NH 10

Cast	:	Anushka Sharma and Neil Bhoopalam
Director	:	Navdeep Singh
Music	:	Anirban Chakraborty, Sanjeev-Darshan, Ayush Shrestha, Savera Mehta, Samira Koppikar
Producer	:	Phantom Films and Clean Slate Films
Release Date	:	March 13, 2015
Length	:	1 hour & 55 minutes

My Thoughts

The movie begins on a romantic note – a couple driving for a friend’s party. Anushka and Neil as Meera and Arjun respectively look fresh and refreshing. Meera is a smoker and Arjun likes parties. Soon, they decide to go for a road trip to celebrate Meera’s birthday. What happens on that fateful trip forms the rest of the story.

The danger of a single woman on road in the middle of the night, honor killing and the way in which villagers take it seriously, the helplessness/support of police officers in this subject, male ego and gender bias is wonderfully handled.

The big difference between the urban India mindset and rural one is brilliantly disaplayed. Meera and Arjun have had an inter-caste marriage which is not considered as a big deal. But, a young couple is killed for the same. When a village girl seeks Meera’s help, she walks away. But, another villager helps Meera although they foresee a bigger risk.

The basis of this movie is male ego. Arjun’s ego is hurt when hit by the honor killers slap him. He behaves irrationally and fail to listen to Meera’s words or calm down. The terror begins then. The movie gives its message straight on your face – It is fine to stand up and fight against crime and injustice, But, you should also think if you are equipped enough to fight. Sometimes, bloody fights requires more than courage!

The narrative is gripping. Background music blends with the scenes and silence is maintained when needed. Cinematographer has presented the night shots as naturally as possible. Neil Bhoopalam has done a very decent work. He looks like Varun Dhawan!

Needless to say, the show stealer is Anushka. Her professional demeanor to chilled one and then cold showcases her acting skills. In climax, she shines.

Sometimes, there is nothing much that can be done. Sometimes, the wrong thing would be the only right thing to do.

Throughout the movie, my heart was racing and I was sweating profusely. When the “Le Chal Mujhe” song was played in the background, I wished someone take me somewhere and let me escape the movie. A big family setting next to me never came back post interval. But, I continued to watch – anticipating and praying… When it ended, I felt as stoic as Meera.

In short, the movie is a self-inflicted torture it is. But, worth it!

After all, truth is always bitter!

Rating

4/5