Movie Review: Raazi, a gripping tale of Nationalism & Love
Movie Review: Raazi
Rating: 4/5
Director: Meghna Gulzar
Cast: Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Rajit Kapur, Shishir Sharma, Jaideep Ahlawat, Ashwath Bhatt, Amruta Khanvilkar, Soni Razdan
The intriguing narration holds your guts in addition to a mind-numbing performance delivered by Alia Bhatt, tension created in the second half elevates the pace. Gulzar succeeds to teleport you to the atmosphere designed by her for the film. Raazi is a powerful yet silent film, it speaks a lot without making much noise. Based on Harinder Sikka’s novel ‘Calling Sehmat’, which is inspired by true events, the film doesn’t delve too deep into the technicalities of the 1971 India-Pakistan war but instead focuses on the emotions and evolution of Sehmat. Gulzar uses Bhatt’s prowess of breaking down on demand rather generously to illustrate her inner conflict. Unlike in a book, where the writer can use monologues, Gulzar makes Bhatt weep, gasp and take deep breaths to reveal how uncomfortable and unequipped she is for the task.
Raazi doesn’t try to be very cerebral and that works tremendously in its favor. The tactics of espionage are explained in the simplest manner. Also, the film chronicles a time where a lot depended on the agent’s mental prowess than the technological advancements. That way, actors also get a chance to explore their abilities. Follow Spotlife Asia for the latest Entertainment and Lifestyle News.
Playing Sehmat is not about the maturity, it’s about the innocence; hence Raazi was impossible without Alia Bhatt. To portray the fear of getting killed all the time without overdoing it is what she has achieved. While Highway & Udta Punjab established her prowess, Raazi will take her to a different level.
Vicky Kaushal’s character Iqbal Syed is silent and subtle. It’s one of those roles in which you can’t impress by your corporeal existence but you need to do a lot by being stiff and firm. It’s tough to play such a role and Vicky yet again justifies his part.
Rajit Kapur as Alia Bhatt’s father has not much screen time but is an appropriate fit for the script. Shishir Sharma as Vicky Kaushal’s father is up to the mark and fills every blank space when it comes to portray the side of Pakistan. Jaideep Ahlawat as Khalid Mir stays honest to his character and delivers a fine performance. Amruta Khanvilkar as Munira looks eternally beautiful and does well.
Composer trio-Shankar, Ehsaan-Loy and top-gun lyricist Gulzar give you music that keeps replaying in your head. Unwittingly you are humming Ae Watan, Ae Watan, on the drive back home.
The film also refuses to depict Pakistan as an incorrigible monster and even dares to somewhat antagonise the Indian intelligence agency for its cold hearted approach to war. Although the film dodders with sending a clear anti-war message, it compensates with a fast-paced narrative which keeps you engaged.
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