Sriram Raghavan's Andhadhun is an edgy suspense thriller following a light-hearted module best suited for this gripping narrative. The central plot of the film is based on a 2010 French short film by Olivier Treiner titled "L'accordeur" ('The Piano Tuner' in English) where a pretending blind man who is a piano tuner by profession can actually see is burdened by his act to gain sympathy. Founds himself in the midst of a woman who has already murdered someone and the self-less protagonist can just play his piano continuing his blind act.
Revolving around the lead character Aakash played Ayushmann Khurrana who is a blind pianist from Pune living in the handicapped NGO quarter with subsidised rent. Following his aspirations to land in London, Aakash wants to complete his missing piece, ''Kuch cheezein adhuri hone pe hee toh puri lagti hai" utters Radhika Apte his hand holding companion who gets him a job at her father's restaurant. Well, it is always hard to review a suspense thriller, with not giving away much of the details that would ruin your theatrical experience. Beginning with Pramod Sinha played by Anil Dhawan a vintage Bollywood star who is forgotten by the audience, while Tabu plays his monotonous wife who aspires to become a Bollywood actress. It is the macho muscular sub-inspector played by Manav Vij who makes the film even edgier as the narrative prospers. It's a murder where these characters are in the midst. Director Raghavan has neither hiding the motive of murder nor the one who is guilty of this crime. In fact, every kinky detail from the crime scene is out there for the audiences but it's the consequences that make things intriguing with the indulgence of the twist and turns.
The first half is absolutely kickass, introducing the major characters flawlessly at a right pace we do witness some nail-biting moments that becomes the film's USP. Although, the whole film is quite unpredictable from start to finish, there are some points Raghavan missed out to mend as we evaluate the film critically, but we can let go off a couple of mistakes when we have a gripping fare which is worth every penny. Well, the only stand out star whose performances are legitimate and impactful is Tabu and Ayushmann Khurrana. This is surely Tabu's spotless after 'Haider' and her acting prowess is a true treat to watch. Oh Boy! Ayushmann Khurrana has delivered the finest performance of his life and his laudable act was actually playing those catchy tunes all by himself. Khurrana plays the blind man with a lot of conviction and yes he would have the audience's sympathies to be precise. He fits in the shoes of this fresh character.
It is the songs of the film that has raised its bar a bit further. Amit Trivedi's rock alternative composition has been the core of every number from the film's album. The first song 'Naina Da Kya Kasoor' which is a fast-paced romantic number featuring Ayushmann Khurrana and Radhika Apte's eloquent chemistry. 'Wo Ladki' by Arijit Singh is an ear-pleasing number and a surprise package to unwind as this happening number gets all your attention. 'Laila Laila' by Amit Trivedi is good to catch up as well. While how can we resist performing the artist himself as Ayushmann Khurrana sings "Aap se Milkar achha laga" and yes the audiences would say the same.
Director of Photography K.U. Mohanan has captured some cinematic shots quite smoothly. The simplicity and details are the finesse that sets fire when we talk about the film's camera work. Film's editing by Pooja Ladha Surti needs to be applauded for lining up sequences so smoothly. After an intense 'Badlapur', Sriram Raghavan delivers a black comedy and his direction had the flavours of his past work which was clearly sensed. Gripping screenplay is the match winner.
From quirky punch lines to uncertain situations, this Sriram Raghavan's film is surely enjoyable.
Cast :Manav Vij, Tabu, Radhika Apte, Ayushmann Khurrana
Director :Sriram Raghavan