Movie Review – Chup: Revenge of the Artist
Mohammed Sadman Sakib –
In this recent trend of boycott, Bollywood movies and the crisis which the industry is going through is known to us all. But there are still several movies that stand out in this crisis period in terms of story, screenplay, performance, cinematography, and more. The film “Chup” is one of the few that truly sticks out. Assuming a thriller is what you are after, you won’t be let down. It’s a crime thriller that also addresses the reality of phony reviews and their effect on the film industry. The plot is intriguing because it has all the elements a thriller should have, from a little blood to a lot of unexpected turns. Thanks to the polished writing, the film’s enticing premise exceeds all expectations. In this case, a psychotic killer specifically goes after the media. The film is an exciting thriller that prompts numerous moral reflections.
The film is an homage to Guru Dutt, a great director who retired after the critical and commercial failure of his previous film. Kaagaz Ke Phool, one of Dutt’s last films, was widely panned by critics before his death but is honored here. After seeing several dead film critics with “star ratings” etched on their skulls, the authorities investigate a pattern of violence against the profession.
The music in the background, which gave me chills and seemed perfectly suited to the scene, was largely taken from the film Kaagaz Ke Phool. Paper flowers were used to illustrate a metaphor. Although Sunny Deol was a little out of character, the rest of the cast was fantastic, especially the casting of Pooja Bhat. Dulquer Salmaan was fantastic in his role as Danny, and it’s great to see Sunny Deol taking some risks in his homecoming performance. Zenobia, played by Pooja Bhatt, was a strong female character the tale needed. Thankfully, Sherya Dhanwanthary wasn’t only a love interest; she was also a woman who foolishly fell in love with a complicated man and had to deal with the consequences. All of the story’s characters were significant in their own right because they all contributed to its development. The same holds for the major plot twists. Although the piece is most recognizable as a result of its staging, it is of the highest quality possible. The real charm of Chup is that it handles three separate plot lines with equal aplomb. None of the songs here sound unfinished.
However, romantic moments are the best written. Those who enjoy light yet realistic romances would enjoy Dulquer Salmaan’s interactions with Shreya Dhanwanthary. None of these scenes try to be dramatic or cinematic in any way. The complicated relationship between artists and their critics is explored in several short yet enjoyable moments. There are some sluggish moments in the second act, but overall, it does a good job of laying the groundwork for the exciting climax. Chup’s final scenes, which are a celebration of cinema’s beauty, also broach a delicate subject.
If we keep moving forward in the plot, we will reveal too much. Although the first half of Chup (the prologue and the exposition of the crime) are riveting, the conclusion is a letdown. Chup, in short, is a tremendously engaging and multi-layered thriller that, thanks to its novel premise, may “quiet” its detractors.
Mohammed Sadman Sakib is a Master’s student at the University of Manitoba, Canada
