Page Contents
Story
The film begins with the brutal murder of a noted critic Nitin Srivastava. Inspector Arvind Mathur (Sunny Deol) is still investigating the murder that leads to the second murder, then the third.. All the murders are done in the same gruesome manner and all are about to be killed by the ‘film critic’. A psychopath is targeting well-known film critics in the city of Mumbai and the police have no more clue than that. He could be anyone, a failed filmmaker, an angry actor or a psychopath who loves movies. The police are joined by Zenobia (Pooja Bhatt), a criminal psychologist, and Nila Menon (Shreya Dhanwantri), an entertainment journalist. The atmosphere in the city becomes such that critics stop writing and speaking only a few negatives on films. But then a murder happens. In such a situation, how the police will reach the killer and what is the story behind these murders.. Further script has been woven on this.
acting
It was very interesting to see Dulquer Salmaan in this film after Sita Ramam. He also plays the complex character of Danny with great subtlety and spontaneity…which keeps you hooked every frame. The actor has portrayed the two personalities so well together that you feel part of his world. Dulquer’s acting has been extremely balanced. Shreya Dhanwantri has done a good job in the role of an entertainment journalist. He is a very natural actor and this quality attracts him on the big screen. However, here his character has been kept quite limited.
At the same time, it would not be wrong to say that watching Sunny Deol on the big screen is no less than a treat. Whether it is a strong dialogue or an action scene, here he has been seen playing the role of an inspector very well. At the same time, Pooja Bhatt is in the supporting role and I love to see her on the big screen after a long time. Saranya Ponvannan has done a great job in the role of Nila’s mother. His character is given a very funny and different approach, which adds a touch of emotion to the story.
directing
As a director, the way R Balki has been bringing a story to the screen has always been quite interesting. This time, Balki and his team of writers (Raja Sen and Rishi Virmani) have written the story with the work of film critics and entertainment journalists at the center. He has transformed the story into a murder thriller in a very interesting way. Jahan is such a psychopath, whom cinema and especially Guru Dutt’s films gave him hope in his difficult times. But when his loves (Cinema and Guru Dutt) are let down, he sets out to bring a special change with a vengeance. The story moves very fast especially in the first half, setting up all the characters and keeping your attention full with suspense. But in the second half, the script gets stretched at many places and you go straight for the climax.
techno side and music
The cinematography of the film is superb. Vishal Sinha beautifully captures Mumbai and its cinematic magic here with a romantic song remembering cinema and Guru Dutt. The climax has a frame inspired by Guru Dutt, which cinema lovers will surely remember. Nayan Bhadra’s editing makes the film strong.. especially in the first half. Some high moments were needed in the second half. At the same time, commendable work has been done on the background score of the film.
The scintillating background score from the hit songs ‘Jaane Kya Tune Kahin’ and ‘Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye’ from Guru Dutt’s classic film ‘Pyaasa’ creates a suspenseful atmosphere. The words of Sahir Ludhianvi, written about 65 years ago, still seem relevant and touch the heart. The music is composed by Amit Trivedi.
Rating
Chup’s story basically talks about being sensitive. It talks about celebrating, loving and respecting cinema. Converting such thinking into a story and bringing it to the big screen is a commendable step in itself. The film has a few flaws, but that doesn’t stop it from being a great thriller. 3.5 stars for ‘Chup’ from Filmbeat.
