2020, Hindi, Netflix, 7.3/10 IMBD, Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane
A Cinema Vérité kind realistic film without much embellishments, disappoints when it yields to the template of ‘The Hero’s Journey’.
Yogita Bihani with her camera, shadowing the director 24X7, feels more like a virtual extension of the Netflix’s ‘Creative Indian’ series, that featured Anurag Kashyap in one episode. The ‘movie’ unfolds through the view finder’s perspective, like a ‘found footage’ genre.
The real names of actor Anil Kapoor and director Anurag Kashyap in the Suchitra Tyagi’s interview, reinforces the documentary narrative. The public humiliation of the two is the crux of the film. The unabated social media version of Anurag versus the CRED ad type real life of Anil Kapoor is captivating.
The credibility of the film maker’s intention are evident in the mirror shots reflecting Yogita shouldering the camera. The ambitious long takes should be rewards of meticulous rehearsing and spontaneity of the actors.
The kidnap scenario of Sonam Kapoor and Harsh Kapoor’s reverence for Anurag’s work, keeps you invested. The inspirations from Tarantino’s ‘Once upon a time in Hollywood’, are duly credited in the dialogue reference.
The unexpected turn of events, intensifies the screenplay. Unfortunately it yields to the template, when trying to put back the ‘halo’ on the veteran actor. The story ends up coming a full circle in the ‘hero’s journey’. Anurag in an asylum is simply far fetched and plays spoil sport, in an otherwise laudable film, which in its making, at some context even reminded Kiarostami’s ‘Close-Up’.
Good watch.