Paheli (translation: Riddle) is a 2005 Indian Hindi-language fantasy film directed by Amol Palekar and produced by Gauri Khan.

The supporting cast includes Anupam Kher, Amitabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawla and Suniel Shetty.

Paheli opened at the 9th Zimbabwe International Film Festival at the Libertie Cinema Complex in Harare.

[3] Paheli was released on 24 June 2005, and proved to be a moderate commercial success at the box office, grossing ₹32 crore worldwide.

[4] Though Paheli diverges from its source material and the earlier adaptations in giving the plot and its lead female character a more feminist agency.

Later, on their marriage night, Lachchi is shocked to learn that Kishanlal, who is a dutiful son, will honour his father's wish to begin a new, far-away business on a predetermined auspicious date, which happens to be the very next day.

On the night, Kishanlal turns away from his wife to finish his bookkeeping and, in the early morning hours, sets off on a business trip to Jamnagar that is to last five years.

The next day, the ghost appears in Bhanwarlal's house, having taken Kishanlal's shape and voice because of his own attachment to Lachchi.

The sage was happy with his treatment and granted him a boon for five gold coins every single morning for the rest of his life.

Bhanwarlal is against this, as he believes that Kishanlal's brother, Sunderlal, left home after being embarrassed for losing a similar race seven years ago.

The family initially considers the real Kishanlal to be an imposter and disregards him, but he produces many witnesses and evidences of his authenticity.

While Lachchi gives birth to a baby girl, Lunima, Sunderlal also returns home, and apologises to Gajrobai for his disappearance for so long, and reunites with his family.

In a twist ending, it is revealed that the ghost had already escaped from the bottle and taken possession of Kishanlal's body to live with Lachchi.

[3] Taran Adarsh from Bollywood Hungama gave it 4/5 stars and said: "On the whole, Paheli is one of the finest films produced in recent times.

A film like this proves yet again that we don't need to seek inspiration from outsiders [read Hollywood], when Indian literature is rich enough to provide us with captivating stories.

Watching Paheli is quite an experience, and it's from the very opening shot of the film that its sheer, magical palette overwhelms us.