Antardhaan Film Review
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Antardhaan Film Review
Arindam Bhattacharya's thriller film, Antardhaan (2021), may not keep the audience on the edge of their seats with gripping suspense throughout, but the director's attention to detail and attempt to add an unpredictable twist to an average plot make the film worth watching.
The story initially revolves around a missing girl, Zinia (played by Mohor Choudhury), which seems simplistic. However, in the second half, the plot takes a baffling turn and eventually ends with a complete twist that exposes the characters involved.
Zinia, who lives in Kasaul, Himachal Pradesh, insists on going on a trip to Champa Valley with her friends. After initial hesitation, her father Anirban (Parambrata Chatterjee) allows her to go. However, when Zinia doesn't return after three days, Anirban and Zinia's mother (Tnusree Chakraborty) become tense and seek help from the police.
CID officer Niladri Sen (Rajatava Dutta) takes charge of the investigation, alongside the local police. A neighbor, Aparajita Ray (Mamata Shankar), promises to assist the desperate parents with her expertise in Tantra. Another neighbor provides clues to Niladri to help find Zinia. As Niladri is determined to trace Zinia, he becomes frustrated with the parents' negligence in keeping track of her companions on the trip. Suspicion also falls on Aparajita and the other neighbor due to certain developments. Eventually, all clues point towards an ex-MLA and a medicine mafia boss (Harsh Chhaya). However, the motive behind Zinia's abduction remains unclear.
Until the climax, the actions of the characters hoping for Zinia's return may seem confusing to both Niladri and the audience. The intentional loopholes designed by the director lead to the twist in the end. While Niladri gives his all to the case and takes risks to stand up against corruption and powerful figures, he finds himself cornered in the end, with only one real choice.
While the entire cast delivers consistent and decent performances, Rajatava Dutta stands out as CID officer Niladri. His portrayal of a middle-aged, righteous, and confident officer with peculiar traits adds moments of humor to the otherwise serious film. His impeccable timing steals the show whenever he appears on screen.
Antardhaan may not be an exceptional thriller, but the director's sincere effort and compact storytelling are evident throughout the film. The engaging performances and screenplay make it worth at least one viewing.