1920 London (2016) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story unfolds across two main locations: London and the royal city of Sikar in Rajasthan, India. London serves as the modern, cosmopolitan backdrop where Veer falls ill and Shivangi seeks help, while Rajasthan provides the royal castle and old temples where exorcisms and ancient rituals take place. The contrast between these two places highlights cultural tensions and the clash between tradition and modernity.

• london
• sikar
• rajasthan
• settings
• locations

The movie is set in the 1920s, during the early 20th century. London at this time had a post-World War I atmosphere, while Rajasthan was in its royal era. This time period is marked by superstition and occult practices existing alongside urban modernity, creating a unique backdrop for the supernatural conflict.

• 1920s
• time period
• era
• 1920
• historical setting

Revenge is a central theme driven by Jai Singh Gujjar, whose vengeance manipulates events to trap Veer and confront Shivangi. The narrative tests whether vengeance can be tempered by a greater purpose. Ultimately, Jai sacrifices his own soul to free Veer, complicating the line between foe and savior and revealing the devastating cost of revenge on personal relationships and moral integrity.

Foreshadowing: Jai's initial refusal of Shivangi's plea hints at deeper resentment tied to past betrayal.

• revenge
• jai singh
• vengeance
• conflict
• cost of revenge

Shivangi's past romance with Jai and her betrayal of him fundamentally alter the course of the plot. This love triangle becomes both a weapon and a wound, shaping loyalties and the willingness to risk everything. Past choices come back to haunt present actions as forgiveness and guilt collide, with the resolution depending on confronting old wounds rather than erasing them.

Foreshadowing: Shivangi's decision to seek Jai's help despite their painful past hints at unresolved feelings.

• love
• betrayal
• shivangi
• jai
• romance
• guilt

A demon, an enchanted amulet, and a mirror-realm form the core supernatural elements of the story. The exorcist's initial failure and Jai's mastery of dark arts push the drama into a metaphysical arena. The movie treats belief and ritual as powerful forces capable of bending reality, with the climax hinging on spiritual warfare and the cost of channeling otherworldly power.

• supernatural
• demon
• amulet
• exorcism
• mirror realm
• ritual
• magic

Jai Singh Gujjar is a renowned spiritual master portrayed by Sharman Joshi, haunted by a past betrayal and a longing for power. He initially refuses Shivangi's plea for help but later accepts, driven by vengeance and a willingness to sacrifice. His complexity lies in choosing duty over personal redemption, as he ultimately traps his own soul to save Veer, blurring the line between antagonist and savior.

• jai singh gujjar
• sharman joshi
• spiritual master
• exorcist
• antagonist

Shivangi is a princess played by Meera Chopra, torn between duty, love, and fear for her husband's life. She seeks Jai's help despite a painful past romantic relationship with him, exposing long-held secrets. Her arc centers on protecting family and choosing between tradition and personal happiness, with her resilience and resolve driving the action forward.

• shivangi
• meera chopra
• princess
• protagonist
• heroine

Veer Singh is Shivangi's husband, portrayed by Vishal Malhotra, whose mysterious illness marks his descent into demon-possessed danger. He serves as both a victim and a catalyst for the supernatural conflict. His revival depends on the couple's ability to sever the demon's hold and complete a ritual that frees him from the curse, embodying the human cost of ancient curses.

• veer singh
• vishal malhotra
• husband
• victim
• possession
• cursed

Kesar Maa, played by Sushmita Mukherjee, is Shivangi's handmaiden who believes black magic explains Veer's affliction. She acts as a ritualistic guide and confidante for Shivangi, providing warnings that hint at supernatural precedence. Her role ties to the superstition that drives the exorcism and the choices around confronting the demon.

• kesar maa
• sushmita mukherjee
• handmaiden
• ritual guide
• supporting character

The story contrasts London and Rajasthan to underscore a clash of beliefs and loyalties. London represents the modern, cosmopolitan world where supernatural phenomena are foreign and frightening, while Rajasthan represents tradition, royal authority, and ancient spiritual knowledge. This geographic tension mirrors the internal conflict between modernity and superstition that the characters navigate.

• london
• rajasthan
• culture clash
• tradition
• modernity
• contrast

The 1920s setting adds a layer of historical tension, with London's post-World War I atmosphere and Rajasthan's royal era creating a world where superstition and occult practices still hold power alongside emerging urban modernity. This era provides the perfect backdrop for a story about ancient curses meeting contemporary skepticism, enhancing the film's horror elements.

• 1920s
• atmosphere
• post-ww1
• historical
• horror setting

The movie explores how channeling otherworldly power requires tremendous sacrifice. The climax hinges on spiritual warfare where Jai must sacrifice his own soul to defeat the demon and save Veer. This theme suggests that supernatural forces demand a price, and those who master dark arts risk losing their own humanity in the process.

• sacrifice
• cost
• power
• spiritual warfare
• soul
• supernatural price