 Based on the complex theme of black magic, Ram Gopal Verma's new horror flick, Phoonk, fails to create any magic in the theater as the audience finds no element of the movie scary. In fact, it even fails to leave the impression that Ramu's previous horror flick, Raat and Bhoot had on the audience's mind. The director has earlier claimed that his style of making a scary movie is different from that of 'Ramsay Brothers' films' where a woman in a white saree carrying a candle is seen in an isolated place. But Ramu himself is repeating the same special effects and close shots in his films to create fear among the audience.
No matter he has his own style of cinematography and always try to come out with powerful presentation, but in recent past he has struggled to find a good script. A script that is strong enough to prove his credential once again among his loyal audience who has now lost their trust in him after Aag, Contract and Darling. Phoonk, too, is a movie that has some fine performances but misses storyline that could hold the nerves of the audience.
 Phoonk revolves around the family of Rajiv (Sudeep), an engineer, who fires Madhu (Ashwini Khalsekar) and Anshuman (Kenny Desai), his trusted associated for messing the accounts of his company. They act in retaliation and ends up executing black magic on Rajiv's daughter Raksha (Ahsaas Channa). An evil spirit captures little Raksha and tries to kill her. From here begins, a series of unusual things happening in this family and a feeling of being insecure in their own house.
As a twist in the story, we see the rationalist and an atheist engineer turning into a believer of the supernatural while Aarti turns her back on God and believes that science could only cure her daughter.
 Science and doctors fail to overcome the spiritual power on Raksha and she is ultimately saved by a tantrik. It is here when Phoonk tries to assert the existence of Black Magic and impotency of modern science over it.
To create suspense and horror, the camera focuses on all stuffed toys, animal decorations, maid servant's eyes, a black cat, and most importantly a black crow. But to much surprise, all these elements fails to shiver the audience. Technically, only two scenes of the film captures the mood. First when Rajiv's mirror image remain still despite his movement and second when Amma's (Rajiv's mother) hand gets longer while passing a lemon to the maid. Rest are quite cool.
Sudeep stands out with an excellent performance. Amruta Khanvilkar comes out well as a worrying mother. Baby Ahsaas Channa makes a strong impression. She wins you over with her performance. Ashwini Khalsekar has played her part perfectly. K K Raina and Lilette Dubey, as doctors have done quite a good job. Zakir Hussain as a tantric have performed brilliantly. All other artists have lend a fair support.
Savita Singh's cinematography is superb. Music by Amar Mohile fits well in the film. Sound designing by Kunal Mehta and Parikshit Lalwani is another adding factor to the film. Technically the film is great but lacks a good script and storyline.
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