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राज़ी (2018)

Raazi is a film co-written and directed by Meghna Gulzar. The trailers seemed good to me and the ongoing positive reception, both, critically and commercially, compelled me to watch this film. And I can definitely say that this is one of the best of 2018.

Plot: Sehmat is married to Iqbal Syed of the Pakistani army, so that she can pass information about Pakistan’s actions against India during 1971.

Story and direction: This film is adapted from the novel ‘Calling Sehmat’ by Harinder Sikka. This film has been very beautifully adapted by Meghna and Bhavani Iyer. The writing of the film is spot-on and never is it felt that the story was dragging. The character work of this film is also so intricate and detailed that I was in awe. The film not only showed that how spies work but also put light on the fact as to how difficult is a spy’s work mentally. This aspect is highlighted most in this venture which was a risk and I salute Meghna and team for taking that risk. Here the Pakistani’s are not shown as the enemies but as humans who would do anything to protect their country. The scenery of Kashmir and Pakistan were very well captured. But I did feel that I could guess some scenes. I am thinking that is just me. The character choices seemed very guessable, which was my only flaw with this film.

Performances: Alia Bhatt once again proves that she is a great actress if given a compelling script. From the young college girl to the Indian spy, she played all the roles with ease. Vicky Kaushal was another of the gems of this film. Jaideep Ahlawat was an awesome mentor to Alia’s character. Rajit Kapur, Shishir Sharma and Arif Zakaria also provided come great performances.

Songs and BGM: This film has only three songs and all of them are good. Gulzar’s lyrics and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s music were good. The songs never felt they were there to just fill in gaps. They moved the story forward and provided fuel to such a wonderful story. My favorite was ‘Dilbaro’. The BGM felt good to the ears and not irritable as most Indian BGM’s sound.

Favorite Scene: It would be the one in the beginning where Hidayat tells Sehmat to return to college and resume her studies. But then Sehmat replies that if her father can serve the nation why not her. The kind of maturity seen in that particular scene is what made an impression on my mind and my favourite.

Verdict: Meghna Gulzar is proving to be one of the compelling female directors of recent times. First Talvar and now Raazi. This film’s different take on a spy genre and Alia’s performance make this a must watch.

I am going with a 9/10 with this one.

Based on an incredible true story, Raazi is a tribute to unknown heroes of our nation in war time zone. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, who had directed extremely well movie- Talvar in past, this film tells a story about a normal and simple Indian girl, and her journey from being a daughter to a wife and to a spy. One more factor is also there, but am not revealing now because you will get it at the end.

Alia Bhatt plays a character of Sehmat, who is an Indian spy married to a Pakistani military officer (Vicky Kaushal) during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 on the order of her father. Would she get success to pass on information from Pakistan to India without getting caught and to help Indian forces to stop the war or fight back to Pakistan.... For that go and watch Raazi.

It is an adaptation of Harinder Sikka’s novel 'Calling Sehmat'. Screenplay has been written by Meghna and Bhavani Iyer. Dialogues are written by Meghna. Some dialogues are outstanding. 'Watan Ke Aage Kuch Nahi, Khud Bhi Nahi... Mohabbat Bhi Nahi!' One more is there, when one is declaring about his cancer, he says that- 'Smoking To Ki Nahi Kabhi... Magar Shayad Zindagi ke Kash Thode Lambe Le Liye...!' What a line man! Only a daughter of a great poet can write such!

Alia Bhatt has delivered another award winning performance. Till now in this year, she is the deserving one. First time you will see her crying. Especially, in that scene where she is asking his officer about how to balance between life, emotions and duty in war, because it is the toughest one. VIcky Kaushal is as usaul superb. He has less dialogues, but his silences speak more. The gun scene with Alia is the best scene of these two actors. Jaideep Ahlawat has done commendable job. He is always good. But this time he is on another level. Along with Rajit Kapur and Soni Razdan, rest are good, too.

Lyrics by Gulzar Saheb and Music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy. Dilbaro is pure Kashmiri folk song on the perfect situation of marriage saying- 'Mudke Na Dekho Dilbaro!' Raazi title track is engaging. Whenever Arijit's voice starts in the hall, some magic happens everytime in this film. School annual function song by Sunidhi and the same song in Arijit Singh's voice - 'Ae Watan'- is the best song that Gulzar Saheb can give us in this decade. What a melody man! Looks like a classic old hindi film tune. For the film situated in 1971, this is the best patriotic song one can ever make! I am so proud of this song... 'Main Jahan Rahun Jahaan Mein Yaad Rahe Tu, Ae Watan... Mere Watan!'

I knew that this film would be superb. But this song has uplifted it more. But the same time, it's touching the deepest portion of heart. Human is very complicated creature. Human is not a robot. For anyone, it is hard to be a robot. One can try one's best, but one can't delete the function of emotions from the body. Without emotions, there is no living. Salute to those heroes who are living without emotions so that millions of people from their countries can live happily!

If a girl can go to this level for her father and her nation, what can you or I do at current position! The question is unanswered by me. I am still thinking (while writing as well!) The more I think of it, the more I am getting deeper in the thought.

The story of a courageous girl is definitely a Must Watch. You'll feel proud of such unsung heroes of your country. Feel the emotions of them. Feel the tension of espionage. Feel the heat of war. As they say- In the War, nothing is important than War, neither you, nor me!