Stuff reality is made of

Nonika Singh

If it weren’t true, it would sound like the ultimate fantasy. Capturing a dreaded terrorist, India’s Most Wanted actually, as the title informs, without firing a single bullet, is the stuff fables are made of. But as talented director Raj Kumar Gupta build up the story of unsung heroes, he keeps us all clued in. One of the big strengths of the film is that it doesn’t stray from its core premise. 

A cross border man-hunt with Arjun Kapoor in the lead, it is that rare film on the subject of terrorism where guns don’t go off at the slightest provocation and bodies don’t pile up without rhyme or reason. 

Blood and gore is seen only in scenes of terror attacks. Bomb explosions are interspersed every now and then to drive home the terror of it all. But for these interjections and the references to the word kaafir, religious card is not played. Nor is there any jingoism or battle-cries of revenge or faux patriotism. 

No doubt the heroes who pool in money and have a devil may care attitude are patriots whose heart beats for the nation. But we are spared the sentimental dialoguebaazi or even the unnecessary heroics. Actually, here the heroes look like ordinary men, only their deeds and tales are extraordinary. With inputs from an informer they manage to zero down upon Yasin (Yusuf here) Bhatkal (Sudev Nair). The terror-mind, his menace is restricted to the belief that all kaafirs deserve punishment and reflects by way of one-liners uttered in the background of terror incidents. Despite his despotic acts, which we are reminded of in a rather haphazard manner as the time line continues to shift back and forth, and those piercing eyes he doesn’t get enough screen time to fill you with dread.

Arjun Kapoor is earnest. Even though the part doesn’t allow him many shades, he is convincing. 

So is the narrative, which has moments where it keeps you on tenterhooks. But by and large it plays out simply and realistically. The film’s realism, its highpoint, also becomes a downer, especially if you are looking for high octane adrenaline rush. Here the chase is more academic than action driven. There is greater suspense and tension in the team’s encounters with the khabri than the most wanted. 

The film unfolds more as an intriguing story and less as a thriller. Yet, Gupta keeps you invested and interested in a tale whose outcome is fait accompli. Watch it to know how our unsung heroes work untiringly and without yearning or demanding the spot under the limelight. A comforting thought in times when everyone is screaming for attention.