Now, remakes of south Indian films in Bollywood has become a practice now. Latest addition is ‘Drishyam’ starring Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran and Tabu in lead roles. Produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak, Ajit Andhare and Abhishek Pathak, this film is an official remake of the super hit Malayalam film of the same name, which is written and directed by Jeethu Joseph, with Mohanlal and Meena in the lead. But, this hindi version is directed by ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’ fame Nishikant Kamat. Incidentally, Nishikant has given two hit marathi films like ‘Dombivali fast’ and ‘Lai Bhari’. Hence, much was expected from this talented director. But, he has lived up to the expectations of the film lovers. ‘Drishyam’ has turned out to be a spellbinding suspense thriller in Bollywood, during the recent times.
The lead character of the film Vijay Salgaonkar (Ajay Devgn) runs a cable TV network, in a remote and hilly village of Goa. He lives a happy life, with his wife Nandini( Shriya Saran) and two daughters. Vijay, an orphan, who is a school dropout, has worked very hard, to set up his cable TV business , to support his family. But, he is very passionate about watching films, while staying in his office, to manage his business.
In a strange turn of events; a teenage boy goes missing. This mischivous collegian, is the son of a impulsive but duty bound Police IG Meera Deshmukh( Tabu). In this missing case, the Salgaonkar family becomes the prime suspect. The reason being, Salgaonkar’s adopted teenage daughter has become friendly with this boy, during a college camp. How the Salgaonkar family, defend themselves, against the cruel methods adopted by Police, underthe directions of IG, is what the film’s interesting story is about.
The film does pass a social message, besides entertaining the film lovers, with its well presented screnplay. Good cinematography by award winning film ‘Killa’ fame director Avinash Arun ,superb background music by Sameer Phatarpekar and clever editing work by Aarif Sheikh , makes this film more appealing, barring the first 25 minutes of the film, which seem to have been wasted in showing the repeated verbal clash between the local village Policeman Gaitonde and Salgaonkar. But, in the crucial part of the film, you realize the importance of it, in the film’s gripping story. Highlight of this film is that it ends with an unusual climax.
Both Ajay and Tabu have given their best performances. For both of them, these are totally different roles. Others in the supporting cast, offer good support , including Kamlesh Sawant as a cunning Poice cop. Certainly, a worth watch film for all.
Rating (****)