Before we begin, let’s try naming the seven sisters of of India. Atak gaye na? Well, this is what director Anubhav Sinha tries to aim at the audience with his ambitious movie, Anek. The actor-director pair are back again, with a movie that presents a thought-provoking narrative and explores the undercurrents of discrimination and alienation from ‘mainland’ India that exist in different pockets of the northeast. With an intriguing premise and a talented cast, the movie tries to make a significant impact. However, while it possesses commendable intentions, Anek falls short in certain aspects, resulting in a somewhat uneven viewing experience.
The film follows the journey of Aman, portrayed by Ayushmann Khurrana, a covet officer whose responsibility is to create a situation that forces a rebel leader Tiger Sangha to settle for a peace treaty. However, in doing so, he is caught up in a complex web of political conspiracies and social conflicts. With unity and diversity as its central theme, Anek strives to deliver a powerful message that resonates with contemporary society, and forces you to think about it.
Ayushmann Khurrana delivers a commendable performance as Aman/Joshua, effectively capturing his character’s determination and resilience. He convincingly portrays a wide range of emotions, adding depth to the narrative. Supporting actors such as Manoj Pahwa as Abrar Butt, Aman’s superior and Kumud Mishra also shine in their respective roles, bringing authenticity to the screen by showcasing the harsh, but true faces of the people in power.
Anubhav Sinha overdoes things in an attempt to take it up a notch
Where Anek falters is in its pacing and storytelling execution. The screenplay, penned by Anubhav Sinha himself, attempts to tackle multiple subplots and socio-political issues simultaneously. While the intention is ‘a-nek’ one (sorry), the narrative becomes convoluted, leading to a lack of clarity and coherence. The film feels overstuffed with ideas, making it challenging for the audience to fully engage with the story.
It is interesting how Anek relies heavily on symbolism and dialogue to convey its message. While it is important for a film with such a socially-driven plot to be explicit, the constant bombardment of metaphors and on-the-nose dialogues might feel forced and unnatural at times. While actually discussing the sensitive topics, it seems as though the actors are reading out newspaper articles instead of really feeling their dialogues. This approach undermines the impact of the film’s central themes and dilutes their effectiveness.
Gripping cinematography and well shot action pieces come to the rescue
On the positive side, Anek deserves recognition for its technical aspects. The cinematography by Ewan Mulligan and the production design by Nikhil Kovale, the right hands of Anubhav previously in Mulk and Article 15, effectively capture the contrasting atmospheres of different settings, providing a visually appealing experience. The well-choreographed action sequences contribute to the film’s overall excitement. But the use of silences, regional dialect, folk songs and the background score is what stands out for me.
In conclusion, Anek is an ambitious Bollywood film that endeavors to address pressing societal issues while offering an engaging cinematic experience. Ayushmann Khurrana’s impressive performance and the film’s technical finesse stand out as its strengths. Despite its flaws, Anek is worth a watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking narratives and commendable performances.
