I don’t know if I can say that I have graduated to this phase where I write only when I want to or if I should say that I hardly realize that months have gone by without me writing. Alas, this is what it is currently. The state of mind is not the same, the enthusiasm is not the same and I feel the dedication has suffered a lot because of my erratic mood swings. Anyway, this is about Talaash, the Aamir Khan starrer and so, I shall move focus towards a thriller that Mr. Khan tried to pull off.

 

The film begins with a blurred montage of shots of a dark city paired against a backdrop of slow, slightly sensuous, slightly husky voice that somehow reminded me for a second of the scene from Aamir’s earlier production, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (the horse chariot running across the streets of Mumbai). Anyway, that was just for a second. Immediately it shifted focus to how all of us look at a city – never really sense it nor ignore it. The dark sides remain dark, the clandestine visits of people remain clandestine until something disastrous happens.

 

And then, there is Aamir Khan (Inspector Surjan Singh Shekhawat) who comes in to solve a mystery that engulfs him to an extent that this determined officer decides lets the case take control of him. His instincts take him through a journey that opens up a self-discovery path.  Aamir wrestles his own emotions and depression and tries his best to stay upright and devoted to his assumed depressed wife, played by Rani Mukherjee while Kareena Kapoor, a charming sex worker who eventually helps Aamir solve the case and also leads him towards self-realization.

Amidst all of this, I suddenly realize that Reema Kagti, the director has planned a decent gripping mystery. However, she does drop in many clues that are obvious but again, not so obvious. You begin to fix the jigsaw by yourself more than Aamir fixing it for you. I would say, the film is done well, though it could have been better. The film runs on many levels at all points and keeps one engaged almost entirely. It raises questions about paranormal or supernatural activities at various points and suggests answers. One can see the end coming and I guess, she could have wrapped it up a little better.

 

Performances and characterization makes up for the loose ends. Nawazuddin Siddiqui  is simply great throughout the film.   All the leads have just been precise and clear in their delivery of dialogues and emotions. What is more interesting is the combination of 2 predominantly ad film behemoths who add so much value to the film.

 

KU Mohanan, with his cinematography captures the eeriness of the night, the harsh realities of lives of people in brothels and the moods of the city and crime. Adding a complete new layer to the film, are Ram Sampath’s haunting tracks that truly lifts the film to a different level. For me, the actual Talaash I would say was not so much as solving the case but self-discovery, rediscovering love, reestablishing relationships and dealing with one’s one guilt while struggling through life. It touches sensitive topics but handles them with care. I would say it’s worth a watch. If you have heard anything otherwise, discard those opinions and give Aamir Khan a chance to take you through an impressive search and journey.