'Talaash',
the thriller mystery directed by Reema Kagti is an example of a small step
towards the evolution of Bollywood industry. Talaash looked interesting and
enchanting in the trailers and promos. I, myself was waiting for a star-studded
and much publicised release of Talaash. The film was noticed and admired by a
large section of audience; but, it was equally criticised and targeted for
paranormal quotient.
‘Surjan
Shekhavat’ (Aamir Khan), a senior police inspector is assigned to solve the mysterical
accident case of a Bollywood young actor. The accident happens on the coastal
area of Mumbai and this area has a history of such unexplainable accidents. The
case of Bollywood actor will probably close under ‘A – Final’ category. Though,
Surjan is willing to go to any lengths to solve the mystery behind this
accident. At the same time, he is disturbed and feeling guilty for his little
son’s death; and is having problem with his wife, ‘Roshani’ (Rani Mukherjee). The
silence between the grieving couple grows so deep that their relation can break
at any point of time. The accident mystery starts to uncover it’s layers when
the call-girl handler ‘Shashee’ runs with a cash of 20 lacks rupees and gets
killed while blackmailing someone for more money. His punter ‘Tehmur’
(Nawazuddin Siddiqui) takes control in his own hands after Shashee dies. On the
other hand, Surjan gets a help from local prostitute named ‘Rosie’ (Kareena
Kapoor) in this intricate scenario. Besides the help, Surjan feels comfortable
in the company of Rosie and the emotional bond between them tightens making
them care for each other. After a while, Surjan succeeds in finding Shashee’s
links to Tehmur. Now, everything depends upon Tehmur getting the cash from
third party and Surjan trailing him. The story is gripping and entangling till
this point; but towards the end, it takes a very different turn proving the
accidents paranormal.
I must
say, whatever the story is and however it is being showed; Reema Kagti surely
did the homework on each character’s mind-set and their appearance. But, a
little more work on the story would have been fruitful because some questions
remain unanswered. (Forgive me if I reveal any major points while pointing out
the doubts) If Rosie is waiting for an ideal, virtuous man to help her take her
revenge and she meets her kind of man, Surjan who is also police officer; then
why she plays the game including Tehmur who may lack in all she wants.
Secondly, If only Surjan can see Rosie; how is it possible for Tehmur to come
in this ghostly scenario and talk to her. Secondly, There is a scene involving
Rosie and Tehmur at the Phone booth stall. There should have been a reaction
shot of the Booth owner watching Tehmur. Because when we understand all the
spiritual connections, it could’ve made sense. And I’m writing about this
directional point because the writer-director of this film is a same person. Thirdly,
if Rosie only wants the death of Armaan and Sanjay, then why she speaks harshly
to dying Tehmur about taking advantage and benefits when Tehmur was actually
helping her in some ways.
I felt
little betrayed when story Inclined towards Spirits and Paranormal activities
as I had expected different outcome. Still, I’m okay with the writer-director
Reema Kagti’s version as it is her story; not mine. If we start looking at the
positive points, then there are many. First few scenes of the film were ‘never
seen before’ start for me. Themur and Rosie’s involvement in the film grew step
by step. Even, the minor character like Shashee’s girlfriend gave insight to
Themur’s cunning character. In 1 or 2 scenes, Rosie played with a white flower
while she was talking to Surjan at her private spot. This white flower leads
Surjan to the spot where Rosie was buried 3 years ago. And more than that, film’s central theme of
Surjan Shekhavat and Roshni’s inner troubles coming to the peaceful end is
impactful. Though, It is not so easy to digest, the leading characters make u
feel sad, confused, betrayed and satisfied. The writer duo, Reema Kagti – Zoya Akhtar
successfully plants minor sub-plots like the use of a sim-card by Themur or blackmailing
and counter-attack on Shashee.
Reema
Kagti is effortlessly perfect at her direction. One can see the layers she puts
on each character. Cinematographer K. U. Mohanan beautifies each frame;
specially the Red light areas. Music by Ram Sampath can hold one’s breath.
Actors did the best job. They essayed each character as the script demanded. I
must say, I would’ve liked the film more if it had been entirely about the
thriller mystery; But the narration by Reema Kagti is also wonderful to watch.
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