Talvar : It s not easy to make a
film on a real life case that has been under constant public scrutiny. It is even more difficult
when a book has been written and a film has already been made on it. It becomes all the more tricky in an age when
all pervading media has “cracked” the case several times over and declared the
instant verdict. Yet Vishal Bharadwaj
and Meghna Gulzar decide to tread the path already traveled and yet present a compelling
and unique dimension to the sordid saga. Their Talwar is as much about the
double murder as it is about a system that has become dysfunctional and a society
that has become voyeuristic.
The cleverly written, watertight
script uses acid wit to reflect on the glaring procedural failures. It is a
film with multiple layers. On one hand it presents a disturbing picture of the
way media, police and judiciary functions. On the other hand it subtly forces
us to think how voyeuristic and insensitive we have become. Though presented in
a Rashomon style narrative, where each investigative team has a different perspective
on how the crime would have been committed, Gulzar and Bharadwaj somewhere subtly
lets us know where their heart lies. And that is probably the only let down in
an otherwise riveting piece of work that reflects on the police procedure.
Irrfan, playing the character of
Arun Kumar, the then CBI Jt. Director, is in sublime form. He plays a complex
character that is going through turbulence in personal life with aplomb. To put
it mildly, when he appears on screen, you can’t take your eyes off him! Gajraj
Rao as the first investigating officer perfectly plays the role of an insensitive
pot bellied, pan chewing cop that we come across so often. Unfortunately Neeraj
Kabi & Konkona Sen Sharma, two otherwise fine actors, don’t have much to
portray in Talvar.
But the standing ovation is
reserved for the director – writer duo of Meghna Gulzar & Vishal Bharadwaj.They
have put in quite a bit of effort in researching the subject. Gulzar comes out
of a long hiatus with all guns blazing. Her direction is astute and mature. She
takes up a complex and nuanced project and makes a very fine film. Bhardwaj’s
writing is superb. Using black humour to drive his point he makes a scathing attack
on the apathetic and incompetent police procedural, overeager media and an
overworked judicial system. Watch out for the climax where the two
investigating teams confront each other. While you helplessly watch the mockery
and feel the pain, Gulzar- Bharadwaj’s satire also makes you laugh impromptu. And
then suddenly you become aware how terrible that feeling can be; to laugh and
feel guilty simultaneously.
And that is what Talvar does to you.
I will go out with four out of five for this gripping documentary thriller. Yes,
truth is stranger than fiction!
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