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Friday, September 20, 2024
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BOLLYWOOD DELHI 47 KM
EDITOR'S PICK
"Delhi 47 Km"; Director: Shadab Khan; Cast: Rajneesh Dubey, Dolly Tomar,
Mustakeem Khan and Shadab Khan; Rating: **1/2
Ironically for a film set
47 km away from Delhi, it interestingly bookends in Goa.
This grimy
drama, filled with noir characters, revolves around Jigar (Shadab Khan) who
stays in Delhi with his ailing father. His father owns a plot of land which is a
prime property in the titular location. On the plot stands a wayside restaurant
(dhaba) that is usurped by Ateek Bhai (Satim Lal Bal). Jigar is desperate to
have this land released from Ateek and his family.
Taking advantage of
the situation is Ateek's son Sarjil (Sarjil Khan), who is a womaniser. He uses
the place for his nefarious activities. Along with him are two good for
nothings, Lala (Bhadhur Singh Dangi) and Vicky (Utkarsh Dubey). They are
basically parasites. They also happen to be the caretakers of the plot.
Their friend Lalan is another shady character, who indulges in guns and drug
trafficking. After his death, how the three friends Jigar, Lala and Vicky
exploit Lalan's wife Avni (Dolly Tomar), forms the crux of the tale.
Initially the plot seems rough and unpolished, introducing the various
characters and their behavioural patterns. But once that settles, the earnest
and realist tones crank up the style. So it's clear that the film is driving
home a point - that crime does exist so close to the capital.
Despite the
film being clearly dark with bits of melodramatic violence, the director
astutely balances some goodness with a redemptive approach. The film had the
potential of displaying raw nerves, but that's cautiously handled. There are
moments that touch your heart especially when Avni states how people she trusted
betrayed her. Or when she gets battered at the end.
While the entire cast
are natural and earnest in their performances, your heart goes out to Mustakeem
Khan, the child actor who plays Lalan and Avni's son, Mintu, simply because he
is the only child in this dark, horrific tale. There are a few stray incidents
where the action appears mildly theatrical and the fault here lies with the
direction. While the screenplay is seamless, the writing especially the
dialogues lacks the finesse.
The film shows that it is mounted with
moderate production values. The production designs are appropriate and
realistic. Except for a few dark frames, the locale is beautifully exploited by
Ovais Khan's lens. Yogesh Pandey and Vinay Patel's editing is a bit sluggish.
The songs with sombre lyrics are melodiously rendered by Deepak Kumar and
Warsi Brothers. Its picturisation flawlessly encapsulates the moments
effectively, thereby giving a fresh lease of life to the otherwise dark
narrative.
Overall, the film is well-executed, and portrayed in its own
expansive landscape.
