Double-edged sword that will rip you apart

Talvar
Hindi (U/A), Cast: Irrfan Khan, Neeraj Kabi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Sohum Shah and Atul Kumar
Director: Meghna Gulzar

When thorough research meets exceptional direction and an even better league of actors, a dark, unsolved double-homicide case becomes worth a watch.

Director Meghna Gulzar does an Italian ballet to the Beethoven of writer Vishal Bhardwaj on the 2008 Aarushi-Hemraj murders. To say that this portrayal is “excellent” is perhaps an understatement.

What make the story — reported in pieces about a zillion times — gripping are VB's tight screenplay and brilliant acting by the otherwise “non-stars”.

Be it the reluctant UP cop played by Giriraj Rao or clinic help Sumit Gulati (Kanhaiya), there are innumerable moments when you forget the leading names.

The scope was indeed restricted for powerhouses Neeraj Kabi (Ramesh Tandon) and Konkona Sen Sharma (Nutan Tandon) in terms of what you can expect from them and given their class, because as investigation was the main focus throughout.

But therein lies the beauty of these two characters, as three investigations portray them in two different ways, and both actors prove their mettle in a way that you wish for a better insight into their lives.

When a pleading father cries with folded hands before police saying he didn’t commit the crime, his expressions and untold words are reflected well with the colour of his grey hair.  Throughout the major part of the first half, the director focuses on the shoddy UP Police investigation that contaminates the crime scenes and evidence.

Enters Central Department of Investigation officer Ashwin Kumar (Irrfan Khan), who is handed over the probe after its abrupt conclusion.

Amid a tattered personal life, departmental pressure and of course internal politics, he shoulders the responsibility with a superb sense of humour. But just when you think the case is solved, tables turn, and powerplay takes an upper hand.

Sohum Shah (Vedant) keeps the momentum on as Ashwin’s assistant. Also watch out for Atul Kumar (Paul), another CDI officer who calls curtains on the whole probe.

Music had a little scope but has been brilliantly scored by the “old wine” duo of VB-Gulzar. Good cinematography and superior editing made the film look disturbingly convincing.

Watch it if you believe justice remains to be done to the couple and the love crime thriller.