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Gayab (2004) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Gayab (2004) Review

Gayab (2004), a Hindi comedy, drama, fantasy movie starring Tusshar Kapoor, Antara Mali, is reviewed here. Directed by Prawaal Raman. When Vishnu Prasad Singh wishes he were invisible, the last thing he expects is that it would really happen. Once he cannot be seen, he turns to take revenge on all he thinks have wronged him. Our Rating: 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER. Released: 16 Jul 2004. Runtime: 2h 18m.

Gayab
DISASTER

Gayab(2004)

Hindi · Comedy, Drama, Fantasy

2h 18m · 16 Jul 2004

Music: Amar Mohile | DOP: Pietro Zuercher | Writer: N/A

Fantasy

Ratings

IMDbIMDb4.4
LetterboxdLetterboxd2.9
Metacritic UserMetacritic User0
TMDBTMDB41
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience14

Our Rating

1.75

📖 Story

Gayab is a supernatural thriller centered around Vikas, a shy and introverted man who discovers he has the power to become invisible. As he learns to harness this ability, he uses it to overcome personal and social challenges, but soon the power begins to corrupt him, leading to unforeseen consequences. The story explores themes of loneliness, power, and morality as Vikas's invisibility becomes both a blessing and a curse.

🔍 Analysis

Gayab presents an intriguing premise with its blend of supernatural elements and psychological drama. The story is engaging in concept but suffers from uneven screenplay execution, especially in the pacing. The first half sets up the narrative well, introducing the protagonist's struggles and the discovery of his invisibility power with a decent build-up. However, the second half falters with a predictable climax and some lapses in narrative cohesion.

The screenplay attempts to balance thriller elements with emotional depth, but the transitions sometimes feel abrupt, affecting the overall flow. The pacing is moderate, with moments of tension interspersed with slower, introspective scenes. The songs are minimal and situational, not particularly memorable, but the background score by Amar Mohile effectively enhances the suspense and eerie atmosphere, complementing the film's tone.

Cinematography by Pietro Zuercher captures the mood well, using lighting and framing to emphasize the protagonist's isolation and the supernatural aspects. Overall, while Gayab has a novel concept and some technical strengths, it struggles with narrative consistency and impact.

🎭 Performances

Tusshar Kapoor: Delivers a sincere and earnest portrayal of a socially awkward man grappling with newfound powers, though limited by the script.

Antara Mali: Provides a supportive yet understated performance, adding emotional grounding to the story.

Raghubir Yadav: Offers a solid character role with natural ease.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Unique supernatural thriller concept
  • ✓Effective background score enhancing suspense
  • ✓Strong cinematography capturing mood
  • ✓Tusshar Kapoor's earnest performance
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Uneven screenplay and pacing
  • ✕Predictable second half
  • ✕Limited impact of songs
  • ✕Narrative cohesion issues

🎬 Direction & Writing

Prawaal Raman's direction shows promise with a fresh concept and atmospheric treatment, but the storytelling lacks tightness and fails to maintain consistent engagement throughout.

📰 Critic Reviews

No critic reviews found yet.

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IMDbIMDb
4.4
LetterboxdLetterboxd
2.9
Metacritic UserMetacritic User
0
TMDBTMDB
41
Rotten Tomatoes AudienceRotten Tomatoes Audience
14

Our Rating

1.75/5
★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive30%
Neutral40%
Negative30%

Critics

Critics acknowledged Gayab's novel premise and Tusshar Kapoor's committed performance but pointed out the film's inconsistent screenplay and pacing issues. The background score and cinematography received praise for enhancing the film's eerie atmosphere. Overall, the reception was mixed, appreciating the attempt but noting its shortcomings in execution.

Final Box-Office Result

DISASTER

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Gayab release in theatres?▾

Gayab released on 16 July 2004 (2004).

Is Gayab a hit or flop?▾

Gayab is declared a DISASTER at the box office.

Where to watch Gayab online? OTT release date?▾

Gayab OTT release date not announced yet.

Who directed Gayab?▾

Gayab directed by Prawaal Raman. Produced by Ram Gopal Varma.

Who are the main cast members of Gayab?▾

Gayab stars Tusshar Kapoor, Antara Mali.

What is the Tollybo rating for Gayab?▾

Tollybo rates Gayab 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER.

Who composed the music for Gayab?▾

Music for Gayab composed by Amar Mohile.

What is the genre and runtime of Gayab?▾

Gayab — Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Runtime: 138 minutes, Language: Hindi.

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