Madhoshi 2004

Anupama Kaul is a woman whose sister lives in New York, and one day a phone call from that sister shatters her world as she learns her sibling is killed in the terrible events of the September 11 attacks. The loss leaves Anupama devastated, carving a long shadow over her life as the years pass.

Years later, Anupama finds herself happily engaged to Arpit Oberoi. When Arpit leaves for America on business, a new man enters her orbit: a man named Aman who seems to understand her like no one else ever has. Aman presents himself as a secret agent on a mission to stamp out terrorism, and his dedication, hard work, and tender care begin to win Anupama’s trust and affection. The relationship grows quietly, sheltered from the prying eyes of her past.

As the wedding date nears, Anupama confesses to Arpit that she is deeply in love with Aman and feels she cannot marry him. Arpit’s questions follow quickly: who is Aman, where does he live, and what is the truth behind this mysterious savior? Anupama can answer, but her explanations lack tangible proof, and Arpit wonders if he even exists. Does he? The tension escalates as doubt gnaws at the relationship.

Soon the truth begins to unravel in unsettling ways. Anupama is introduced to a psychiatrist who explains that her mind has been haunted by the trauma of her sister’s death, manifesting in schizophrenia. Friends and family try to help, even as a close friend reports seeing a boy who resembles Aman. Then, almost impossibly, Aman appears to everyone—visible and real—on Anupama’s doorstep and in her life once more.

The wedding day arrives, but the mystery deepens when Aman finally reveals himself: he is really Arpit in disguise, having undergone plastic surgery. Arpit explains that his face matches Aman because he took drawings from Anupama’s own sketchbook to craft a replica, a ploy intended to secure the two families’ friendship through marriage. Anupama’s best friend demands proof, and in a pivotal moment she unveils photos of Anupama and Aman at the cinema—the problem is that Arpit was in America at the time, and the images show Aman wasn’t there. The revelation shakes Anupama to her core.

Six months later, during a psychiatrists’ conference, doctors declare Anupama the first patient cured of schizophrenia. She addresses the audience, claiming that her recovery is tied to Arpit returning to his real face in her life. They step out of the hall together, only for Aman to sprint toward their car and vanish into the distance as it speeds away. A final glance reveals him turning to dust, leaving Anupama to lean on Arpit for support as the credits roll.

Behind the central relationship, a supporting cast helps drive the tension and drama: Tabbasum adds to the ensemble, with appearances from Dolly Bindra, Naina Dhaliwal, Vikram Gokhale, and Adi Irani enriching the story with their presence. The film dives into themes of grief, perception, and the fragile line between reality and illusion, weaving a tense psychological thriller that keeps the viewer guessing about what is real until the very end.