Anurag Kashyap is back into direction and thankfully in the 'Ugly' mode, than in the mold of the unholy offspring with Karan johar (something Velvet).
The movie begins with an unexpected disclaimer that it is in no way related to Raman Raghav, a psychopathic serial killer from Mumbai in 1960's. That did help reduce the budget which would have been required to make a 'period' film, while the title helped catch enough buzz without the marketing spends.
The review deserves to be written in 2 parts, first about Nawazzudin's performance and then the flaws.
We are first introduced to 'Ramanna' as a voice over a call to the police station, in the form of a murder informant, but the wait is short before Anurag brings him to the screen as a self-confessed serial killer (9 as per his count), story about his first murder being illustrated with his glistening eyes and hand gestures. Even though audience loves the story, police doesn't, and we see him again out on the shady / littered streets of Mumbai amongst a pair of fighting rats and thin cats, sitting smug and comfortable, as if he belongs there. Through multiple chapters guiding the story, the serial killer continues his murdering spree which is done in grotesque manner, not with cold calculation, but with seething anger and passion. The actor aces it in a conversation with a 6 year old child where he explains his twisted logic for the crimes. As an escape artist, we are hardly surprised when he's shown submerged in a sewage drain to escape cops, and emerges to murder the traitor who baited him. The sheer aura of madness he brings to the screen not withstanding his small and lean body profile, scares the audience who keep guessing his next move. The ability to be invisible as a common man in a crowd also helps him. His final scene in the movie, where he explains his motive, while finding his soulmate to carry on his legacy is beautiful, bringing out his acting caliber.
Now, to the flaws. Agreed, this wasn't a biography. But, some background on the lead character would've helped, we get none except some indications about a violent childhood from his sister. Then, we would have needed a start. The first murder, it's motive brushed aside as a vengeance for child labour seemed meek. Also, the development of the character, the reason for becoming a serial killer is pushed under the carpet. The second protagonist, the shades-wearing disco hopping cop (who wears the uniform only for one scene), unnecessarily gets a lot of screen time. Although the director does try to justify this towards the climax, it falls through.
Credit must go to the camera man and the location scouts for showing us a part of Mumbai we aren't proud of, but have to live with. Also, for Anurag for bringing out again that there's a dark side within every common man.
Would recommend this for anyone who loves to watch Nawazzudin perform. For those who hope for another Anurag special, sorry he's way far from his best.
The movie begins with an unexpected disclaimer that it is in no way related to Raman Raghav, a psychopathic serial killer from Mumbai in 1960's. That did help reduce the budget which would have been required to make a 'period' film, while the title helped catch enough buzz without the marketing spends.
The review deserves to be written in 2 parts, first about Nawazzudin's performance and then the flaws.
We are first introduced to 'Ramanna' as a voice over a call to the police station, in the form of a murder informant, but the wait is short before Anurag brings him to the screen as a self-confessed serial killer (9 as per his count), story about his first murder being illustrated with his glistening eyes and hand gestures. Even though audience loves the story, police doesn't, and we see him again out on the shady / littered streets of Mumbai amongst a pair of fighting rats and thin cats, sitting smug and comfortable, as if he belongs there. Through multiple chapters guiding the story, the serial killer continues his murdering spree which is done in grotesque manner, not with cold calculation, but with seething anger and passion. The actor aces it in a conversation with a 6 year old child where he explains his twisted logic for the crimes. As an escape artist, we are hardly surprised when he's shown submerged in a sewage drain to escape cops, and emerges to murder the traitor who baited him. The sheer aura of madness he brings to the screen not withstanding his small and lean body profile, scares the audience who keep guessing his next move. The ability to be invisible as a common man in a crowd also helps him. His final scene in the movie, where he explains his motive, while finding his soulmate to carry on his legacy is beautiful, bringing out his acting caliber.
Now, to the flaws. Agreed, this wasn't a biography. But, some background on the lead character would've helped, we get none except some indications about a violent childhood from his sister. Then, we would have needed a start. The first murder, it's motive brushed aside as a vengeance for child labour seemed meek. Also, the development of the character, the reason for becoming a serial killer is pushed under the carpet. The second protagonist, the shades-wearing disco hopping cop (who wears the uniform only for one scene), unnecessarily gets a lot of screen time. Although the director does try to justify this towards the climax, it falls through.
Credit must go to the camera man and the location scouts for showing us a part of Mumbai we aren't proud of, but have to live with. Also, for Anurag for bringing out again that there's a dark side within every common man.
Would recommend this for anyone who loves to watch Nawazzudin perform. For those who hope for another Anurag special, sorry he's way far from his best.