12 “o” CLOCK (2021) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
12 “o” CLOCK (2021) Review
12 “o” CLOCK (2021) — a Hindi horror, thriller movie directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The cast includes Makrand Deshpande, Mithun Chakraborty, Manav Kaul. Aahuti a metaphysics student from Delhi, shifts to Mumbai to be close to her fiancee, what happens next when she discovers the apartment she lives in is haunted. Our Rating: 1.25/5. Verdict: DISASTER. Released: 8 Jan 2021. Runtime: 1h 45m.
12 “o” CLOCK(2021)
Some where between science and spirits, fear lies deepest.
Hindi · Horror, Thriller
1h 45m · 8 Jan 2021
DOP: Amol Rathod | Writer: Ram Gopal Varma
Ratings
Our Rating
1.25
📖 Story
12 “o” CLOCK is a Hindi horror thriller that revolves around a psychiatrist who encounters supernatural events while treating a patient suffering from dissociative identity disorder. The story explores themes of possession, mental health, and the blurred lines between reality and the paranormal. As the narrative unfolds, the psychiatrist's own life is thrown into chaos as he confronts dark forces beyond his understanding.
12 “o” CLOCK attempts to blend psychological thriller elements with supernatural horror, but the execution falls short in delivering a cohesive and gripping experience. The story premise is intriguing, focusing on mental health intertwined with paranormal activity, yet the screenplay struggles to maintain tension and clarity throughout the film. The pacing is uneven; the first half builds some suspense with a slow-burn approach, but the second half becomes rushed and confusing, diluting the impact of the climax.
The film's background score and sound design try to enhance the eerie atmosphere but often feel repetitive and fail to elevate the scares effectively. There are no notable songs or musical numbers, which is typical for the genre, but the lack of a memorable BGM track diminishes the overall mood. Cinematography by Amol Rathod captures some chilling visuals, but the technical aspects cannot compensate for the weak narrative structure and inconsistent direction.
Overall, 12 “o” CLOCK is a mixed bag that might appeal to hardcore horror fans but disappoints those looking for a tightly woven thriller. The film's attempt at psychological depth is undermined by a convoluted screenplay and lack of emotional engagement.
Makrand Deshpande: Delivers a sincere performance but is limited by the script's shallow character development.
Mithun Chakraborty: Makes a brief but impactful appearance, adding gravitas to the film.
Manav Kaul: Shows earnestness but struggles with inconsistent writing.
Ashish Vidhyarthi: Adequate in a supporting role with limited screen time.
Dalip Tahil: Performs competently but is underutilized.
Ali Asgar: Provides some relief but is overshadowed by the film’s serious tone.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Interesting premise combining psychological and supernatural elements
- ✓Some atmospheric cinematography
- ✓Strong supporting cast presence
- ✓Occasional effective suspense moments
Weaknesses
- ✕Weak and confusing screenplay
- ✕Uneven pacing with a rushed second half
- ✕Lack of memorable background score
- ✕Limited character development
- ✕Fails to fully engage emotionally or intellectually
🎬 Direction & Writing
Ram Gopal Varma attempts to craft a psychological horror thriller but falters due to a disjointed narrative and inconsistent tone. The direction lacks the finesse needed to balance horror and psychological drama, resulting in a film that feels fragmented and underwhelming.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 2.5 | |
| 2.5 | |
| 2.5 | |
| 2.5 | |
| 3.3 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 20% |
| Neutral | 30% |
| Negative | 50% |
Critics
Critics generally gave mixed to negative reviews for 12 “o” CLOCK, citing its promising concept but poor execution. The film was noted for its atmospheric visuals but criticized for its confusing screenplay and lack of effective scares. Audience reactions were similarly divided, with horror enthusiasts appreciating the attempt but mainstream viewers finding it lacking.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did 12 “o” CLOCK release in theatres?▾
12 “o” CLOCK released on 8 January 2021 (2021).
Is 12 “o” CLOCK a hit or flop?▾
12 “o” CLOCK is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Where to watch 12 “o” CLOCK online? OTT release date?▾
12 “o” CLOCK is available on Prime Video. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed 12 “o” CLOCK?▾
12 “o” CLOCK directed by Ram Gopal Varma. Produced by Ram Gopal Varma.
Who are the main cast members of 12 “o” CLOCK?▾
12 “o” CLOCK stars Makrand Deshpande, Mithun Chakraborty, Manav Kaul, Ashish Vidhyarthi, Dalip Tahil.
What is the Tollybo rating for 12 “o” CLOCK?▾
Tollybo rates 12 “o” CLOCK 1.25/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
What is the genre and runtime of 12 “o” CLOCK?▾
12 “o” CLOCK — Genre: Horror, Thriller, Runtime: 105 minutes, Language: Hindi.