Berlin

Can you have a slow moving thriller? Yes you can and this is a perfect example. Granted that this is a spy story set in early 90s Delhi and a major part of the movie consists of interrogation of a deaf mute by a sign language expert, the pace could have been made faster. A sluggish portion of around 30 minutes could have been easily clipped off resulting in the creation of a 90 minutes long taut and riveting thriller.

Despite this shortcoming all credit is due to director Atul Sabharwal for realistically presenting the environment of a questioning in progress in a claustrophobic room and the dark interiors all this amidst the ongoing intrigue filled action. Even the shrill ringing of the archaic telephone is made to sound ominous and sinister. The question and answer in sign language is far too extensively picturised and becomes monotonous after some time. The old world charm of the 90s including the buses, Fiat cars, cradle telephones, tape recorders etc has been brought out well. (The setting and picturisation resembles the work of Martin Scorsese at places.) The series of complex events and the subplots at one point become boring to pursue and correlate. In the acting department Aparshakti Khurana and Rahul Bose have done fairly well though I felt that they were unnecessarily wooden. There are also a few inaccuracies which have become glaring.

BERLIN is a very slow,dull & dreary movie with competent performances by almost everyone except the main accused Ishwak Singh and Rahul Bose,with both giving very good and restrained performances. Aparshakti gave an above average performance with no one being particularly brilliant. Although the film at 2hrs 4minutes was not long as regular Hindi movies,it should have been trimmed about 15 mins more.

Although it had a fairly decent script its biggest drawback was its very very slow pace. If the pace was a bit faster and the movie could have been edited a bit more tightly and crisply it would have been a much better film.

6/10.

"Berlin" is a special film in Bollywood's context. Rarely are films made this perfectly. An edge-of-the-seat spy thriller, it stands out because it isn't the typical action-packed spectacle. Instead, it offers a more grounded and realistic portrayal of espionage, where the tension comes from intense interrogations rather than over-the-top stunts. "Berlin" beautifully captures that gritty, psychological battle that plays out in the world of spies.

The casting is flawless. Aparshakti Khurana delivers a career-defining performance, showcasing his versatility like never before. Rahul Bose, a seasoned actor, brings gravitas to his role, while Ishwak Singh and Kabir Bedi add depth and complexity to the narrative. Anupriya Goenka's presence, though understated, is powerful and impactful.

Beyond the performances, the film's production design is impeccable. Every set, every location feels meticulously crafted, immersing the audience in a world of shadows, secrets, and suspense. The script, too, is tight and engaging, with dialogues that reveal just enough to keep you hooked without giving away too much.

In a time when Bollywood is often criticized for formulaic storytelling, "Berlin" is a breath of fresh air. It's smart, intense, and beautifully crafted-a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

I don't think i have ever seen a film like this come out of Indian Cinema before. It's a one of a kind film and a film which i am immensely proud to call it a part of Indian Cinema. This is a Beautifully Crafted Story which is so much more than just your typical spy film. Atul Sabharwal's direction shines through every shot, every scene of this film. The screenplay engages you and doesn't let you loose for even a second. The cinematography enhances the tension we sense in a scene, the choice of shots specially the dual focused shot is placed so wonderfully and at the most crucial moments that it elevates the already masterfully crafted scenes. Rahul Bose, Ishwak Singh and Aparshakti Khurana gave spectacular performances expressing every little and high emotion through the intensity in their eyes. I wish more people see this film and appreciate for what a Spectacularly made film it is.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!

BERLIN.

I had my reservations about watching the film due to its mood and Aparshakti leading the cast. I'm glad to have been proven wrong, at least in terms of the former.

In 1993, after the end of the Cold War, a deaf and mute person is arrested on suspicion of being a spy. A sign language expert is brought in to interrogate him, only to discover that there are more lies than truths.

The story is based on Sabharwal's short story, The Decipherer. Right from the start, you're thrown into a world full of questions, even before the premise is set. Hold your horses-by the time the credits roll, you'll have all your answers and feel heavy with the weight of the truth. Atul Sabharwal manages to maintain the thrill while keeping the story engaging.

Aparshakti Khurana plays the most important role, but I feel he was the weakest among the cast. He has a similar acting style in every movie, regardless of the character. His emotional scenes are jarring, with an odd tendency to widen his eyes. Rahul Bose, on the other hand, nails his part, and it was a pleasure to watch him after such a long time. The surprise package, Ishwak Singh, was natural in his role, delivering a solid performance.

At many points in the movie, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat or biting your nails-a true sign of a well-executed thriller. The dark mood fits the narrative perfectly, and the accurate depiction of sign language adds to the film's authenticity.

If you have a taste for serious drama with a thriller edge, you'll definitely find this film interesting.

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