Phhir Movie Review
By Anaam, Glamsham Editorial
It is one of the better shot and crafted Bollywood thrillers. It has obviously been inspired by the Hollywood films of the similar genre, true to a well-established Bollywood tradition assiduously and unashamedly followed by a majority of mainstream Indian filmmakers and top banners. The film is shot in UK but it is not touristy which is a plus point. The choice of locations and props go well with the story that has a 'shudh desi' and long forgotten reincarnation theme incorporated in it. You will have to pay for your bad 'karma' if not in this life, certainly in the next one and the way to salvation is being good. On another level it is also a story of unrequited love of the past that finds fulfillment in the present life. This adds a fascinating though a bit predictable romantic dimension to the narrative. The story begins in the flashback where we see a man repenting for some heinous deed of his before his Guru (Mohan Agashe) in a long flowing white beard and white Rajneesh cap. The Guru suggests the way to seek forgiveness. The story returns to the present. A physician by profession, Kabir Malhotra (Rajneesh Duggal), immensely loves his wife Sia (Roshni Chopra) who goes missing one day and thus begins a nightmarish experience for the handsome doctor. In his search of Sia he meets Disha (Adah Sharma), who can see the past and the future by touching and looking at objects and people. She has been helping the local police with this God given gift to solve their cases. Finally, it is discovered that Sia has been kidnapped for a ransom. And then begins a cat and mouse chase between the kidnappers, the police, Kabir, and a helpful Disha. It leads to starling and shocking discoveries and also unravels the mysteries of the past. While the story of the film is all right, its screenplay leaves a huge room for improvement. The thriller elements should have been detailed further to heighten the sense of suspense and drama in the film. You need real craftsmanship for this, which is, sadly and obviously, missing here. Though the scenes flow logically and seamlessly, they fail to generate the nail biting thrills and chills that are hallmarks of the genre. The director of the film Girish Dhamija succeeds in giving it the look and feel of a Hollywood thriller. The (1920 fame) lead actors Adah Sharma and Rajneesh Duggal have done a creditable job. Telly actress Roshni Chopra, who makes her big screen debut, is good too. The music is all right in bits and pieces. The film has been shot and edited competently. However, hamstrung by its dreary and at times predictable screenplay, it falls short of being a great Bollywood thriller. We give three stars - one star for the film's photography and production design, one for its direction and editing and one for its excellent performances. Rating: 3/5
