Okay so when I first watched the trailer, I was actually so pumped. I mean, how often do you see women hostage thrillers? “Akelli” had the potential to be a gripping thriller, but it falls way short of expectations, ultimately delivering a mixed cinematic experience. While it starts with promise, the film gradually loses its edge, succumbing to Bollywood clichés and a poorly constructed script. Nushrratt tries her best, but cannot save this movie.
Plot
Picture this: a young Indian woman named Jyoti lands in war-torn Iraq for work, and things go from bad to worse as she gets caught up in a whirlwind of ISIS chaos. Sounds promising, right? It is, at least in the beginning. But here’s the kicker – the plot starts strong but somehow manages to lose its mojo along the way. Itne creative liberties liye hai isme ki your head starts to hurt. I mean, come on, a character miraculously surviving a gunshot wound? It’s like the scriptwriters briefly forgot the rules of reality. Nevertheless, kudos to the filmmakers for exploring unusual territory. The potential was there, but it’s like they held back on the throttle when they should have gone full-throttle.
Performances
Nushrratt Bharuccha as Jyoti is the film’s shining star. Once again she impresses everyone and I really feel she is so damn underrated. She brings authenticity and sincerity to her character, making you root for her all the way. Tsahi Halevi, the Israeli star from “Fauda,” steps into the shoes of an ISIS commander. He nails the menacing vibe, but let’s face it, his character felt a bit like a cardboard– very one dimensional. And then there’s Nishant Dahiya as Rafeeq, who, in his limited screen time, manages to make you sit up and take notice. The performances are there, but a stronger script could have let these actors truly shine.
Direction and Writing
First, hats off to debutant director Pranay Meshram for taking on such a tough subject. He kicks things off with a bang and builds anticipation. But somewhere along the way, things start to unravel. The direction loses its grip, and the tension that’s crucial for a thriller like this slips away. And baaki ka damage writing kar deti hai. The plot relies on convenient fixes and leaves holes big enough to drive a truck through. Realism takes a back seat as Bollywood theatrics make an unwelcome appearance. KAB KHATAM HOGA YE????? What could have been gritty and intense turns into a rollercoaster of eye-rolls. So fcking disappointed.
Screenplay and Cinematography
The movie starts with an adrenaline-pumping introduction but quickly loses steam. Consistency? Nope, not here. The story struggles to keep you engaged, resorting to Bollywood clichés instead of delivering on its promise. You’d think they might throw in some unexpected twists, but nope, the predictability factor is off the charts. On the bright side, the cinematography manages to salvage some moments. The use of drone cameras adds a unique visual perspective, giving us a break from the mundane. But, let’s be clear, cool drone shots can’t make up for a shaky screenplay.
So, what’s the verdict on “Akelli”? Well, it’s a missed opportunity. Despite a strong start and some commendable performances, the film falls short due to a weak script, wobbly direction, and a struggle to maintain tension. But hey, it’s not all bad. There are moments that hint at what could have been, and Nushrratt Bharuccha does her best to keep the ship afloat. If you’re in the mood for a popcorn flick with occasional bursts of brilliance, give it a shot. Just don’t expect it to be the next big thriller on your watchlist.
