#MovieReview : Raazi
Language: Hindi
Genre: Drama. Thriller
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Jaideep Ahlawat, Rajit Kapoor, Shishir Sharma, Arif Zakaria, Soni Razdan and others
Duration: 2 Hours 20 Minutes
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Director: Meghna Gulzar
The Plot:
An ailing Indian spy, Hidayat (Rajit Kapoor) wishes to pass on his mantle to his only child. Pulled out of college, his daughter, Sehmat (Alia Bhatt) agrees to take the family tradition forward for the love of her country.
After undergoing the requisite training by her mentor Khalid Mir (Jaideep Ahlawat) she is married into a Pakistani Army Generals family, as the bride of his youngest son, Iqbal (Vicky Kaushal) a Pakistani Army Officer.
As a loving daughter in law and a gentle wife, Sehmat soon enough win’s hearts and her new family’s trust, even as she begins spying on them.
Caught in the web of duty, and the love for her country, Sehmat passes on vital information to her counterparts in India. Till she goes too far ahead to turn back.
My Thoughts:
Set in the late 60’s and early 70’s Raazi is the adaption of a true story and based on the book, Calling Sehmat by Harinder S Sikka. The plot promised to be fresh and exciting.
Somewhere along the way the exciting bit got diluted to tepid as the script and screenplay formed. With loopholes that defy logic, and a pace that is sluggish it is difficult to stay engaged. The entire Indian spy network and their working style seems embarrassingly amateurish. The sheer carelessness shown on the Pakistani end leaves you with nothing but disbelief. Save for two or three instances, there is nothing thrilling in the film. It seems more like a Docu-Drama.
Alia Bhatt as Sehmat bravely carries the film on her slender shoulders, with able help by fresh face Jaideep Ahlawat as Khalid Mir.
Vicky Kaushal, when he is allowed to appear, shows flashes of brilliance. Just wish there was more of him.
The blossoming relationship between the newly weds, Sehmat and Iqbal is tender and touching and my favourite part about the film.
Very few actors, or director, can save a bad script but Alia Bhatt and the entire cast, have done a commendable job of trying
**2 Stars for Raazi
*My Rating Chart
* I want my money back + a fully booked and paid 3 month trip to _________(please fill in a destination of choice)
** I don’t want my money back even though I didn’t like the movie, but director/producer may please pay for my popcorn/samosa/parking.
*** Time and money both well spent!
**** Loved it!
***** Whistle, clap, even smile at irritating neighbor-who-kept-talking-on-cell phone and extol virtues of the movie.
I have been trying to get my hands on the book Calling Sehmat as well.. It’s going to be out this may is what I heard. The plot is nice, however from ur review it looks like the execution has failed. But that’s Bollywood for you. Trust them to over dramatize…
It was underwhelming, Ramya. Also kind of foolish.
Thanks for saving my money Mayuri. However I am interested in the book now.
I somehow waited for your review before booking the first day first show, though purely based on the storyline, I was contemplating watching it over 102 not out. Have you watched it?
Haven’t watched 102 yet. Heard mixed reviews about it though.
Oh i didn’t expect this review. Ya i have heard some saying it is amateur and foolish.
But i really liked the movie. Even the story. It was thrilling too. Alia Bhatt’s acting skills were really commendable, except for a few crying scenes. And i too wish there was more of Vicky Kaushal. After Sumeet Vyas, he has made a good place through web series.
Different opinions.
I am waiting to read the book now.
I loved the trailer and was looking forward to the movie. Haven’t seen it yet and seems like giving it a miss wouldn’t be too bad.
2 stars ! Seems like the producers should pay you for watching it.
But I would like to watch it because of the whole spy thing. It is nice to see Alia accepting good roles
What I especially loved about the movie was the balanced approach of the director, Meghna Gulzar not taking any side. Although there were a few unconvincing moments in the movie and some loopholes in the script too, but still the movie struck the right chords. Alia Bhatt has been growing in stature with each passing year, as far as acting is concerned. What a tremendous performance she has given in Raazi! Very natural. And superb direction too by the dynamic Meghna Gulzar. For the music, “Ae watan” is my favourite
Thanks for reading, Amit.