By Shachi Chaturvedi
Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Adrija & Surya Mohan
Director: Apoorv Singh Karki
Runtime: 132 minutes
Ratings: 3.5/5
Synopsis
The film which is said to be based on the 2013 rape case of a minor fought by Adv. P. C. Solanki against Asaram Bapu; follows the story of a lawyer who fights for truth and justice despite all obstacles, proving how a common man can confront the system with honesty and integrity when the truth is on his side.
Review
The film begins with a girl being sexually harassed by a ‘Dhongi Baba,’ and her family filing a complaint. After hiring a lawyer and attending the first hearing, the family discovers that their counsel has sided with ‘Baba’. They discover a new lawyer (played by Manoj Bajpayee) with the support of the police, who is now ready to seek justice for the victim and so many other females who remained silent out of fear of losing their loved ones. The plot revolves around the lawyer defying all odds and ensuring that he wins all of the arguments, leaving no room for the accused to flee.
The film is not an unusual narrative that you or I have not seen before, yet it leaves a mark on you because of its honest portrayal. The filmmaker has not shown the lawyer as God but as a normal human being with a family, who suffers at every hearing. The best part about the film is that it does not provide you with extraordinary scenarios. The hero here is just another lawyer fighting for his client.
Our country is full of superstitious individuals who even in the twenty-first century, believe what their so-called baba says, resulting in tragic events like the one depicted in the film. Having trust in your God is OK, but making a person feel like God is dumb, and this is what gives these demons power over you and your loved ones. It is past time for us to comprehend the distinction between faith and blind faith. This will save many women from going through such horrific circumstances.
When it comes to star performances, Bajpayee is the very definition of ‘keeping it real.’ The actor never portrays himself as a superhero, but rather, as an ordinary man, who is one of us. This is why the public identifies with and admires him. His representation of PC Solanki is emotional and moving. The way he delivers delicate conversations brings tears to the eyes of the audience.
Surya Mohan, who portrays the Baba, has little screen presence, which I assume is favourable because the filmmaker has retained highly precise and brilliant shots of the antagonist. He was seen sitting behind a curtain and staring at people speaking against him in court. His expression makes you wonder who will be murdered next, which is a very smart choice.
As a female, this topic is important and extremely personal to me. Almost every woman has experienced some form of harassment at some point in her life, making it a major issue. To play a victim in a sexual harassment case takes guts, and hats off to Adrija for her stunning and honest depiction of Nu.
As for the background score, given the gravity of the situation, the filmmaker wisely opted to avoid using songs, which is another wise move. In terms of music, he has chosen to include a good track to enhance the effect.
Although the entire film is about the court, the directors don’t give capturing the city surrounding them a miss. From Bajpayee on his roof to him riding his bike to the court, there are enough shots. All of these small but important aspects add to the film as a whole.
Conclusion
The film discusses an important subject of belief and betrayal and should be watched.
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