Chase Episode 1: The Inside Story of Demonic Possession

Newslaundry and ScoopWhoop’s collaboration Chase released yesterday. In it, Newslaundry’s Manisha Pande takes you through the strange world of demonic possession. We asked her about the experience of making the film.

Did you ever feel any kind of supernatural energy around you?

Manisha Pande: No, not really. But I was very unnerved by some of the stuff I witnessed, especially in Mehandipur Balaji Temple. There is this chamber there called ‘Pretraj Ka Mandir’ – we weren’t allowed to shoot there but it was full of ‘possessed’ women and a few men too. That place was eerie.

What was the experience of attending the panchayat with two ojhas?

MP: It was mad. And probably the most fun I had during the shoot. I am a fan of the ojha, he kept his audience engaged for more than four hours with his singing and attempts to connect with the spirit world.

Did you believe the chicken resurrection?

MP: Haha. No. But I still can’t figure out how he did that.

Were you scared at any point?

MP: Not really. I think I was just mostly upset to see how so many people have no other option but to resort to temples and priests to deal with basic healthcare issues. Most people I spoke to had put in all their savings to make a trip to these temples and priests to get cured.

Do you still believe in possession?

MP: I think I still believe that there is a supernatural realm that we can’t explain rationally. But I didn’t witness any of it.