Awarapan is an action flick with a screenplay that’s engaging and makes the audiences introspective. Although the script is not novel and has been inspired like most of Bhatt films, the screenplay has been adapted well and director Mohit Suri’s execution seems extremely adept. Awarapan is about the mafia and its workings, how a mafia don decides to teach those who disobey him a lesson. Although the subject has been tackled by several filmmakers, Mohit Suri deals with the film from a different perspective. Awarapan also has a stylish look that only enhances the film further, a crisp screenplay and performances that are realistic and convincing. Awarapan appears extremely gloomy at times but the subject of the film itself is extremely realistic which makes audiences get more introspective. Awarapan is a good film which manages to engage the audiences.
The film has been produced by Mukesh Bhatt and directed by Mohit Suri. The screenplay has been done by Shagufta Rafique and stars Emraan Hashmi, Shreya Saran, Mrinalini Sharma, Rehan Khan, Ashutosh Rana, Shaad Randhawa, Purab Kohli etc. The music of the film has been composed by Pritam.
Shivam (Emraan) manages a chain of hotels and also works for gangster Mallik (Ashutosh) who has various shady businesses. In fact Shivam is one of Mallik’s most trusted men and he obeys all of his orders. However Shivam is a lonely wanderer and a depressed person who seems to be just going through the motions of life without any aim or ambition. Shivam is haunted by a deep dark tragic past. He has lost the one woman (Shreya) he truly loves due to his own inability and he carries the cross of guilt and anguish.
Mallik’s shady business is thriving and one day when he has to go on a trip, he entrusts a new task to Shivam. Mallik orders Shivam to keep an eye on his Pakistani mistress Reema (Mrinalini) whom he had bought in the flesh market. Shivam meets Reema and it seems like a floodgate of his past has opened up. He is moved by Reema and her plight. He also finds out that Reema has a boyfriend (Rehan) whom she loves and they are planning to escape from Mallik’s clutches. At first Shivam is torn between loyalty to his boss and the deep need to free this innocent girl. Shivam’s dormant conscience which he has buried deeply ultimately breaks free and he decides to help Reema escape. In helping her escape, he will also free himself of his past demons. So will Shivam be able to help Reema and will he manage to escape from his boss Mallik’s clutches?
Mohit Suri depicts the story in an extremely realistic manner; he does not try to sugar coat any aspect of this dark dangerous journey. Even his screenplay unfolds with many violent and action packed sequences which seem to fit with the storyline. Mohit also gives all his characters a realistic portrayal as they all have flaws and dark sides to them. Also as the screenplay unfolds, many different facets come to life, Shivam’s past, his own understanding and beliefs change and he realizes various things about life, love and God.
The film also deals with several abstract emotions that the protagonist (Shivam) undergoes throughout his journey. Several scenes in the film despite the violence mange to grip the audiences, like the one where Shivam is being buried alive etc. There is ample amount of drama in the film and the romance is minimal. However since there are many abstract emotions like love, anger, guilt, redemption etc being dealt with in the film, audiences often find it difficult to grasp these abstract emotions. Also the dark subject and violence may not appeal to everyone. The music of the film is good and several numbers like ‘Toh Phir Aao’, ‘Mahiya’ and ‘Tera Mera Rishta’ stand out in the soundtrack. The cinematography too is good and several dialogues leave a strong impression.
Performances are good and Emraan Hashmi seems to be in form. His look goes well with his character and he depicts several complex emotions with naturalness. Shreya Saran is adequate in her bit role and Mrinalini Sharma too gives a natural talented performance. Ashutosh Rana plays a negative role with finesse; Purab Kohli too comes forth with a convincing performance. The rest of the cast does well in their character roles.
Awarapan is a film that has an engrossing screenplay which unfolds in a natural realistic manner. It has a dark interesting subject and the performances are noteworthy. It is a good film which will no doubt receive critical appreciation. As for the masses, it may not be a subject appreciated by all. Nonetheless for those who like different and engaging cinema, this one is good and definitely worth a watch.
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| Reviewed By: Rachel Fernandes |
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