"Raat" has its moments that could be called creepworthy, but while not necessarily formulaic in the sense that it follows the pattern of most Indian horror movies it certainly IS formulaic for Ram Gopal Varma. The "family-moves-to-a-new-house-and-guss-what-it's-haunted" theme is a staple of Varma's, but was much better done in "Vaastu Shastra". But if you want to see the "finished" version of Raat, watch Ramu's 2003 offering, "Bhoot". Still, it's difficult to flatly dislike "Raat" if for no other reason than it displays some talented lesser-known players. Of the featured cast only Om Puri could be considered a marquee actor (though Revathi, who stars in the role of Minnie and Anant Nag, the psychiatrist, both have a long list of films to their credit). But perhaps the best feature of "Raat" is the cinematography. Varma is masterful in his use of camera angles in virtually all of his films and this one is no exception. The "first-person" angle is a trademark of his and he uses it to perfection in the opening sequence and multiple others. This simple technique not only creates a good deal of suspense, it allows the director to do so without blowing a fortune on special effects. In sum, "Raat" is entertaining, avoids too many serious plot holes and is capably staged and lit. But I would recommend either "Vaastu Shastra" or "Bhoot" over it for pure horror value.
