Blink

This film deserves some more viewership and has been momentum since March 2024 mostly through word of mouth, so I'm doing my bit, you should check this out *conditions apply.

If you enjoy the "Bro, WHAT is going on?", predicting how things will unfold and getting it right, you should watch this. If you like looking for answers after the movie, you should watch this. Acting was okay I guess, nothing to write home about but - GREAT editing.

I don't think I've seen a whole lot of movies with such a plot in Indian cinema, and from what I'm reading, it's very new to the Kannada audience as well. If you're looking for something unique, this surely fits the bill.

Plot conveniences - you can play along with these, but dealing with plot holes is a pain, especially with the mind-bending genre. Looking for answers may sometimes not help either. The problem with this film though is that there are a lot of questions, and you can't tell if it's a convenience or a hole; parts of Kannada audience is chalking it up to 'bad-writing'. And I think I have to agree....? Dunno, haven't made up my mind yet.

But it's a solid and commendable debut film, not easy to make something like this in India and not get panned.

2014 movie, "Predestination" has similar time travel loop. "Blink" appears to be a simplified version of this. Even then, it is a good effort in Kannada movie, to bring a sci-fi story into life that can be understood easily. I enjoyed it. Happy watching.

PS: Netflix 2017 series "Dark" (my rating 10/10) and Night Shyamalan 2024 movie "Caddo Lake" (my rating 6/10) are other recommendations for sci-fi enthusiasts. "Looper" Bruce Willis 2012 movie (my rating 8/10) is another movie in this genre. Year 2000 movie "Frequency" (my rating 8/10) is another time travel genre movie that you all may like.

Apoorva is yet to get financially stable and struggling to get a part time along with passing his final exams. He is dating Swapna, who helps him financially at times. Apoorva does feel insecure about not having a job and to add for his woes, he constantly feels being followed by a man named Arivu and even hallucinates seeing himself, but is it really his hallucination? Apoorva was raised by his single mother after his dad left him when he was five years old. The mysterious Arivu tells Apoorva that his father is still alive. How does Apoorva figure out what's happening with him and will he be able to figure out the mystery behind his father's disappearance? Is Arivu really trustworthy, forms rest of the story.

This is a film truly made by a cinephile and there are cinematic reference galore throughout the film. The director even acknowledges the films he took inspiration from. Merging Oedipus Rex with sci-fi time travel narrative is not an easy task and that too for debut director. On that front, it is a brave attempt which muse be lauded. To speak of what didn't work for me was the different actors cast in the same character as the timeline progresses and it just wasn't justifiable casting though the actors did their job well. I usually refrain from mentioning editing in reviews, but here better editing was required especially in the first half.

Even the inspirations taken, those aren't easy to sell it to the audience. Here the director gets the support of his able cast who carry the complex story forward. The usage of Janapada songs was definitely impactful while the couple of other compositions were fine. The main focus of the narrative should have been between Apoorva and Arivu from early on but first half mere gives the glimpse of it with Apoorva chasing him. It is only in the third act where these two characters flourish together and that throwback to Oedipus Rex play comes out effectively. Overall, this must be watched for the attempt and to support the talent that dares to think outside the routine.

For too long, Kannada movie buffs have yearned for a genuine sci-fi adventure on the big screen. Despite a few films having sci-fi elements here and there, the genre remained largely unexplored. But now, a glimmer of hope emerges with 'Blink' - a film that not only delves into the world of science fiction but also adds a touch of raw emotion and drama.

Directed by a dubantante Srinidhi Bengaluru and backed by producer Ravichandra AJ, 'Blink' defies expectations by taking a bold leap into the world of sci-fi thrillers. It's a testament to their courage to tackle such uncharted territory, especially for debutants in the industry.

One might think Blink's storyline shares similarities with Ethan Hawke's 'Predestination,' however, it can be regarded as the director's personal interpretation of the Greek hero Oedipus, a theme subtly echoed within the film.

Apoorva, our protagonist, struggles to secure a steady job due to not clearing his exams. Desperate for employment and determined to pass his exams, he embarks on a search for part-time work. Throughout his trials, he finds comfort and encouragement as he leans on the support of his love interest, Swapna. However, Apoorva's world is shaken when a mysterious revelation from an old man unveils that his father is not dead, and also reveals Apoorva's unique ability to control blinking, turning it into a heavy burden to bear.

What truly sets 'Blink' apart is its masterful handling of parallel timelines. While many films stumble over such complexities, Srinidhi effortlessly intertwines past and present, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as they journey alongside Apoorva through twists and turns, revelations, and mysteries.

The film also shines in its technical execution. Sanjeev Jagirdar's editing flows seamlessly; in other words, the editing is in perfect apple pie order. Prasanna Kumar's live music recording significantly enhances the movie, with brilliant use of sounds and folklore songs, while the overall music composition is impressive, complemented by impactful re-recording. Avinaasha Shastry's cinematography adds depth to the narrative, particularly in scenes depicting past events, distinguished by a distinct color grading to delineate between the two timelines.

The film's ensemble cast delivers commendable performances, with Dheekshith Shetty standing out for particular praise. His effortless portrayal is sure to captivate audiences and his ability to fully embody his character is commendable. I hope to see more Kannada filmmakers recognize Dheekshith's talent and provide him with opportunities to further develop his skills. While the other characters have less screen time compared to Dheekshith, each actor, including Suresh Anagalli, Vajradheer Jain, Gopal Krishna Deshpande, Chaithra Achar, and Mandara Battalahalli, brings their characters to life with utmost dedication, contributing significantly to the story.

Overall, 'Blink' is a film worth your time and attention. Show your support to this talented team by catching the film in theaters and spreading the word about its excellence. Kannada cinema deserves more gems like 'Blink.'

This film is an absolute must-watch! With a captivating storyline that diverges from the typical cinematic tropes, it offers a refreshing and unique viewing experience. The plot keeps you engaged from start to finish, weaving together unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. What truly sets this movie apart, however, is the outstanding performances delivered by every member of the cast. Each actor brings depth and authenticity to their role, immersing the audience in the story's world and creating a truly unforgettable viewing experience. From the protagonist to the supporting characters, every performance is nuanced and compelling, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Whether you're a fan of drama, suspense, or simply great storytelling, this film delivers on all fronts, making it a standout must-watch for any cinephile.