While suspicion first falls on the domestic help, it shifts to the parents when the servant is also found dead on the terrace.
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On an unremarkable summer morning, Noida resident Nutan Tandon (Konkona Sen Sharma) opens the door for her maid. The film hooks the audience to the night of the crime as seen through multiple perspectives but it’s the CDI investigator Ashvin Kumar (Irrfan Khan) who gets most of the footage. After many investigations, who is finally proven embarrassed for her death is all about the story. It’s best evident in the across-the-table showdown between the two CDI units which is full of jokes as Kumar along with his superior get to rip apart the theories of their colleagues and make them realise that they have no proof to charge the Tandons. The parents (especially the father) become obvious suspects. Its focus is always on the discrepancies of the investigation.
The film shows contradictory accounts of the case, which variously portray the parents as guilty or innocent. Even though the story of TALVAR is way different from what Meghna had done before, she deserves full brownie points for handling the sensitive and complicated issue in such a watertight and flawless manner. The simplicity and anguish in each frame stands out with subtlety. The cop presiding over the case, frivolously conduct the survey of the crime scene despite getting many real and glaring evidences.
Talvar, produced by Junglee Pictures and Vishal Bhardwaj, releases October 2. It is inevitable to be aware of every detail, prominent and petty ones alike, given the amount of media interest in the murder. Bhardwaj’s research is outstanding and each actor essays their respective roles with conviction.
According to the makers, these schools are prime institutions for budding lawyers and the most appropriate platform to showcase the content-driven film.
In one scene, a police officer tells his juniors that they must not be emotionally involved with their cases. Cynical and vulnerable to bouts of anger and frustration, he has a wife (Tabu in a cameo) who seems to have had enough of him. His entire approach to his character is remarkable.
Cinematographer Pankaj Kumar’s dark frames with a few unwarranted angles do not elevate the viewing experience. Editing is okay and background score is also nice. Costumes and locations are apt.
Konkona and Irrfan shared a wonderful chemistry in “Life in a…Metro“. Avirook Sen’s coverage of the trial and his subsequent book represent this part of the opinion spectrum.
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Delving into the sensational 2008 Aarushi Talwar-Hemraj case in her upcoming film “Talvar“, filmmaker Meghna Gulzar says her intention with the movie is not to pass a judgment but to start a debate. Neeraj Kabi is outstanding. Be it Sohum Shah as his subordinate or Gajraj Rao as the slimy and incompetent police officer, he is surrounded by an equally competent support cast. His replacement is a unsafe buffoon named Paul (Atul Kumar), who shreds Arun’s work and muddies the case’s waters all over again.
