This is an archive article published on August 25, 2018
Ghoul review: The series articulates perils of hyper-nationalism
Ghoul takes Indian horror content beyond the hackneyed elements of dayans/ghosts seeking revenge.
Written by Alaka SahaniUpdated: August 25, 2018 05:11 PM IST
3 min read
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The protagonist, a top-performer at a military academy, Nida Rahim (Apte), turns in her father, an intellectual with ideas that are considered “anti-government”.
Ghoul director: Patrick Graham Ghoul cast: Radhika Apte, Manav Kaul, Ratnabali Bhattacharjee Ghoul ratings: 3 stars
AS India’s first horror series on Netflix, Ghoul unsettles the viewers by fusing a critique of the current socio-political malaise with supernatural elements. Even though it unravels in a dystopian world, the three-episode series which dropped on Friday morning, makes no bones about the rising ‘nationalism’ and Islamophobia that we are currently experiencing.
Director-writer Patrick Graham, uses horror to create a bleak world under military rule. Deep distrust is prevalent among different communities and sectarian violence is common. There is a crackdown on intellectuals and people are made to believe that “terrorists are among us”. Sticking to the syllabus is the order of the day and any tendency to raise questions is quashed. The protagonist, a top-performer at a military academy, Nida Rahim (Apte), turns in her father, an intellectual with ideas that are considered “anti-government”. However, when Rahim joins Meghdoot 31, a covert detention centre, she herself is subjected to religion-based prejudice.
Most of the action of the series unfolds at the military base where interrogating officers outnumber the suspected terrorists. The base is dimly-lit and depressing. With the arrival of a new prisoner, Ali Saeed (played by Mahesh Balraj), the base turns nightmarish, evoking fear, tension and discomfort. Rahim has to fight these elements to discover the truth as the military personnel go after hyper-nationalist goals, putting their love for country before themselves and their family.
Inspired by Arabic folklore related to ‘ghoul’, an evil spirit that impersonates its latest victim whose flesh it consumes, the series is a fine example of using cross-cultural elements to aid storytelling. The series also takes Indian horror content beyond the hackneyed elements of dayans/ghosts seeking revenge. Ghoul articulates the perils of hyper-nationalism, the way Get Out (2017) talks about racial discrimination.
Ghoul layers the characters of Apte as the new recruit and Kaul as the head the operations at Meghdoot 21 with their conflict, guilt and weaknesses. The actors deftly translate these emotions on camera while Bhattacharjee as the nationalist officer creates some disturbing moments. This subversive show, can be a precursor to content that not only offer chills but also effectively deliver socially-relevant tales.
Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism.
Expertise & Accolades
In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023.
Global Industry Leadership
Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies:
Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema.
Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends.
Focus & Vision
Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More
3 min read
The protagonist, a top-performer at a military academy, Nida Rahim (Apte), turns in her father, an intellectual with ideas that are considered “anti-government”.
