Berlin Movie Review 2024: Aparshakti Khurana and Ishwak Singh Make The Spy Drama Crazy With There Acting Skill
Berlin Movie Review 2024: Director Atul Sabharwal skillfully lifts the iron curtain to reveal the gritty reality of the spy business in Berlin, a film that deserves praise for breaking away from the conventional Bollywood spy movie formula.
Berlin Movie Review 2024
Berlin (Hindi)
Berlin, set in the winter of 1993 in Delhi, brings us to a time when India was still under Soviet influence, even as Europe was emerging from the Cold War. It was an era when the American dream was met with skepticism, socialism was still in vogue, and liberalization had not yet taken root. The film captures a period largely overlooked in popular culture—one where mobile libraries sold Pushkin’s poetry, the Russian Culture Centre was abuzz with activities, and headlines were filled with talk of cryogenic engines and Scud missiles.
In Berlin, writer-director Atul Sabharwal builds a world filled with psychological depth, where the characters' suffering and silences speak volumes. Sabharwal, known for films like Aurangzeb and Class of ‘83, once again paints a complex picture of espionage, but without the typical flashy veneer. This spy thriller feels lived-in, thanks to the detailed recreation of 1993's espionage atmosphere with cinematographer Shree Namjoshi. The film focuses on Ashok, a deaf-mute waiter at Berlin Cafe, a covert hub for classified information, and Pushkin Verma (played by Aparshakti Khurana), a sign language teacher brought in to decode Ashok’s secrets.
Tensions rise in “Berlin” as the intelligence agencies (Office and Wing) race to uncover the truth about Ashok. His machinations distract the seasoned spy, and as Pushkin digs deeper, the film begins to blur the lines between love and control. Sabharwal cleverly subverts the traditional spy genre by focusing less on heroic deeds and more on the moral ambiguities that define this world. Rahul Bose’s performance as Sodhi, the warden’s chief determined to save his life, adds a sinister layer to the story, while the gray, Brutalist architecture of Central Delhi creates a fitting backdrop for History’s description.
Also Read :- Exclusive Update: Biggest Starcast Ever For Akshay Kumar Led Housefull 5
In contrast to typical Bollywood spy thrillers like Tiger and Pathaan, Berlin stands out for its refusal to conform to mainstream demands. The film has no music, and its characters, whether ordinary men like Pushkin or trained spies, are far from the glamorous heroism that Bollywood usually presents. Instead, Berlin offers a sober view of espionage, portraying agents as flawed and weak people rather than invincible heroes. As Wing's spy chief admits, "We also count two plus two and get three or five, but rarely four." It's clear at a glance. Pushkin, at first an unsuspecting pawn, finds himself caught in a complex web of deception where truths are distorted and facts twisted for personal and political gain. The film eschews over-the-top action, opting instead for a gentler, more nuanced portrayal of espionage, where words and silence speak louder than violence.
Berlin Movie is currently streaming on ZEE5
" The performances from Aparshakti Khurana and Ishwak Singh are excellent; Khurana's Pushkin expresses confusion and determination; and Singh's Ashok has an unconventional face. The film's portrayal of reality as fragile and easily manipulated resonates in today's world, where narratives are often fabricated by powerful madmen. Sabharwal's "Berlin" is a rare spy drama that challenges the traditional Bollywood genre, offering a thought-provoking, character-driven story set against the backdrop of geopolitical intrigue.
That quibble apart, Berlin deserves kudos for its refusal to kowtow to the current demands of the Bollywood spy movie template.
Post a Comment