Thakshak is that rare character-driven movie coming from the era when Hindi cinema was largely plot-driven. Govind Nihalani scores in giving us two fully developed emotional arcs through the characters of Tabu and Ajay D. Bold and spirited, Tabu is a simple middle class girl, who is not afraid to stand up for the truth. She abhors deceit and lies in all forms. Born and brought up within the world of crime, though questioning, Ajay does not have the guts to break away from his domineering father, and his even more daunting friend Sunny (Rahul Bose), who is unapologetically entrenched in evil. As their relationship evolves, so does Ajay. In one scene, Ajay tells his father that Tabu is an individual in her own right and he cannot dictate to her what to do. The scene where Ajay comes clean to Tabu about his criminal background is handled with maturity. Tabu is shown to have the choice to break off the relationship with no emotional blackmailing.
Understated Ajay uses his brooding eyes to make a lasting impact. Tabu is authentic and endearing as the fiercely independent and level headed girl who shows her heart is in the right place when the occasion demands. Rahul Bose enacts the role exactly as any other role of his - serious, anglicized and stiff - he has his limitations as an actor.
The relatively slow pace of the movie is a deterrent given the genre.
Understated Ajay uses his brooding eyes to make a lasting impact. Tabu is authentic and endearing as the fiercely independent and level headed girl who shows her heart is in the right place when the occasion demands. Rahul Bose enacts the role exactly as any other role of his - serious, anglicized and stiff - he has his limitations as an actor.
The relatively slow pace of the movie is a deterrent given the genre.