The film is based on the real life incident of the 1993 bomb blasts and the ensuing riots that shook the very foundation of Mumbai city. Watching the film is like reliving the tragedy and horror that has left a mark on every Indian in Mumbai and around the world too. The film directed by Anurag Kashyap went through a lot of problems after its making but has finally released and depicts some very emotional and heart wrenching content. The film does not try to sugar coat the truth and the director gives a voice and picture to many already well-known facts. The film is based on journalist S Hussain Zaidi’s book ‘Black Friday’ which is an investigative piece on the bomb blasts and its aftermath. The film depicts the causes which led to the bomb blasts, the gory violence, the fear, hatred and even the thoughts of the perpetrators and the victims. The film most importantly does not take any sides; it just depicts the various viewpoints of the different people. The film is a brilliant representation of the bomb blasts and almost seems like a documentary of the happenings then. A lot of research and factual information has been used and this succeeds in making the viewers feel for the characters and believe strongly in the script and screenplay.
Black Friday brings with it a fresh new genre of films to the fore which deals with investigative crime journalism. The film is based on the book ‘Black Friday’ and the film’s screenplay has been done by director Anurag Kashyap. The film stars Kay Kay Menon as Inspector Rakesh Maria, Pawan Malhotra as Tiger Memon and Aditya Srivastav as Badshah Khan.
Black Friday deals with various different angles, the causes of the bomb blasts, the actual incidents that led to the ensuing riots among two communities, the selfish motives of the masterminds behind the bomb blasts. It depicts in particular what goes on in the mind of some of the key conspirators like Tiger Memon and Dawood Ibrahim, some of the people who actually carried out the blasts their plight and the workings of their mind, the frustration of the police force etc. The film keeps moving back and forth trying to bring to life a real and horrific incident. It slowly uncovers the real reason for the bomb blasts. It deals with how Tiger Memon, a small time smuggler incites a group of people with his manipulative and revengeful words because his offices are burnt down by a group of communal rioters. He trains these people in Pakistan training centers. He gets them to do his dirty work and plant the bombs in various locations in Mumbai city and then he himself leaves his people in the lurch and escapes to Dubai.
Black Friday also depicts the conspiracy where the police force soon captures the people who were responsible for planting the bombs like Badshah Khan, Bashir Khan etc. These people were on the run but were unable to escape from the country as their passports were taken away. The ensuing investigation heralded by Inspector Rakesh Maria and his unending search for the truth which eventually reaches the media and the people.
Anurag Kashyap’s screenplay and execution is brilliant, there are several touching and emotional moments which fill you with anger, grief and fear all at the same time. The format that he has used to depict the film is captivating and engrossing. Anurag Kashyap does not take sides or forces his own views on his viewers; he just brings to light the facts and leaves it for the viewers to make their own inferences. The emotions and even silences send out a message to the audiences. Another important point is that director Anurag Kashyap has actually used the names of the actual accused like Tiger Memon, Dawood Ibrahim etc and even the prime witness Badshah Khan. Anurag has given a completely factual angle to the film and it is indeed a very brave stance taken by a director.
The director also does not simply rely on excessively gory and violent pictures to take forth the film but has handled the content very sensitively. Kashyap also depicts the various loopholes in our system like the customs department, police force etc and their shortcomings. Some of the scenes where the victims’ plight and fear were depicted were extremely moving. Anurag depicts the events almost like various separate chapters and gives an objective account of the happenings. But he also manages to capture what is going on in the minds of all his characters. The planting of the bombs, the interrogation scene between Inspector Rakesh Maria and Badshah Khan, the grueling interrogation of the other accused in jail etc are some really hair raising scenes. The background score by Indian Ocean has the desired haunting effect. Cinematography by Nataraja Subramaniam is inspiring and the dialogues leave a mark.
Performances by each and every actor even in small roles have contributed to making the film even more realistic. The actors have given some awesome performances, Kay Kay Menon as Inspector Rakesh Maria delivers an impactful performance, Pawan Malhotra as Tiger Memon is completely natural and gives a good performance, Aditya Srivastav too is sensational in his performance, the close resemblance of actor Vijay Maurya as Dawood Ibrahim is exceptionally done. Even the actors who have small roles shine and deliver good performances. However the film could have been better edited but in spite of this it is brilliant.
Black Friday is truly an insightful and touching film. The script and screenplay by Anurag Kashyap is awe inspiring and in a true sense depicts real life cinema. It is a powerful film that bravely attempts to tell the truth like it is. It is a fantastic film and must be watched by one and all.
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| Reviewed By: Rachel Fernandes |
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