Director: Reema Kagti
Starring: Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Rani Mukerji
‘A Captivating Classic’
Few actresses in Bollywood are as beloved as Rani Mukerji. Ever since rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Mukerji has transformed into one of the finest actresses in the Indian film industry. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers, prostitutes or bold housekeepers, Mukerji has suggested she can portray various characters. Through her ability to portray characters that are compelling, she has created a legacy which has proven lasting. Mukerji’s greatest strength as an actress has always been her versatility. Mukerji’s strength as an actress is her courage to take risks. She is one of those actresses which has never been afraid of taking risks in her career by playing characters which aren’t commonly likeable. Despite reaching age of retirement, Mukerji has never lost her passion for making powerful entertainment. Throughout an enduring career, Mukerji has crafted many memorable movies which are definitely without a doubt absolutely worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of Mukerji and adore all the films she has made in her career. However, “Talaash: The Answer Lies Within” stands out as her most underrated work. Released in 2012, Reema Kagti’s movie offered a bold portrayal of grief. Packed with breathtaking production, engaging story and captivating acting, it’s one of the best Bollywood movies ever made about murder. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Rani Mukerji, who embodies a mother that faces grief. Ultimately, what makes “Talaash: the Answer Lies Within” a timeless classic is its bold appeal. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it tackles strong themes everyone can relate to. A mesmerizing Bollywood mystery, there are many strong reasons why “Talaash: The Answer Lies Within” is a movie that’s worth watching.
“Talaash: The Answer Lies Within” tells the story of a troubled cop seeking to resolve a crime from within. Aamir Khan plays Surjan Sekhawat, a troubled cop haunted by tragic past. Surjan has always shared a conflicted relationship with his estranged wife Roshni (Rani Mukerji). Roshni is a moody housewife that’s haunted by a traumatic incident in her past. At first, Surjan questions whether it is possible for him to repair a relationship with his wife. However, Surjan’s life dramatically changes when he crosses paths with a sex worker. As all the odd soon become stacked against his favour, Surjan wonders whether he can be a police officer.
Reema Kagti is a newcomer towards stories of police officers. Before she had directed “Talaash: the Answer Lies Within”, Kagti had never made a murder mystery movie. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of police officers facing adversities but she succeeded immensely. Using engaging cinematography, Kagti captured a powerful police officer seeking to resolve perplexing murder mystery. Emulating Ramesh Sippy’s “Sholay”, Kagti uses handheld cameras to capture police officers which experience a price to pay. For instance, handheld camera elevates the crime discovery scene. During this unforgettable scene, Surjan stumbles across a gruesome crime scene that merits investigation. Using handheld camerawork, Kagti creates a portrait of murder which is engaging. Handheld camerawork is a tricky technique. As Nitesh Tiwari’s “Dangal” did prove clearly, handheld cameras enhance wrestling movies. Nevertheless, it works in this movie. Using captivating visuals, Kagti captures the hardships that cops are often facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Talaash: The Answer Lies Within” that merits recognition is the production. From a technical point of view, it’s one of the most impressive Indian films which you will ever see. Evoking Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Omkara”, Kagti effectively uses cross-cutting to stage musical sequences. For instance, cross-cutting enhances the Jee Le Zaara song. During this memorable scene, Surjan faced a romantic encounter with a bold sex worker. Using extraordinary cross-cutting, Kagti creates a mystery that is compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. It gives the movie an engaging atmosphere capturing the burdens grieving police officers bear. Through commendable production, Kagti captures hardships faced by cops which seek to conduct an elaborate investigation.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Talaash: the Answer Lies Within” is a film that’s engrossing. The movie is beautifully written, and expertly uses silence to convey intense hardships which cops experience. For instance, silence enhances the children deaths scene. During this heartfelt scene, Surjan discovers the shocking truth about his children which are murdered. Through silence, Surjan creates a portrayal of grief that audiences can relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Karan Johar’s “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” did suggest clearly, silence enhances movies about broken Indian families. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Kagti captures the lives of police officers which face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Rani Mukerji delivers one of her best career performances as Roshni. Mukerji achieved appreciation for playing romantic heroines in classic Bollywood movies. With “Talaash”, however, Mukerji took on her most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray the personality of a woman caught in a murder mystery but she succeeds immensely. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: tense, charming and emotional in her most iconic role. With riveting expressions, she captures the angst, bravery and grief of a woman that faced marriage tensions. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most beloved actresses in India today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Rani Mukerji, the supporting cast is also extraordinary. Aamir Khan is astonishing, capturing the charisma of a cop facing a huge dilemma in India. Kareena Kapoor is captivating, capturing the dedication of a sex worker which engages in a romantic relationship. Finally, Rajkummar Rao merits appreciation. As a dedicated police officer, he is unforgettable.
Fans of Rani Mukerji would absolutely enjoy “Talaash” and so would audiences seeking exhilarating entertainment. A captivating Bollywood crime drama, it celebrates a bold actress with charisma.
Nearly 15 years following the release of a groundbreaking Bollywood movie about a troubled cop seeking to solve a perplexing murder mystery, it’s a riveting reminder of an impressive actress that has created a lasting legacy through her ability to portray compelling characters in memorable movies throughout India that audiences commonly love dearly.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 