Movie Name: Neeyat
Cast: Vidya Balan, Ram Kapoor, Rahul Bose, Dipannita Sharma, Shashank Arora, Neeraj Kabi
Director: Anu Menon
Genre: Murder Mystery
Available on: Amazon Prime
In anticipation of a cinematic experience featuring powerhouse actors such as Vidya Balan,
Ram Kapoor, Neeraj Kabi, Rahul Bose, Nikki Aneja, Dipannita Sharma, Shashank Arora,
Shahana Goswami, and Amrita Puri, one couldn’t help but expect greatness. With Vidya
Balan assuming the role of a desi Sherlock Holmes in a murder mystery, the stage was set
for an enthralling narrative. However, regrettably, the film falls short of delivering the
exceptional experience one might hope for.
Despite the impressive ensemble cast, the movie disappointingly lacks the wow factor. It’s
disheartening to witness such talent being underutilized in a narrative that ultimately fails to
captivate due to its weak plot twists and weary screenplay. The dialogue lacks the punch
required to hold the viewer’s attention, and the acting, at times, feels unconvincing, making
it increasingly challenging to remain engaged with the story.
On paper, the premise of the story may have appeared promising, but translating it onto the
screen demands careful consideration of various elements. The film attempts to introduce
its characters one by one while unveiling their dubious motives (neeyat), a strategy
reminiscent of classics like “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Death on the Nile.”
However, this tactic alone does not suffice to create a compelling narrative.
The chemistry among the actors appears disjointed, and the director’s efforts to introduce
unexpected plot twists at regular intervals fail to sustain the viewer’s interest. Despite these
shortcomings, the background song ‘Farebi’ and certain camera angles and transitions are
praiseworthy, adding aesthetic value to the film. However, these elements alone are
insufficient to fully engage the audience.
Finally, despite the presence of a stellar cast and a pleasant surprise towards the end, the
film falls short of its potential. It remains a one-time watch at best, and those who have not
yet seen it need not fret, as there is little to miss in this lackluster cinematic offering.