The Cinemawala

There is a metaphorical theory called Scotoma, which defines itself as the mind sees what it wishes to see. It’s really amazing how the mind reacts on seeing certain things. Somethings give us a sense of deja vu. Some people are so remarkable that you remember them even if you’ve met them once. Events which have occurred in such pattern that makes them impossible to forget, as they keep playing in the subconscious like an LP record on a loop. But can they be planted inside the head? Can there be inception of an idea, which makes it believable? ‘Drishyam’ which’s a remake of the Mohanlal starrer Malayalam blockbuster, pulls you into such an abyss of facts and counter-facts, that you keep pondering over and over with those questions.

Vijay Salgaonkar is a semi-literate honest man with a humble background. A family man, he belives in helping others. His only hobby is to watch movies at his local cable tv enterprise. An unfortunate accident involving his family trigger a series of events, which pits him against entire police dept. of Goa, led by a fierce IG. Matching wits, Vijay puts a brave fight to save his family. But will that be enough?

It can be safely said that it’s an out and out Ajay Devgn show. He brings his A-game as the brooding Vijay who is a lovable husband, caring father, a humble man much respected by the rest of the town. He enacts pain caused to his family through his eyes. A powerful actor, it reminds you of his glory days of ‘Zakhm’. Shriya Saran is very endearing in the role of Vijay’s wife. She plays her part earnestly and is very real. So are the actors playing the two daughters. The surprise of the pack is Mr. Kamlesh Sawant who played a bit and piece role in ‘Khakee’. His role of a corrupt and distastefully foul sub-inspector Gaitonde is a treat to watch on screen. Surprisingly the versatile Tabu disappoints as the IG of Police Meera Deshmukh. Introduced at the interval, she plays her part well but comes out as someone restraining herself. Tacky dialogues and the dated concept of an evil police officer, doesn’t do justice to this talented lady. If you’re looking for Tabu of ‘Haider’ or that of ‘Machhis’, you’ll be disappointed. Rajat Kapoor is efficient in his role of Meera’s husband. Rest of the cast do well.

The director Mr. Nishikant Kamat keeps his script true to the original and doesn’t deviate from it much. Hence like the movies of the late 80s’, the story sets it to pace leisurely. The characters are introduced one by one, their traits explained and events unfurl slowly. Like a meal cooked on a crock-pot, Mr. Kamat guides the story on a well traversed path and then brings it to the foreground. Suddenly the story picks up the pace and keeps the viewer hooked up to it, until the last frame. The ending is a spectacular summation of the events. Technically, the film has been well shot, although the setup looks like a little late nineties. Music by Vishal Bhardwaj is haunting compared to what’s happening on screen, especially Ghut Ta Hai Dum. Cast is perfect and direction is of top notch. A sharp editing could have made the movie much crispier but again that opinion differs from person to person.

If you can ignore the slow pace and stop looking for holes in the story, you will be enjoying it a lot. In fact, that’s advisable. Don’t look for any gaps. Go and watch the mystery unfolding. After all, seeing is believing.. Isn’t it??

The Cinemawala Rating: 3.5/5