Chehre (2021/ Mystery Thriller)
Director – Rumy Jafry
Writers – Ranjit Kapoor, Rumy Jafry
Cast – Amitabh Bachhan, Emraan Hashmi, Annu Kapoor, Dhritiman Chatterjee, Krystal D’souza, Rhea Chakraborty, Sidhhant Kapoor
Plot
“Law is a fact. Justice is abstract.”
“We are in the business of law, not justice”
Remember these lines by Akshay Khanna?
Well, based on this theme, Chehre brings us a refreshing story woven around few very interesting characters who make it their business to ensure that justice is delivered.
A hot shot, ambitious man takes shelter in a mansion where a bunch of retired people, to pass time, egg him on to a play a bizarre game that gets more and more baffling!
Analysis
Cold, snow capped and frozen geographical expanse and a huge mysterious mansion in the middle of no-where lend the film superb intriguing kickstart. We are then introduced to the super interesting characters played by a great set of actors.
The cryptic dialogues shrouded in mystery and even more mystifying behaviours take the story forward and the atmospherics ensure an uncertainty and danger hanging in the air.
The queer proceedings get more baffling till you start guessing what’s around the corner. But beyond a broad guess, lies the curiosity to know the fine details and the outcome.
The film is a wonderful treat for those who love off beat mystery thrillers and who do not mind their thrillers slow.
I loved the way the director writer duo have gradually build up the plot in a typical slow burn style. The dialogues and performances rule the roost here. Every expression, every dialogue needs your rapt attention to be able to soak in the pleasure and mystery of it. Deciphering it bit by bit is the fun here rather than trying to reach the goal post and declaring the outcome. The film is not those for those who love to guess the verdict and ignore the proceedings.
There are parts that you might feel linger on more than required but avid watchers like me would find something to enjoy even there.
The film at times reminded me of Fahaad Fasil’s Irul, a slow thriller which I loved for its atmospherics and Fahaad Fasil’s performance.
The background score by Clinton Cerejo is good. Binod Pradhan’s cinematography ensures that the actors’ expressions keep you engrossed with close ups and the premises and expanses build up the required atmospherics.
Performances
Amitabh Bachchan is truly the Big B even here. Flawless and fantastic as always, he bites into his role with a gusto. He’s so seasoned that even the way he renders his dialogues is a pleasure.
Emraan Hashmi, the subtle quiet star and a bankable actor, he impresses with an at-par performance that has all the wonderful shades that an actor could want. And he paints them well.
Annu Kapoor is a pleasure with his trademark sense of humour and punjabi diction.
Dhritiman Chaterjee, after Pink, again impresses with a subdued nuanced portrayal.
Krystle D’souza, Rhea Chakroborty and Siddhant Kapoor lend in good support.
It’s a slow burn thriller that keeps you gripped with its refreshing storytelling style.
The cast, performances, dialogues and mystique make it a pleasure to watch.
Score 3.5 on 5