WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Acts of audacity. Would we wish to believe we’re immune to any sense of being prone to levels of making rash decisions in the face of expectations so deeply shattered that it’s torn us to the core of our soul? When said aspirations are suddenly ripped away from us, we can all testify to that first thought and reaction that comes to mind–the need to right what we perceive as a grievous wrong. Do we literally TAKE the steps to seek retribution, or is it all just an unfulfilled notion? In an undisclosed forest locale, film director Shiv (Darsh Mody) has invited actor Aarav (Deep Sheth) out to confront the disgruntled thespian’s primary concern–the coveted part of a serial killer he wished to play wasn’t awarded to him. As the men’s interaction devolves into a harrowing journey for them both, time will tell the outcome of dreams dashed and revenge pursued.
Next, my Mind:
What price paid for wishing upon the alter of reprisal is a question emphatically explored to quite definitively unsettling but beautifully thrilling levels through this 16-minute short film offering, soaking in its NYC Premier, from writer/director/co-producer/cinematographer/editor (can the man really wear ANY more hats here??) Simrat Sandhu and executive producers Deep Sheth and Akansha Sukhija. Screened as part of the 2021 NYC South Asian Film Festival sponsored by Toyota USA and hosted by Festival Director/Jingo Media Founder Jitin Hingorani and Artistic Director Ambica Dev, this critic was quite pleased to see a film of this particular stylistic approach be included amongst the other shorts and features, as I’ve always appreciated a well-executed, tension-filled, edge-of-your seat romp, which this more than satisfied. Given the film’s actual title, I had the opportunity to meet the filmmakers in NYC and therefore state to them directly the major Bollywood film their project harkened back to, the exquisitely disturbing “Raman Raghav 2.0“, which the filmmakers were honestly, pleasantly surprised at my knowledge of and the comparisons drawn here.
Utilizing its abridged runtime to the utmost degree of effectiveness, the narrative’s pacing moves along fluidly and with decisive forethought in unveiling the chilling truths about the splintered mind, deliberate, cold calculation, the sway of unreleased anger being suddenly brought to life, and the dangerously tangible consequences that could be visited upon someone when facing another’s emotionally volatile state of being. It’s a smoothly dispensed piece of both dramatic and vigorously intense suspense that keeps the viewer’s eyes glued to the screen, constantly wondering exactly how this insanity will come to a close. What then worked to the most brilliantly conceived benefit of the film is the resolution that occurs once the initial events have come to a conclusion, which in itself was masterfully carried out and would have more than sufficiently given us satisfaction with it’s “OHHH!!” reveal. But, the effort then truly unmasks its genius in a full-out twist that left this critic stunned and even MORE excitedly gratified. Watch the film, folks!
Mody brings to the screen a more subtle approach to the character he plays, at least at first, before having to ramp up the volume as it were upon the proceedings elevating to a whole new extent via his role as Shiv, a film director on the cusp of making his newest project but then is having to deal with the actor whom he turned away from the lead role and who is now not exactly brimming with appreciation towards the decision. Thinking talking it out will be the solution, Shive quickly learns otherwise, and soon finds himself fighting for his life against a unhinged individual. How it will all pan out will test Shiv’s fortitude and basic desire to live, and Mody believably presents this through his performance.
The eerie thing about madness is that there’s got to be SOME sense of albeit utterly warped enjoyment getting to play someone who’s distinctly off the rails. This critic can only imagine what was possibly going through the head of Sheth while depicting someone WISHING to portray the embodiment of primal instinct and heartless action via his role as Aarav, an actor whose sole intent and hope was to be the lead star in Shiv’s new film, playing an infamous serial killer. Once knowing the role was not to be his, Aarav’s entire world shatters and he chooses to not only meet with Shiv to–discuss–it, but takes matters to farther extremes than anticipated. As the circumstances unfold, who will come out of it all in one piece or, at minimum, sane is in question, with Sheth’s performance cleverly and keenly provided with apropos ferocity.
The only primary supporting appearance is made by Sanket Bakshi and when I say this has to be one of the most amazing, brief but key roles associated with this film, well, that just gives you an even bigger reason to find opportunity to take in this film. That’s all I will say about it. So, in total, “Raghu” very smartly maintains my passion for this form of film as done with South Asian flare and design, able to visualize a fast-paced, relentlessly sensational, wholly vivid narrative with a (excuse me, but I have to) killer finale, all while doing full justice to the thriller genre it makes manifest. Caution to filmmakers everywhere–never turn down an actor with a cause for your project, because you just never know how it will all turn out!
Miss viewing “Raghu” at either physical festival? Worry not! You can still check out the film for one more day online as it currently screens as part of Virtual SAFF 2021!
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
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