In 2013, amongst the crowd of multiple commercial films, a film called #BAPass was released which dealt with a bold subject that was hardly attempted by anyone ( #OOPS by #DeepakTijori also highlighted it ) called male prostitution. The film had both bold content and scenes but it was a superbly narrated tale of how a young middle-class boy becomes a Jigolo and how his life gets destroyed. It was stunning to see the maturity by which the filmmaker #AjayBahl handled the subject of the movie. This week he has come back with a new venture #Section375 which deals with the section made for rape victims. Does he make a film as good as his previous work or not? Let’s analyse...
Synopsis
#Section375 tells the tale of a successful director who rapes his young female costume assistant and gets 10 years vigorous imprisonment. Is he guilty or innocent? The answer to this question forms the rest of the story.
Direction
#AjayBahl is in top notch form! No doubt! The subject of the film is very sensitive and the legal terms and clauses used can be boring for a common man to understand but hats off to the director. He has presented a solid engaging narrative which hardly gives you a second to move away from the screen. His direction is both matured and restrained. His balanced view of presenting things is certainly praiseworthy. The film seems to have taken inspiration from the #Metoo events that shook the nation.
Story and Screenplay
#ManishGupta's story is hard-hitting and too relevant in today’s times especially after the #Metoo movement. Screenplay and dialogues by #ManishGupta with additional dialogues by #AjayBahl are razor sharp and acidic. The only issue is many dialogues are in English which might hamper its impact in smaller centres but the script is so smooth flowing that these flaws can be ignored (considering the premise of the film). This is one of #ManishGupta's most accomplished work!
Technical Department
Thankfully the movie has no songs. Background music by #ClintonCerejo is good and captures the mood of the film effectively. Cinematography by #SudhirChaudhary is noteworthy. Editing by #PraveenAngre is acuminate, and it’s also his effort and hard work that a songless film of around 120 minutes does not bore you even for a second.
Performances
Like many star sons are launched, #AkshayeKhanna was also launched by his father late Shri #VinodKhanna in 1997 through the film #Himalayaputra. But it was #DilChahtaHai where his acting skills were appreciated. He gave memorable performances in movies like #Border, #Taal, #Humraaz, #GandhiMyFather, #Hulchul, #Race, and #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister. But hold on! Section 375 will be always remembered as his most proficient work! Its look like he was born for this role. His mannerisms, his wicked smile, his way of interrogation, his body language, and his accent were perfect to the T! It’s sad that Hindi cinema filmmakers have still not utilised this volcano of talent!
#RichaChadha shines in her role. #RahulBhat is another gem who is still not explored much. He does his best and shines in his role. #MeeraChopra does a good job as an alleged victim of rape. Her rock steady facial expressions in the court speak volumes of her acting calibre. #SandhyaMridul is average. #AnnuupChoudhari shines in the role of the victim’s brother. He is a talent to watch out for. #KrutikaDesai is perfect in the role of Judge. #KishorKadam as another judge provides few laughter moments.
WMR Verdict
There are entertaining films, and there are important films. #Section375 falls into the later category. This is a must watch film for its honestness to present a controversial subject through a balanced view without getting biased. Kudos to #AjayBahl and #ManishGupta to raise the bar of Hindi cinema! A must watch courtroom drama with one of finest performances by all actors! Do not miss this one! One of the best films of 2019!
WMR Rating: 4.5/5
Comments