Andhadhun: Scintillating Suspence!

Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, Radhika Apte & others

Language: Hindi

Release: October 5, 2018

Nikhil’s Rating: **** (4 Stars)

Spoiler-Free

Andhadhun as I have mentioned in my title is probably one of the most thrilling movies I have had the pleasure of watching in 2018. 

Akash (Ayushmann Khurrana) is a blind piano player. The blind state is not a hurdle for Akash as one of the first slide states: What is life? It all depends on the liver. His fingers glide on the piano to accentuate every note of the drama and thrill that ensues after he gets embroiled in a murder. As a taut thriller warrants, there is very little use of the most commonly used devices: A background score. When it is used, it is used with great effect. The audience is left guessing as to what could happen next. The suspense is palpable and the patrons are glued to their seats throughout the movie.

Ayushmann Khurrana breathes life into Akash by portraying his character with utmost honesty. He has really come a long way since his debut film Vicky Donor (2012). This movie fits in the genre of a Crime/Thriller but also has dollops of  intelligent humour in all the commotion caused. Ashwini Kalsekar a popular actress, provides a sense of comic relief in the movie. Her interactions with her husband police inspector Manav Vij are just an example of the unending highlights of the film.

Click/Tap on the Poster above for Andhadhun‘s Official Trailer

Tabu delivers a complex character as Simi Sinha with great depth and ease. It’s a character that will certainly stay with the audience  Radhika Apte as Sophie and Akash’s acquaintance is also integral to the screenplay.The other actors, even though cast in small parts leave a great impact on the viewer.

KU Mohanan the Cinematographer does a stellar job when it comes to creating the noir look. He delves into the gritty and dark mood of Andhadhun with his beautiful framing and camera movements.

Shriram Raghavan as a director delivers a solid film and keeps the curiosity and intrigue of the audience alive by not wasting a single frame or second. His direction elevates the impact of the screenplay. I usually complain about a film having length issues. Andhadhun is not one of those films. It is paced leisurely and for  a good reason. It leaves a lump in the audience’s throat and is hard to forget, long after the film’s end credits role.  

Every scene/shot has a specific purpose- just like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The audience has to pay rapt attention. As a result patrons are engulfed in the journey throughout. I did not even look at the watch or my phone for a second- It is a testament to the brilliance in the story and its telling. Pooja Ladha Surti’s editing is taut as the screenplay & genre demands. One HAS to watch Andhadhun on the big screen to enjoy this rollercoaster of a film. ONE WORD: Brilliant – Do NOT Miss this one. It’s a rare combination of crime, thrill and dark comedy. Do NOT miss the BEGINNING too. Its non conventional approach and treatment is Andhadhun’s  biggest triumph!

#ShriramRaghavan #Thriller #Tabu #KUMohanan #HindiFilm #Comedy #Drama #AyushmannKhurrana #RadhikaApte #Humour #Noir #Suspence #Crime