NH10, the less publicized but promising movie of 2015.Story of an urban IT couple working in Gurgaon and leading a successful/happy/typical IT couple’s kind of life.Work, party&technology(computer/phone to be precise)!Everything is picture perfect until the unexpected happens!
Travel on NH10 which will turn their lives topsy-turvy.
Story:
The film starts with a conversation between husband and wife(Arjun and Meera).They are heading for a party and Meera is not interested in attending it but still does(after n number of excuses to ditch the party).The story progresses at a fast pace .They plan for a weekend getaway(which happens to be Meera’s bday celebration) and land into a soup(when Arjun tries to save a woman from being honour killed by her family).Meera(who was depicted as someone who doesn’t like to get into a brawl) musters courage and fights back.
It’s a story of a woman who unknowingly lands into an unwanted situation and pushes her limit to the maximum(more than maximum actually)! Its about courage and knowing how far you can go.Sudip Sharma’s story is different and brings to fore the ugly face of rural India.
Meera’s character has been essayed by Anushka(as you must have already guessed from the promos) and Neil(No one Killed Jessica’s Shyan Munshi) plays the role of Arjun.
Direction/Editing/Cinematography:
Another jewel from “Phantom’s “ kitty.
Navdeep Singh has done a fantastic job.Right from the first scene until the final credits, each and every second of the movie has been directed to perfection. Be it the handling of twists, silence before the storm or be it the glossy Page3 kind of life of the protagonists(during the initial 20 mins).Not even once the movie digress from the set plot .His direction was good in Manorma, but in NH10 its spotless!
Editing by Jabeen Merchant is praiseworthy. The scenes keep going for absolutely perfect length and are edited at the right moment. Movie’s running time(153 mins) is another selling point of this flick.
The high-rises in Gurgaon and barren land in the outskirts are realistically captured. The scenes of Gurgaon highway, metro actually took me back to my “Gurgaon” days.
Starcast:
Neil looks cute and believable as “Arjun”.His mischievous smile and expressions make him a perfect “Gen X” husband. Someone who is understanding yet possessive. He will be repulsed with his wife’s smoking habit but would allow her to indulge once in a while. Somebody who is lovable and courageous. Ready to go ahead and save(tries to) a woman in need.I wouldn’t say his acting has been marvellous, but befitting to the role.
Anushka:
Oh My God!From “Rab Ne.” to “NH10”.This woman has surpassed all limits and has proven her mettle through an award winning performance in this movie. She starts off as a beautiful and confident career woman. Someone who won’t ignore the abusive words written inside women’s toilet. From being a person who feels safe when her husband is around(who doesn’t) she transforms into an ultra-courageous woman who dons the role of a protector. She has been authentic and commendable in her performance.
I especially enjoyed the scene in which she climbs the rock and then starts hurling stones at her adversaries(not to forget the “F word”).Lovable and real!
It’s an out & out Anushka’s film.I will be disappointed if she doesn’t win National award for this flick. Truly mind-blowing performance. More power to you Woman!
Deepti Naval as “Sarpanch”?As if the rural shock was not enough?Compare this Deepti to the Naval of Amol palekar/Farooq sheikh movies of yesteryears! What a range.Great cameo!
Darshan Kumar:The loving and supportive husband of Mary Kom becomes Satbir.Someone who will slaughter his sister/sister’s partner in the name of honour-killing. His acting prowess has improved. But he doesn’t come across as a scary villain who will cause a chill in your spine. There is going to be a long uphill journey for him(If at all he aspires to become a villain of the league of Amrish Puri).
Music:
The songs are good and set the pace of the movie. Background track keep the bloodcurdling factor of the movie going.
I won’t say the movie’s album will be one of the top 50 tracks of the year, but it’s perfect for the story line.
Scenes that will stay with you for at least few days after stepping out of the theatre:
1) First scene of the movie(Car ride/conversation):The story writer must have observed the way urban couples converse .Because the conversation was spot on!
2) Anushka’s reaction to the lady(Pinky) asking her for help and the next scene(Arjun mustering up courage to save Pinky).
3) Anushka escapes Satbir & Co(Rock climb) –her reaction after reaching the top: One of the best scenes of this flick
4)Last scene in which she aims for her opponents(like a Lioness hunting in the jungle) and pins them down one by one.The movie begins with Anushka running from them and by the time it reaches the climax, equations change!Her attitude, her body language.Oh simply amazing.
This movie tries to show us the mirror. Urban city residents may be living in a bubble assuming that life is secure but no one knows what can happen next! This movie bursts the bubble of foolhardiness and ignorance.
This movie may look similar to “Highway” initially but its completely different. If Highway was the cake then NH10 is the icing and cherry on the top! Who likes cake without icing?:)(I wonder!)
Nothing less than 5 stars for this cinematic brilliance.