero, and he has helped the police solve several cases while still leading an invisible but normal life.[2]

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Suresh Nair of The Times of India further developed the "Stop" story of Darna Mana Hai, which was also directed by Prawaal Raman and produced by Ram Gopal Varma. Kona Venkat and Raman additionally worked as writers for the story, which became Gayab.[4] To create Tusshar Kapoor's character of an invisible man, he wore a green bodysuit underneath his clothes. Through the use of a software, his body was removed but his clothes remained.[5] While in production the film became a multilingual film with Ram Gopal Varma producing the Hindi and Telugu versions while Radhika Sarathkumar produced the Tamil version titled Jithan.[6] The Telugu version was dropped in favour of a simultaneous dubbed release titled Mayam.[7]ref

Soundtrack

[edit]
Gayab
Soundtrack album by
Ajay–Atul
ReleasedApril 2004
GenreFilm soundtrack
Length33:40
LabelTimes Music
Track list[8]
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Gayab Hoke"Kunal Ganjawala5:14
2."Tanha"Sonu Nigam6:03
3."Dilkash"Shweta Pandit, Kunal Ganjawala5:28
4."Main Love Tumse"Vinod Rathod4:21
5."Superman"Sunidhi Chauhan, Kunal Ganjawala3:55
6."Rampage Notes"Instrumental3:07
7."Ek Hasina Thi" (remix)Zubeen Garg, Dominique5:32
Total length:33:40

Reception

[edit]

The film was released to negative reviews.

Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com wrote, "All said and done, Gayab offers 15 reels of invisible entertainment".[9] Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama rated the film 1.5/5 and wrote that "On the whole, GAYAB is strong on hype, but weak in content. The USP of the film is the invisible factor in the story, but an amateur screenplay ruins the show".[10] Anupama Chopra of India Today wrote that "the script, performances and pacing don't match up. Like his first film, Darna Mana Hai, Gayab is a high-concept film that runs out of steam".[11]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Gayab

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Gayab is a 2004 Indian Hindi-language supernatural comedy film directed by Prawaal Raman. The movie was produced by Ram Gopal Varma under his Varma Corporation banner in association with K Sera Sera. It stars Tusshar Kapoor in the lead role as Vishnu Prasad Singh, a neglected young man who wishes to become invisible after facing constant humiliation, only for his wish to come true, leading him to pursue his love interest while evading the police. Supporting cast includes Antara Mali as the female lead, Govind Namdev, and Raghuvir Yadav. The film blends elements of fantasy, drama, and romance, exploring themes of as a for and . Released on , 2004, Gayab marked Prawaal Raman's directorial debut and was part of Ram Gopal Varma's production slate of in the early 2000s. Despite its commercial intent as a light-hearted tale, the movie received mixed reviews for its plot execution and climax, though it has been noted for its entertaining premise and performances.

Development

Concept and writing

Gayab originated as a supernatural black comedy conceived by director Prawaal Raman, centering on the theme of as a for social neglect and personal invisibility in society. The idea drew inspiration from classic invisibility tropes, reimagined through the lens of a common man's frustrations with inferiority and lack of recognition, transforming it into a tale of and self-empowerment. Raman's fascination with invisibility concepts, influenced by like Mr. India, further shaped the project's unique blend of fantasy and dark humor, distinguishing it from narratives. The was penned by Prawaal Raman in with and Suresh Nair, emphasizing a protagonist's redemption arc amid themes of overcoming humiliation and confronting inner demons. The concept originated from an segment in (released December 25, 2003), sparking ideas that led to produce the film and contribute to the story, , and dialogues during its development in 2003-2004. This aligned with Varma's production style seen in prior supernatural thrillers like Bhoot (2003), focusing on psychological depth over mere spectacle. The script evolved to integrate on power abuse and , using the element to highlight real-world issues of dignity and visibility without relying on conventional horror tropes. Initially planned as a multilingual production, Gayab was shot as a original with intentions for simultaneous versions in Tamil and Telugu, though the Tamil adaptation emerged as a separate titled (2005) with a different cast, while the Telugu version Mayam was released as a dubbed edition alongside the film in July 2004. This approach reflected the era's trend in Indian cinema to broaden market reach across linguistic regions, ensuring the core narrative's accessibility while adapting to regional preferences. The prioritized emotional resonance over visual effects, grounding the fantastical premise in relatable human struggles.

Casting

Tusshar Kapoor was selected for the lead role of Vishnu Prasad Singh due to his ability to embody an "uncommonly common man" with a vulnerable, relatable , representing a departure from his earlier boy-next-door image in romantic films like Yeh Dil Aashiqana (2002). Director Prawaal Raman approached Kapoor through producer , emphasizing the character's unconventional challenges to align with Kapoor's desire to experiment beyond typical college-boy roles. Antara Mali was cast as Mohini, the female lead, for her capacity to deliver a manic, intense performance that contrasted with Kapoor's subdued demeanor, as Raman aimed to feature relatively fresh faces in the principal roles following Mali's prior appearances in Hindi films such as (2002). The supporting cast was assembled to enhance the film's comic-thriller tone, with Raghuvir Yadav portraying the father for his established comedic timing in poignant family dynamics, Govind Namdeo as Inspector Shinde to provide an authoritative edge, Rasika Joshi as the mother, and Raman Trikha as the antagonist Sameer. Additional ensemble members included Puneet Vashisht and Ikhlaq Khan in smaller parts, contributing to the narrative's layered interpersonal conflicts. The film also faced production considerations for its Tamil remake, titled Jithan (2005), which required a separate cast including debutant Ramesh and Pooja to adapt the story for regional audiences, involving adjustments for cultural and linguistic nuances.

Story and cast

Plot summary

Gayab follows Vishnu, a young man from a modest background in Mumbai who faces constant neglect and humiliation from his family and society, leading him to desperately wish for invisibility as an escape from his troubles. His wish unexpectedly comes true, granting him the power to become unseen, which initially empowers him to seek revenge against those who have wronged him. The central conflict arises as Vishnu misuses his newfound ability not only for personal vendettas but also in his obsessive pursuit of romance with , his , while becoming increasingly entangled with and his own family dynamics. This leads to chaotic situations, including a daring and a series of pranks that spiral out of control, forcing Vishnu to confront the consequences of his actions and grapple with deepening regret and moral dilemmas. As the narrative builds to its climax, undergoes a path of redemption, surrendering to the authorities while remaining invisible after reciprocates his feelings. The film runs for 138 minutes, maintaining a pacing that balances comedic elements with escalating tension. The film was simultaneously shot in and Tamil; the Tamil version, (2005), introduces cultural adjustments including a modified ending and localized songs to suit regional sensibilities.

Characters and performances

The central character, Vishnu Prasad Singh, serves as the film's nerdy who evolves into an anti-hero, leveraging his to navigate personal frustrations and assert agency in a world that overlooks him. Tusshar Kapoor's portrayal effectively blends vulnerability with emerging mischief, capturing the character's through subtle expressions of bewilderment and determination, particularly in sequences that highlight his during invisibility antics. His performance is noted for suiting the role of an inconspicuous , allowing him to drop defenses and convey cool discomfort while injecting energy into the elements. Mohini functions as Vishnu's love interest and a key catalyst for his transformation, embodying themes of desire and through her independent spirit and romantic entanglements that propel the narrative's chaotic turns. delivers an energetic and manic performance in the role, offsetting Kapoor's restraint with vibrant physicality and emotional intensity, which underscores the film's titillating and comedic undertones in her interactions. However, her portrayal is critiqued for struggling with the character's abrupt shifts, making her contributions to the arc feel uneven in execution. In the supporting dynamics, Raghuvir Yadav's humorous depiction of Vishnu's father provides a contrasting lens on neglect, portraying a henpecked figure whose timid support amplifies the of domestic dysfunction without dominating the leads. Govind Namdev's stern portrayal of the inspector introduces necessary tension, maintaining a disciplined presence that heightens the stakes in Vishnu's escapades, with his adequate execution fitting the role's authoritative demands. brings maternal warmth laced with exaggeration to Vishnu's mother, her over-the-top nagging adding chaotic humor that lampoons middle-class pressures while grounding the ensemble's emotional core. Raman Trikha's villainous rival role as Sameer contributes to the rivalry-driven mischief, playing a non-malicious whose beefy, everyday demeanor amplifies the film's comedic chaos without overshadowing the protagonists. Overall, the ensemble achieves balance by having minor characters like Sameer enhance the disorder through reactive antics, supporting the without diluting focus on the central arcs.

Filming and production

Principal photography

Principal photography for Gayab was directed by Prawaal Raman, with serving as producer and providing oversight throughout the process. To achieve the film's invisibility gags, lead actor wore a green bodysuit beneath his clothes during relevant scenes, allowing for the character's body to be digitally removed while retaining the clothing in the frame. The production aimed for cost efficiency during filming. Raman's approach prioritized a character-driven centered on a common man's struggles, using the motif as a rather than relying heavily on superhero-style .

and

Post-production for Gayab followed , resulting in a final runtime of 138 minutes. Visual effects were handled primarily by Prime Focus, Bollywood's leading VFX provider at the time, which also held a 25% equity stake in the film. The effect for Vishnu was achieved through practical techniques, including the actor wearing a green suit during key scenes, which was digitally removed in to create seamless ; additional elements like wires and matte paintings were used for dynamic sequences such as the bank heist and ghost-like apparitions. Cinematographer Pietro Zuercher's work integrated these effects with live-action footage using minimal CGI due to the film's modest budget, emphasizing practical illusions to maintain a grounded tone. The film was simultaneously shot with its Tamil version, , which was released in 2005 with a runtime of 132 minutes.

Music and soundtrack

Original score

The original score for the 2004 Indian film Gayab was composed by , distinct from the songs by and Mohile. Mohile, known for his work on thrillers like Ek Hasina Thi, crafted the background music to underscore the supernatural black comedy's atmosphere of invisibility and . Mohile's score employs tense thriller motifs with subtle comedic undertones, utilizing synthesizers and percussion to heighten in key sequences such as the protagonist's activation and pursuits, while a more melancholic motif accompanies the redemption arc. Reviews noted the score's dramatic style, which sometimes clashed with the film's humorous moments by insisting on thrilling intensity. The score was integrated during post-production and mixed in to complement the film's , reflecting producer Ram Gopal Varma's horror influences but lightened for the genre. While the Hindi original used this score, the Tamil remake (2005) featured a new composition by rather than reusing Mohile's work.

Songs and release

The soundtrack of Gayab features five songs and one instrumental track composed by the duo and Amar Mohile, with marking their debut in . The , titled Gayab (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), was released in June 2004 by and has a total duration of approximately 27 minutes and 38 seconds for the core tracks (some editions include a bonus extending to about 33 minutes). Lyrics for the songs were penned by Taabish Romani and Nitin Raikwar. The tracks blend various moods to suit the film's supernatural black comedy tone, with upbeat and melodic compositions that incorporate contemporary Hindi pop elements influenced by the composers' Marathi roots. The following is the tracklist:
No.TitleSinger(s)DurationComposerLyricist
1Gayab Hoke5:09Taabish Romani
2Tanha5:58Taabish Romani
3Dilkash, Shweta Pandit5:23Taabish Romani
4Main Love Tumse4:18Nitin Raikwar
5Superman, 3:50Taabish Romani
6Rampage Notes3:00Instrumental
Among these, "Tanha" stands out as a romantic number expressing a lover's yearning. The title track "Gayab Hoke" serves as an energetic opener, while "Superman" adds a playful, upbeat vibe. A bonus remix track, "Ek Hasina Thi (Remix)", featuring Dominique and Zubin, was included on some editions but is not part of the core compositions. The songs were recorded in studios, integrating seamlessly into the narrative to enhance key emotional and comedic sequences. The album's release preceded the film's theatrical debut, providing an early showcase for Ajay-Atul's fusion of folk-inspired rhythms with Bollywood sensibilities.

Release and box office

Marketing and distribution

The distribution of Gayab was managed domestically by K Sera Sera Productions Ltd. and Ram Gopal Varma's RGV Film Factory, with overseeing overseas markets including the , , and . Promotional efforts featured trailers and a TV campaign that highlighted the film's central gimmick, positioning Tusshar Kapoor's character as "" to generate buzz around its supernatural fantasy elements. The release strategy aligned with school summer holidays to appeal to a , capitalizing on the season's lighter entertainment preferences. The film premiered on July 16, 2004, across 250 screens in , primarily in urban centers like . A Tamil remake titled , shot simultaneously with the version, followed with a delayed release in 2005 to expand reach in .

Financial performance

The for Gayab was ₹5 crores, encompassing costs for filming, , and distribution prints. The film earned ₹1.38 crores on its and ₹3.95 crores over the first weekend. In , it collected a nett total of ₹7.11 crores and a gross of ₹9.88 crores, with overseas earnings amounting to ₹0.18 crores, resulting in a worldwide gross of ₹10.06 crores. Box Office classified the film's verdict as below average, attributing the modest performance in part to competition from concurrent releases like . Regionally, collections were stronger in urban Hindi-speaking circuits such as (₹2.61 crores nett) and /UP, reflecting better reception in metropolitan areas, while performance was weaker in the South.

Reception and legacy

Critical response

Upon its release, Gayab received predominantly negative reviews from critics, with an overall consensus highlighting weaknesses in its screenplay and pacing. On , the film holds a 14% approval rating based on one review, reflecting a dim view of its execution. IMDb users rated it 4.4 out of 10 from 942 votes, while of awarded it 1.5 out of 5, noting that the film was "strong on hype, but weak in content" due to an amateurish screenplay that undermined its central premise. Critics praised certain elements, including Tusshar Kapoor's comic performance as the hapless protagonist , which was seen as a strong fit for the role and effective in delivering humor through antics. The innovative concept of was acknowledged for its high-concept potential, with describing it as a promising idea akin to director Prawaal Raman's previous anthology , though ultimately squandered by faltering script and pacing. Ajay-Atul's original score was occasionally noted for its fresh, experimental sound, particularly the track "Tanha" sung by , which hinted at the duo's future innovative style despite the overall soundtrack's mixed integration. However, the film faced significant criticism for its predictable plot and uneven blend of and thriller elements, with the second half described as dragging and lacking suspense. specifically called it "engrossing in parts but drags," pointing to unconvincing climax resolutions and amateurish writing that failed to sustain thrill. Antara Mali's role as was widely seen as underdeveloped, with her character's abrupt emotional shifts feeling forced and underutilized in the narrative. of Nowrunning remarked that the story started as an engaging fable but devolved into a tale of obsession, losing its initial charm. Audience reception showed a divide from critics, with many IMDb users appreciating the film's lighthearted fantasy fun and comedic invisibility sequences as entertaining escapism, despite acknowledging execution flaws. This contrasted with professional reviewers' focus on structural shortcomings, contributing to the film's underwhelming performance amid negative word-of-mouth.

Adaptations and cultural impact

The film Gayab was adapted into the Tamil-language supernatural romantic thriller Jithan in 2005, directed by and starring and in the lead roles. This version remained faithful to the original plot of a young man gaining powers but incorporated local cultural elements and a different musical score to suit Tamil audiences. A Telugu dubbed version titled Mayam was released simultaneously with the Hindi original in 2004, allowing the story to reach South Indian viewers without a separate production. Gayab did not receive any major awards, though it marked the Hindi cinema debut for the composer duo , whose subsequent works earned them multiple National Film Awards and recognitions. In 2024, marking the film's 20th anniversary, lead actor reflected on his role as Vishnu Prasad, describing it as a memorable experience and expressing surprise at the audience's mixed reception to the character's darker, obsessive traits. In 2025, director Prawaal Raman reflected on the film's 21st anniversary, calling it a "labor of love" from concept to execution. The film's home media release included DVD editions distributed by , making it accessible for physical collections. It has since become available on streaming platforms, including full uploads on , contributing to its ongoing visibility among retro Bollywood enthusiasts. Despite its commercial underperformance, Gayab holds a niche legacy in 2000s Indian cinema for blending fantasy with , often compared to earlier invisibility-themed films like Mr. India, and influencing discussions on supernatural tropes in low-budget productions.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414040/
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  3. https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/bollywood/prawaal-raman-on-20-years-of-gayab-i-had-great-team-a-memorable-experience-article-111799278
  4. https://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/jul/14gayab.htm
  5. https://idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/news250.html
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10128024/
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  11. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414040/plotsummary/
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  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lAIQiXOZHE
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  25. https://myswar.co/album/gayab-2004
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  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rati7PCyNhs
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  33. https://www.boxofficeindia.com/years.php?year=2004&pageId=4
  34. https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/20040802-india-today-brings-review-movie-gayab-directed-parwal-raman-789748-2004-08-01
  35. https://scroll.in/reel/807318/sairat-music-composers-ajay-atul-are-soaring-higher-and-higher
  36. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414040/reviews/
  37. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/jithan-2-first-look/articleshow/27574014.cms
  38. https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-jithan-2-is-a-waste-of-time/20160409.htm
  39. https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/on-atul-gogvales-birthday-here-are-some-of-the-best-marathi-songs-that-ajay-atul-composed-over-the-years/articleshow/78047061.html
  40. https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/bollywood/tusshar-kapoor-on-20-years-gayab-dont-know-why-audience-didnt-like-the-dark-side-of-vishnu-prashad-article-111772001
  41. https://news24online.com/entertainment/prawal-ramans-gayab-turns-21/605347/
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  43. https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/gayab
  44. https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/gayab/20040714.htm
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