Director: Manish Gupta
Cast: Tisca Chopra, Kay Kay Menon, Ashwini Khalsekar, Ashish Vidyarthi, Murari Kumar, Kunal Sharma, Mita Vasisht, Shivkumar Subramaniam.
(Rating: 3.5/5 stars)
Would a father kill his own daughter or Did the servant kill her ? Was there an affair? Was the mother involved? For many years, we followed the famous Aarushi Talwar murder trial which was highly intriguing and a murder mystery which unravelled every day for several years. Rahasya is a compelling murder mystery of the same order.
The movie begins with a languorous, panoramic, landscape shot of Mumbai, with the camera finally showing Oberoi Gardens building in Thakur Village. The apartment where the murder took place and another apartment from which it could be seen is shown to build the setting. Brilliant photography and excellent start to the movie. Cinematography is by Faroukh Mistry
The teenage daughter’s dead body is discovered in her bedroom by Remy, the maid. The father had come home drunk the previous night and has no clue about what happened that night. Mumbai police investigate and conclude that Dr. Sachin Mahajan is the murderer. Is he really the murderer? Sunil Paraskar (Kay Kay Menon does a decent job.) from the CBI investigates and finally unravels the mystery. There are some more deaths (Agatha Christie trademark or reality?) and some bit of action. Investigator’s home life is also thrust into the story, rather needlessly.
Will not go into the details of the story, as it will kill the suspense. But, writer-director Manish Gupta does a brilliant job of pacing the film and holding the interest till the very end. I think one of the best features of the movie is that it throws some light on the investigative methods and lacunas of our police.
The film is highly entertaining for those who love murder mysteries. The climax is a bit too fast and a bit too theatrical (like one is seeing a play). The end is a bit abrupt, but, highly satisfying.
Kay Kay Menon is good, while rest of the cast is adequate. Ashwini Kalsekar is somewhat disappointing. Mita Vashisht confuses with her interpretation of the role.
For a rather limited budget film, I think the film is really good. It does not have the finesse of a Hollywood whodunit. But totally paisa-vasool entertainment. Watch it!
By : Gurudutt Kamath
(Gurudutt Kamath is a Veteran Journalist)