Chup Review: A slow yet engaging crime thriller
Chup Movie Rating: 3 Stars
Finally watched Chup: Revenge of the Artist movie on Zee5 Premium. Let’s focus on the complete details, story, positive/negatives and at last my personal view on this movie.
Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Sunny Deol, Shreya Dhanwanthary and Pooja Bhatt
Director: R Balki
Release Date: 23rd September 2022 in Cinemas & Digital premiere on Zee5 Premium from 25th November 2022
Story: Movie begins on a thrilling note, with the murder of a film critic Nitin Srivastav (Pyarali Nayani). IG Arvind Mathur (Sunny Deol) is assigned to investigate the case. There is a pattern to the killings, but the police are not able to crack the case. In fact, the police are perplexed because the killer is so smart that he leaves no clue whatsoever.
On the other hand, there is Danny (Dulquer Salmaan) who is a florist. A young journalist Nila (Shreya Dhanwanthary) who has recently shifted to Mumbai discovers his shop and is impressed that he sells tulips which is his mother’s favorite. Both get attracted to each other.
Meanwhile three more critics also killed in similar manner, so Arvind seeks the help of Zenobia (Pooja Bhatt) who is known for understanding the psychology of psychopaths. The police then plant a decoy Nila with a view to tempt the serial killer to go after the new critic. The intention is to nab the murderer once he falls into the trap. Do police succeed to nab the killer? What is the serial killer’s motive? What happened to Nila and Danny love story?
Positives
1. Excellent Performances
2. Direction
3. Story
4. Background Music
Negatives
1. Climax
2. Screenplay
3. Length
Durgesh Tiwary’s View: When I watched the trailer of this film planned to watch this movie on digital premiere as unable to watch this one in cinemas due to unavoidable circumstances.
In Mumbai, a serial killer targets film critics who give dishonest reviews for films and killed them in the most gruesome manner and IG Arvind Mathur is assigned to catch the killer.
Chup story is unique as there have been many films on serial killers on the loose. But there has been no film about a serial killer killing film critics. This gives a nice touch to the overall plot. Screenplay is slow but effective and creative. The way the two tracks run parallel makes for a fine watch. Also, the manner in which Guru Dutt, flowers and murder all come together is seamless. However, the investigation angle could have been more convincing. Performances are very good, but Dalquer Salmaan excels among all. R Balki’s direction is praiseworthy. He is known for feel-good films, and this is the first time he enters this zone. But he excels in several places. Interestingly, one can predict who is the killer at the very beginning. Yet, the revelation of the murderer comes across as a jolt.
On the flipside, the pacing of the film is slow. Despite the interesting narrative, it is still a niche film. On top of that, it’s violent, which further restricts its appeal. Moreover, a few investigation scenes seem superficial and theatrical and not too real. There are basic flaws in the screenplay. It’s not made clear as to how the killer, who only owns a bicycle, is able to kidnap and transport people out of their homes and kill them at different sites. And he’s able to do so under the heightened presence of police. Also, he’s able to evade all the security cameras everywhere. It just doesn’t add-up.
Overall, movie is a unique tale of a serial killer on the loose and boasts of some fine performances. Watch the film for the fine performances by the entire ensemble cast and for its homage to Guru Dutt and his brand of cinema. My view on this movie Recommended.
For more Bollywood and Cricket updates visit my page on Facebook Durgesh Tiwary’s View and website Cricket Movie Website