Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past (2026) Review!!

Synopsis – A man seeks refuge in a remote Indian mountain mansion, fleeing his past. He discovers the house harbors sinister secrets, pain, and terror ready to torment him.

My Take – When Haunted – 3D (2011) arrived, it was celebrated as a breakthrough for being Indian cinema’s first convincing use of 3D technology, particularly in the horror genre. More than being a novelty, it was celebrated for successfully combining supernatural horror with a tragic love story and time-travel elements. And buoyed by an engaging screenplay and a melodic soundtrack, the film ended up achieving modest box office success despite mixed reviews.

Unfortunately, director Vikram Bhatt quickly exhausted the technique with misfires like Dangerous Ishhq (2012) and Creature 3D (2014), though Raaz 3D (2012) found commercial traction it remains memorable for being creatively uninspired. Fifteen years later, Bhatt reunites with lead actor Mahaakshay (Mimoh) Chakraborty for a spiritual sequel to once again attempt to blend horror, romance, and time travel for a new generation.

But while the premise holds promise, and the leads deliver competent performances with occasional atmospheric moments, yet unlike its predecessor’s experimental edge, this film suffers from clumsy execution, ineffective scares, and deplorable CGI that repeatedly breaks immersion—fatal flaws for a supernatural narrative.

Sure, Bhatt’s direction shows flashes of genre instinct, revisiting his familiar palette of haunted palaces, restless spirits, and a protagonist cursed with second sight. But in an era where filmmakers prove that strong writing and inventive storytelling can transcend limited budgets, this effort feels dated and unimaginative. Scale may be restricted, but imagination should never be.

For fans nostalgic for early-2000s horror and familiar tropes, the ghostly tale may carry a certain charm. But, for those seeking psychological depth, sharp writing, and genuinely terrifying imagery, however, the film is likely to disappoint.

The story follows Dev (Mahaakshay Chakraborty), a celebrated film director who, reeling from betrayal by his girlfriend, retreats from Mumbai with his cousin Titu (Gaurav Bajpai) in search of distance from his glamorous lifestyle. Their journey leads them to the remote, fictional village of Maniktal, where they rent a centuries-old palace-turned-hotel—an imposing structure shrouded in mystery and silence.

Soon, Dev notices that the palace’s entire right wing is sealed shut, a forbidden section no one dares to enter. Even Yamini (Shruti Prakash), an employee from the heritage restoration department, cannot explain its secrets. But one night, Dev discovers the doors inexplicably open, drawing him into the presence of Sunehri (Chetna Pande), a hauntingly beautiful woman imprisoned by a supernatural force.

As Dev becomes obsessed with freeing her, those around him dismiss his visions as madness. Yet he remains convinced of a deeper bond between them. Together with Titu and Shruti, he begins unraveling the palace’s buried history, forcing him to confront echoes of his lost love and the restless spirits that refuse to let the past die.

What begins as an intriguing premise quickly unravels into a predictable, repetitive narrative. The screenplay leans heavily on worn-out horror tropes—creaking doors, shadowy figures, and loud jump scares—without offering anything fresh to the genre. The emotional core, centered on Dev and Sunehri’s relationship, is underdeveloped, leaving little reason for the audience to invest in their fate.

The film’s mountain setting occasionally lends an eerie backdrop, and a handful of sequences inside the mansion hint at the gothic horror atmosphere it could have achieved. The background score builds tension in places, particularly in the first half, but like much of Vikram Bhatt’s horror work, the music, though good, proves forgettable once the credits roll.

The real weakness lies in the screenplay. Pacing drags, dialogues feel dated, and several scenes unintentionally provoke laughter rather than fear. Despite its supernatural framework, the film delivers almost no genuine horror. The mystery sustains some intrigue, but a ghostly figure appearing on-screen is no longer enough to unsettle modern audiences.

Most damaging is the technical execution. Where the 2011 release earned praise for its dark, immersive atmosphere enhanced by 3D, this film undermines itself with flat, uneven CGI. Instead of a tangible, lived-in environment, viewers are left with visuals that break immersion and expose the film’s limitations.

The performances are uneven, weighed down by the limitations of a dated script. Mahaakshay Chakraborty delivers a sincere turn, convincingly portraying Dev’s inner turmoil. He shows clear growth since his 2011 outing, but clunky dialogues often undermine his effort. Chetna Pande brings beauty and presence to the screen, yet her underwritten role leaves her little room to demonstrate range.

Praneet Bhatt injects menace into his villainous part, while Gaurav Bajpai, Hemant Pandey, Shruti Prakash, Krutika Desai, and Mannveer Choudharry handle their roles competently, though none are given material strong enough to leave a lasting impression. On the whole, ‘Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past‘ is an uneven supernatural thriller that instead of fresh nightmares settles for dated tropes, weak VFX, and minimal scares.