Movie: Talaash
Director: Reema Kagti
Cast: Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor and Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Rating: ***1/2
To watch “Talaash” and come to the conclusion whether the unthinkable twist (at least for few in the audience) was worth the time and money is debatable. However, what’s more debatable is whether the screen cop avatar of Aamir, as a specialist at work, yet a struggling husband and grieving father at home, works in the favor of the film or not. The answer to these questions lies within each and every one of us who’ve watched or yet to watch this film.
Following the mysterious death of Armaan Kapoor (Vivan Bhatena), a famous film star, who drives his car straight into a boardwalk and plunges into the sea, Inspector Surjan Singh Shekhawat (Aamir Khan) is sucked into the investigation mode. As Surjan desperately tries to solve the case by spending long and lonely nights searching for clues in the darkest corners of Mumbai, he’s befriended by a hooked named Rosy (Kareena), with whom he forms an unlikely relationship. Will Surjan solve the case? If yes, then how forms the rest of the story.
Akin to the title of the film “Talaash”, every character in the film is in search of something. Surjan is in search of clues that will help him close the case, while his wife Roshni (Rani Mukerji) is in search of moments she can relive with her husband who’s still grieving the loss of their only son. Likewise, all other characters are in search of something that’ll eventually change the course of their lives forever.
The film meanders at snail’s pace and one needs to be highly patient to sit through the film. Reema and Zoya have successfully redefined the cop genre, which is usually known for films that promise lot of high-octane action. Though Reema builds the journey leading up to the climax intelligently, it isn’t too hard to see what’s coming provided you pay attention to every detail from the minute go. Suspense thrillers are a rarity in Bollywood, but with films such as “Kahaani” and “Talaash” now, you can proudly say times are changing and the future seems bright.
The film’s strength is its impeccable performances by the characters. From a conniving gangster in “Gangs of Wasseypur”, Nawazuddin’s role as Tehmur, the limping pimp’s right hand is outstanding. As rightly pointed out by many, he definitely is a chameleon. Rani portrays brilliance in her role as Aamir’s accommodative and struggling wife, without making her character look sympathetic. Aamir as Surjan is emotionally very expressive and fearsome with his furrowed brow and moustache. It takes him just one scene – where he slaps and stares into the eyes of a pimp’s sidekick who tries to stop him from rescuing one of the girls from the brothel – to show what this actor can bring to the table. Lastly, Kareena’s role with adequate amount of vigor and heart is commendable and most likely one of her best performances of recent times.
Reema’s technical team elevates the film to certain height that’s bereft of criticism. Mohanan’s cinematography leaves a gloomy feeling to the entire setting of the film, while Ram Sampath’s music is uplifting and totally apt. Thankfully, songs in the film are part of the narrative and don’t break the flow of the film at any instance.