- Nikhil Bhagwat
Karwaan: A Wheel that doesn’t jam!
Updated: Feb 21, 2023
Cast: Irrfan Khan , Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar, Kriti Kharbanda, Amala Akkineni, Nipun Dharmadikari & others
Runtime: 1 Hour 54 Minutes (114 Minutes)
Direction: Akarsh Khurana
Nikhil’s Rating: ***1/2
How many times have you gone into a movie with moderate expectations and have exited the theatre completely surprised? 2018 has been a fairly good year for content-driven films. Of late, I have for the most part had a bad time at the movies. Is it probably because my expectations from the films were too high? Well, maybe. Kaarwaan is a film that is an experience that I certainly did not regret taking. In fact, I am glad I did. As the title suggests, Kaarwaan is used in a well known adage in Hindi: Log judte gaye,“Kaarwaan” banta gaya. For all those who haven’t understood: Life & people find a commonality somewhere or the other in life – The one line could describe the essence of the film. I have one thing to say: Irrfan Khan, get well soon! We want to see you act. It was very unfortunate not to see him promoting the film. But health comes first. He is simply outstanding. As Shaukhat, he brings the house down with virtually every scene. Dulquer Salmaan as Avinash, acts with ease and restrain. Mithila Palkar represents the generation of today. She is carefree and easygoing. It doesn’t feel like it is her first Hindi film. The camaraderie between the three leads carries the film. In fact, every cast member has done full justice to their role. Bejoy Nambiar’s story is light-hearted, entertaining and also philosophical in some places. But he has struck a right balance. Akarsh Khurana who has partnered to write the screenplay with Adhir Bhat keeps a simple story entertaining. In fact, the film has moments that leave the audience in splits. A lot of thought has gone into writing this screenplay and it is definitely not easy. The dialogues by Husain Dalal are gems. Full credit to the writers. Akarsh Khurana’s direction is commendable. He elevates the screenplay and dialogue to deliver a laugh-a-riot throughout. Bengaluru & Kochi have never looked so good on film. It is through Avinash Arun’s lens that the audience is privy to their sheer beauty; especially, in the aerial shots. The Original Soundtrack, or OST for short, suits the environment and mood of the movie. What is even better is that the plot doesn’t break into unnecessary songs and dance numbers. It is also not a long film. At a crisp 114 minutes, it is a film that is done right and is breezy. It will leave a warm and fuzzy feeling.
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