Culpa Declarada

I have never watched a movie like this. The direction of the movie was superb all credits to Meghna gulzar for giving us such a wonderful film and irrfan khan was as always giving gossebumps with his acting and my favourite Neeraj kabi just stunning.

The 2008 murder of Aarushi Talwar and Hemraj Banjade and the subsequent investigations, of which Guilty/Talvar is the fictionalized account, are complex, with multiple official points of view, compromised evidence, and of course breathless media accounts with unnamed sources, rumours and innuendo. The views on this case are polarized and often hardened, so how to make a movie about it? Vishal Bhardwaj and Meghna Guzzal took the time to scrupulously research the case, and present a Rashomon-like telling of the story with multiple viewpoints, allowing the viewer to conclude which case is most compelling.

The acting is superb, and despite the many details, the editing it tight so that the movie is gripping from start to finish. Highly recommended.

For those who want to go deeper into the case, and into the trial that followed (which isn't covered in the movie), Avirook Sen's 2015 book "Aarushi" is detailed deconstruction of the case.

A movie stands on four pillars in my understanding - Storyline Cast Direction Performance

The storyline of Talvar is woven excellently. It portrays the Aarushi Murder Case and related facts in such an impacting manner that every bit of the movie is engrossing and intense. You need to pay attention to every stream of the reel. The intensity that is built quite early in the story stays intact after interval too. The ending is not at all abrupt. It goes with a number of intriguing questions that keep floating in mind even after leaving the theater. The story gets absorbed in your mind and heart and unknowingly or even if unwillingly it travels with you, stays with you and keeps haunting you and probing you with many questions. What if? Why that? How could it be? are the few questions that keep floating in your mind. It has been well written by Vishal Bhardwaj and the similar credit for screenplay too goes to Vishal. The movie runs for a little less than 2 hours and 15 minutes.

The cast has been well chosen and what I feel is that these days there is some scientific mechanism behind the cast selection. Irrfan Khan as Ashwin - a CBI investigating officer. Tabu as Reema is Ashwin's wife and this time I would give her full credit for playing her role well. Ayesha Praveen playing the role of Shruti (based on Aarushi) had little to do but still in her short stint she impressed well. Neeraj Kabi as Shruti's father (based on Rajesh Talwar in the real incident of 2008 Aarushi Talwar's murder) resembled Rajesh Talwar and justified his role by playing it quite perfectly. Konkona Sen Sharma has played the role of Shruti's mother and she too did well. Some new faces like Sohum Shah, Gajraj Rao, and Atul Kumar were able to put substantial impact in the story through their role. It is Irrfan who must get full scores for outperforming so magnificently. But that is his foray and he has mastered to outperform whatever role he is given in any kind of story. He fits well in intense stories.

The direction is by Meghna Gulzar and she must get full marks for creating such a great impact through her directorial skills.

Performance by each individual has been fantastic. It will be difficult to find out who has done less as even the bad roles have been played in such a good way and with perfection.

Overall the movie reflects how politics, media and judiciary can change directions of the justice. Finally, the blind justice symbol's unnoticed weapon has been highlighted but did justice finally win? You watch the movie and decide.

It is a must watch movie, quite serious, intense and intriguing with no excessive and non-digestible masala; and/or item numbers. Good to watch with friends and family.

Apart from the storyline, the performances of the director, scriptwriter and actors, what stayed with me was how scary this entire matter was. The incompetence of government officials is not something that we are unaware of, but when it results in incorrect convictions of innocent individuals that are already suffering from the horrifying manner of the death of their only child, it generates a disturbed feeling that stays with you longer than any silly movie that calls itself horror.

Move aside, Conjuring and Insidious and Ring and Fridays and slashers and zombies. *This* is genuinely terrifying, in the "it could so easly happen to me" mould. Congratulations to everyone involved in the making of this gem.

Talwar is one of those refreshers who never fails to give its audience a reality cheak on the weak and fragile system of this country. The film had done an excellent job by emphasizing on the real plague of the system. In our democracy, Internal politics has always been rampant in every hierarchy of the organizations. The sick mentality of 'pull someone's leg and bring him down to take his place' is unfortunately ingrained in every part of our society. People often loose the sense of morality to gain advantage in search of their own greed and power.

The arushi murder case is one of the greatest example of this Dirty politics. The film is full of incompetent individuals holding the position of power and great responsibility. From the very start of the movie, you see police not following the protocols and making immature decisions. How evidences are tampered and statements are changed. Overall there are many instances in the film where you get this unrelenting urge to punch people in their face.

Talvar," directed by Meghna Gulzar, is a compelling cinematic retelling of the infamous Noida double murder case that captivated India in 2008. The film, based on true events, masterfully delves into the complexities of the investigation and the media frenzy that surrounded it.

Talvar boasts a stellar cast that delivers nuanced performances.

Irrfan Khan as DCP Alok Kumar, He delivers a powerful performance, embodying the frustration and determination of a man seeking justice in a convoluted case. His portrayal of a dedicated police officer navigating a high-pressure case is exceptional. Khan's ability to convey both conviction and doubt is central to the film's impact.

Konkona Sen Sharma and Neeraj Kabi as the Talwars, Their performances are equally compelling. They embody the parents' grief and desperation, while also raising questions about their potential involvement. Their performances contribute to the film's authenticity and sense of urgency.

The supporting cast, The actors playing the investigating officers, the media, and the neighbors effectively contribute to the overall tension and ambiguity of the narrative.

Meghna Gulzar's direction is both sensitive and incisive. She balances the narrative, ensuring that it neither leans too heavily towards sensationalism nor becomes overly didactic. Meghna Gulzar's approach is commendable. Instead of presenting a definitive answer, she invites the audience to form their own conclusions. The cinematography by Ritesh Soni captures the stark reality of the case and the contrasting worlds of the affluent Talwar family and the investigative authorities. The visual storytelling enhances the emotional resonance of the film.

The screenplay, co-written by Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj, is tight and engaging. The film effectively conveys the chaos and confusion that surrounded the case, with well-structured dialogue that prompts audiences to reflect on the nature of truth and justice. The pacing keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, making it difficult to look away.

The screenplay is intelligently crafted, presenting multiple perspectives on the crime. The film's strength lies in its ability to maintain an air of uncertainty throughout, keeping the audience engaged and questioning their own assumptions. While some might argue that the film leans towards a particular theory, it's undeniable that it sparks crucial conversations about the justice system and the media's role in shaping public opinion.

"Talvar" raises important questions about media influence, the reliability of narratives, and the pursuit of justice. It examines how public perception can shape investigations and the moral dilemmas faced by those involved. The film encourages viewers to consider the implications of jumping to conclusions based on incomplete information.

Overall, "Talvar" is a thought-provoking and gripping film that transcends its immediate subject matter to comment on broader societal issues. It stands out as a significant contribution to Indian cinema, showcasing the talent of its cast and crew. Talvar is a film that challenges the viewer to question everything they know. For those interested in true crime dramas, "Talvar" offers a riveting experience that lingers long after film end's.