Berlin

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.

#pranureviews #Berlin #BerlinReview"

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 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.

Movie Review: Hindi Film Berlin streaming on Zee5!!

Berlin is an espionage thriller, set in 1993 , a few days prior to the visit of the Russian president to India, a deaf- mute person Ashok (Ishwaq Singh) is arrested for being a spy. He is the only person who might have a clue to an assassination plot that threatens to derail the entire fabric of Indian politics.

Pushkin ( Aparshakti Khurana), a sign language expert is brought in by the Bureau chief Sondhi ( Rahul Bose) to interrogate Ashok . As the interrogation proceeds , the thin line between guilt & innocence blurs. Things are not what they seem and there is something sinister brewing in the backdrop !!

A mind bender in the true sense . A gripping faceoff between Aparshakti & Ishwaq is the highlight as both try to get an upper hand in the interrogation!! The effort put in by the lead characters, especially their proficiency in sign language shows, as they breeze through the interrogation like 2 specially abled persons talking effortlessly ! Impressive indeed 👍 🙂!

Another aspect showcased brilliantly is the intense rivalry between 2 top security agencies in India , the Bureau & Wing , their disjointed way of working and reluctance to collaborate for the greater good of the country!! Sad State of affairs indeed !!

And finally, how is the name Berlin relevant in the context of the narrative ??

The climax too is out of the world that will blow you away!!

If you're a fan of edge of the seat thrillers, this Aparshakti Khurana, Ishwaq Singh, Rahul Bose starter is definitely recommended!!

Going with 3.5/5 for this one.. Adios 🙂!!

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