The Cinemawala

Time travel, for many years now, has kept scientists and the commoners in a bind. The men and women of science have always been interested in space and time fabric and how they interact with each other. Many have been curious about travelling backwards in time and altering the course of action, thus changing the future. Though science is yet to make any breakthrough in actual time-traveling, this enigmatic theory has given rise to books, films, and web shows that weave tales about the journey back into time. The director Anurag Kashyap’s latest film ‘Dobaara’ is the new entrant to this list.

Based on the Spanish film ‘Mirage’, Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Dobaara’ is a faithful remake, if not a frame-by-frame copy of its original film. A fateful, stormy night in 1996 gets linked to another such night in 2021. Knowledge of the past ends up tampering with the future. And thus begins a search for a woman who unknowingly makes decisions that influence more than just her fate. Do watch the film to find out more.

Indian cinema’s Enfant terrible Anurag Kashyap’s brand of filmmaking is, for lack of a better word, genre-bending. Over the years, his filmmaking has grown in leaps and bounds. Do not judge his films by the amount of money they make. Rather, judge him on his storytelling and his craft. Despite remaking a film that’s available on Netflix, he ensures that he infuses it with his trademark style of satire. The film runs at a breakneck speed thanks to its rapidly changing scenarios in both timelines—present and past. And as a viewer, you remain deeply invested in the story; it keeps you glued to it with its twists and turns. Despite being a film that keeps the mystery alive in its central premise, one cannot help but notice the subtle touches about marital discord, distant relationships, and people falling out of love. This makes the film a superior product, even more than its original.

Taapsee Pannu, as always, raises the bar with her effortless acting. She completely owns the film as a woman caught between her past and present. Pavail Gulati and Saswata Chatterjee, in their respective roles, are quite brilliant. Vidushi Mehta, Sukant Goel, and Himanshi Chowdhury play their parts well. But the scene-stealer is Rahul Bhatt. As a man who’s caught in the ‘act’ in both timelines, he brings the house down with his epic portrayal. Post ‘Ugly’ (2013), this will be one of his most recognisable roles.

Unlike Kashyap’s other films, ‘Dobaara’ is not political or subversive. Yet, under the disguise of science fiction, between two failed marriages across two different timelines, it becomes a social commentary of crumbling relationships, unable to bear the load of expectations of individuals. And that’s where Anurag Kashyap wins hands down. That’s where cinema wins hands down.

‘Dobaara’ is now playing in theatres. The running time is two hours and fifteen minutes.

The Cinemawala Rating: 3/5