Film Review: ‘Talvar’
Detailed investigation plays a very important role, in a murder case; especially when, it is a high profile case, hyped by the media. The latest released film ‘Talvar’ directed by talented Meghna Gulzar, goes into details of one such double murder case. Well, everyone knows that this film is based on the famous controversial double murder case, where the parents a 14 year old girl; have been convicted of murdering their daughter and their servant on the same night, in their house. But, director Meghana Gulzar has very cleverly dealt with this subject, to show the difference of opinion of two different investigative teams, in their report.
The film stars Ayesha Parveen as Shruti Tandon, who is murdered in the same way, as the way late Arushi Talwar was murdered. KonKona Sen Sharma plays Shruti’s mother, while Neeraj Kabi plays Dr. Tandon, her father. Irrfan Khan plays Ashwin Kumar,the investigation officer of so called Central Department of Investigation (CDI)while Sohum Shah is shown as ACP Vedant Mishra, an assistant to Ashwin Kumar.
When this first team investigates in their own way, they gather the evidence to arrive at a conclusion that the compounder and assistant of Dr. Tandon as the suspect of the double murder. In the meanwhile, the chief of CDI retires and his place is taken over by new chief JK Dixit played by Shishir Sharma. The new chief doesn’t agree to the test report of Narcotics test and appoints another officer, on the recommendation of Ashwini’s assistant, who changes his loyalty from Ashwini to the new chief. Now, both the teams have contradictory reports, to which the secretary of Government doesn’t agree. And, the case takes a new turn, as decided by the judge.
The historical judgment is known to all. But, Meghna Gulzar has tried her best to present contradictory accounts of the case, which differently portray the parents, as guilty or innocent; leaving it to the audience to know, what was right or wrong. The film also criticizes media for sensational reporting and for encouraging the public to judge the accused, even before a court verdict . In short, the director takes a realistic approach to go into the details of the controversial double murder case.
The performances by Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma ,Sumit Gulati, Prakash Belavadi and Shishir Sharma are worth appreciating. Tabu, who plays the wife of Ashwini , is just namesake in this film. Film’s background music is also impressive, besides good photography, to generate desired impact of the happenings in the screenplay. Certainly, a worth watch for all realistic film lovers.
Rating(****)