Mardaani- An honest attempt

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Mardaani, as my title of the blog suggests is a definitive and honest attempt, from Pradeep Sarkar, especially after his two forgettable ventures, Lafangey Parinde and Laga Chunari Mein Daag. It is perhaps a coming off age for both Sarkar and YRF, who I presume decided to move beyond their comfort zone and to look at a topic completely different, relevant and dealt well.

There are loose ends in the film, in abundance perhaps, however the honesty of the pperformances the central theme and the stylised approach makes up for the gaffes. I think, script could have been tighter, more encompassing, and perhaps a tad less predictable, moreso at the end. Yet, there are moments in the film, which makes you fall for the characters and leads.

Rani's character, as  Shivani Shivaji Roy stands out, but it is the newcomer Tahir Raj Bhasin that really cuts through and his nuanced performance is indeed chilling, and breaks free from the clutter of negative characters. One of the factors, I felt, not providing for enough opportunity other characters to grow. Jishu Sengupta's (Rani's love interest) character, the deputies working with Rani, the character of Vakil, the character of Mattoo, and several more had opportunities to grow, but the Director seemed more focused with the two central characters.

The cat and mouse chase is well captured, with a brooding Gurgaon and a bubbling Delhi supporting the vibrant Mumbai. Loved a glimpse of Jukaso Inn, a very Delhi montage. The background score was good and the Mardaani anthem seemed let down.

Moments that stand out in the film, quite a few, the two lead characters fighting their inner ghosts at different moments are well captured, the chases are authentic and wish they could have stayed on for some time, the building upto the climax was gradual and barring the occasional jerks, had established well. The opening sequence reflects well on the later part of the movie.

The climax was weak and looked tame, but was made up for the remaining 90 minutes of the movie.

Kudos to the director and his team for planning out well, thank you YRF for choosing to go the less trodden path and thank you Tahir Bhasin for a spine chilling performance. As the antagonist's inspiration in the movie, Walter White had once said, "I am not in danger, Skyler, I am the danger"...this one here sounds the same...Kudos to a brave new attempt. We await your next...Team Sarkar... 

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