Movie: Raman Raghav 2.0
Direction: Anurag Kashyap
Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vicky Kaushal
Music: Ram Sampath
Cinematographer: Jay Oza
Editor: Aarti Bajaj
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Rating: ∗∗∗∗
What is it about: It’s a psychological thriller which is inspired by a serial killer of 60’s who terrorized Mumbai with his treacherous killings and he went by the name “Raman Raghav”. The film is directed by Anurag Kashyap and has Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead role.
Why it’s disappointing: I can’t dare to write anything here.
What to watch out for: The film is crafted with great finesse in the name of narration. Which when starts to flow through the silver screen, has a calm touch which is unusual for a subject of this sort. The film is narrated in chapters which were aptly titled and perfectly laid out. I won’t reveal the titles of the chapter, because it will spoil the fun hidden in it.
Director Anurag Kashyap has a penchant for dark thrillers and no matter how many times he repeats the genre, it doesn’t tire you out. The reason being he improvises every time and churns out new angles which a dark side could have. One such character is “Raman” in the film. The writers of RR 2.0, which are Anurag and Vasan Bala have etched out characters that fit the actors chosen perfectly. And have spun a story which has a calmness hidden in the midst of an evil which startles you at the sight of it.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, can’t believe the skinny character from “Munna Bhai MBBS” rose to a level, which has created a benchmark for other actors in the industry. An amazing talent which Bollywood is lucky to have, he can mix different emotions and trap them in to a body like it’s a child’s play. The way he switches his expressions, demands undivided attention. He has a gift which every actor would love to be blessed with. As Raman in this film, he just blows your senses away with a performance which no one else can give, until his name is spelt Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
The surprise package was Vicky Kaushal, the young lad from “Masaan” and then a lost “Zubaan” returns with a gritty role in RR 2.0. His characterization was great and had layers which unfolds interestingly. Vicky is bound to stay and rise in the industry for sure. He gave a commendable performance.
The new find Sobhita Dhulipala, former Miss India Earth 2013 and currently an actor who proved that sometimes beauty comes with great talent. She was bold and grabs your attention instantly. Anurag always introduces a talent which have been critically acclaimed and Sobhita can be expected among them soon.
The supporting actors in the film were a great ensemble which went in hand in hand with the central cast. The police officers along Vicky Kaushal were a good fit. Amruta Subhash as Nawazuddin’s sister was a commendable one. And finally Anuschka Sawhney as Ankita, who appears for a brief moment in the film but does a good job.
The film has amazing cinematography from Jay Oza which was perfectly backed with a sharp edit by the stupendous Arti Bajaj, I really love her cuts. The music and background score by Ram Sampath was gripping and builds a great premise for the thrilling scenes in the film.
Verdict: Anurag Kashyap once again hits you hard with a dark thriller which leaves you in its awe. The film beautifully brings out the character of Raman and Raghav in an exceptional way. The best part are the dialogues spoken by Nawazuddin, which had deeper meaning and a sarcastic tone pin pointing the factual events. The humour was dark which was tastefully infused. Definitely worth a watch, and if you’re not the person who can take hard violence, then avoid it.
