Going for the kill

Nonika Singh

Perhaps, there is a monster within all of us. So, is dark cinema aimed at feeding that evil instinct? Or, is it a psychological insight into deeper and darker recesses of human mind?

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Set amidst squalid surroundings, dirt, filth, slums, Kashyap builds the background for his story of Raman, a serial killer with deftness. Loosely inspired by the actual killer, who stalked the Mumbai streets in the sixties, this wonky man from the lower strata of society kills without a reason. Or, as he puts it, killing comes as naturally to him as eating and drinking.  Sure as serial killers go, he is one of his kind, who would not  spare those who cross his path and also those who don’t. To top it all, he likes to play mind games with cops, even shows up at the police station, admitting his crimes, only if they would believe him. 

In Anurag’s world, there is no room for pretty or lofty emotions.  It’s an amoral morass where all is never ever well or good.  Expectedly, Raman is not alone in his evil deeds. He has an alter ego Raghav, the man in the uniform. Thus the line between the hunted and hunter is diffused. Kashyap’s story unwraps chapter by chapter (literally each sequence is named like a chapter), drawing you into its folds with the hypnotic power of evil where at times things become too hard to stomach. In fact, Kashyap offers many shades of black, and his lead characters are dark and sinister. Together they shock you, make you cringe and Kashyap manages to have you transfixed on their horrific deeds. 

Nawazuddin. as Raman the remorseless serial killer. is a treat to watch, almost unfolding like a class in acting. From minor inflections (the slight twitch here, fluid change of expression there) to the shocking acts, he mirrors the many faces of shaitan with a conviction as only a master actor like him can. Surely, you don't end up falling in love with him (God forbid). Rather, he disgusts you, has you on tenterhooks and surprises you in equal measure. Vicky Kaushal holds his own and as a wolf dyed in policeman’s clothing is menacing too. Other characters such as Sobhita Dhulipala as Raghav’s live-in girlfriend fills in the spaces meant for them adequately.

But if in your cinematic space, you like evil to be quashed by goodness, seek your redemption somewhere else. Here, it’s evil vs evil or rather evil has company. Unlike movies such as Badlapur there is no vindication here, no poetic justice to offer you peace. 

And the film is certainly not for the faint hearted. Only here is a sample test. If you were able to withstand the trailer, well, the film is not any more gruesome than what you already have an inkling of.  Still be warned—this is not everyone’s idea of cinema or entertainment. However, if you are not the queasy kind be prepared for some riveting moments and revelations. Had the film stirred too, it would have fallen into another grade. But as it stands, it is engaging fare for sure.