'Lens' is a (fairly disturbing) psychological thriller centered around the theme of voyeurism. A husband (Aravind, played by the typical urban -dweller-looking Jayaprakash Radhakrishnan who is also the writer/director) whose increasing indulgence in virtual sex relationships has made him less of a respectful individual in the eyes of his wife (who apparently thinks he's working overtime). When one of his 'female interests' makes a revelation that he's a man and wants Aravind to watch him die live, things start to get increasingly interesting and what ensues is somewhat of a 'hostage situation'.
The dialogues are largely in English (especially between Aravind and his suicidal Skype acquaintance Yohan - played by Anand Sami) but this aspect integrates well into the storyline, which is set in a city in Tamil Nadu. There are a few exchanges in Malayalam, Hindi and Tamil (for a good part of the latter half) as well. The film sheds light on how pseudo-relationships that crop out of the internet are principally becoming the millennials' source of seeking (virtual) sexual pleasures and how some innocents become 'targets' for the same. The issue is alarmingly contemporary and the manner in which it has been handled is impressive for a debut venture. Anand Sami's spine- tingling performance is one that haunts and one that stays with you. Hats off to the director who didn't shy away from treating pornographic content the way it is supposed to be. The subject is indeed a sensitive one but the treatment is deft and for the same reason, this film is worth a watch.
On the downside, apart from the main leads, the rest of the ensemble look slightly amateurish in their performances (especially the cops!). Also, a little later into the second half, thrills tend to take a backseat for the sake of emotions. What one will certainly notice is Jayaprakash's uncanny eye for frames that portray a scene better than by way of blurting things out loud (shots of a wet paper-writing, a razor blade, a hungry fish in an aquarium, watchful eyes on the ceiling..to name a few!). GVP's background score helps elevate the goings-on to a great extent. S.R Kathir's subtle cinematography deserves appreciation as well.
Above all, watch the film for its honesty and modern-day empathy.
The dialogues are largely in English (especially between Aravind and his suicidal Skype acquaintance Yohan - played by Anand Sami) but this aspect integrates well into the storyline, which is set in a city in Tamil Nadu. There are a few exchanges in Malayalam, Hindi and Tamil (for a good part of the latter half) as well. The film sheds light on how pseudo-relationships that crop out of the internet are principally becoming the millennials' source of seeking (virtual) sexual pleasures and how some innocents become 'targets' for the same. The issue is alarmingly contemporary and the manner in which it has been handled is impressive for a debut venture. Anand Sami's spine- tingling performance is one that haunts and one that stays with you. Hats off to the director who didn't shy away from treating pornographic content the way it is supposed to be. The subject is indeed a sensitive one but the treatment is deft and for the same reason, this film is worth a watch.
On the downside, apart from the main leads, the rest of the ensemble look slightly amateurish in their performances (especially the cops!). Also, a little later into the second half, thrills tend to take a backseat for the sake of emotions. What one will certainly notice is Jayaprakash's uncanny eye for frames that portray a scene better than by way of blurting things out loud (shots of a wet paper-writing, a razor blade, a hungry fish in an aquarium, watchful eyes on the ceiling..to name a few!). GVP's background score helps elevate the goings-on to a great extent. S.R Kathir's subtle cinematography deserves appreciation as well.
Above all, watch the film for its honesty and modern-day empathy.
