Talaash (2012)

Directed By - Reema Kagti

Starring - Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukherjee, Nawazuddin Siddique, Shernaz Patel

Talaash starts with a montage of scenes bathed in a noir-like moodiness and it clearly proves that it is not your average cheap thrills laden movie to showcase a reigning star's crowd pulling power. Coming back to the first scene, Its a leisurely shot of Mumbai after the dark depicting scenes we get to see everyday but dont really think about. Urchins taping on car windows, workers returning home exhausted, red light areas brimming with prostitutes hopeful of a customer. Its the neglected underbelly, which should matter but doesn't. An opening scene basically potrays the maker's intention and Kagti's intention is quite clear. Talaash might be a juicy suspense on the surface but is layered with various other levels. Its a story of coping with loss, its story of people who 'dont come in the count'. Its a story of questioning the obvious.Therein lies the beauty of this film

The story kicks off with Film star Armaan Kapoor's car nosediving into the sea. While it seems to be an accident, Investigating officer Surjan Shekhawat (Aamir Khan) believes otherwise. For starters the man was not drunk and had no reason to suicide moreover the road was absolutely empty so there was no need to swivel the car. On the other side, Shekhawat is himself a troubled man. The death of his 8 year old son has not only left him to fight with his ever growing guilt but has also brought his marriage with Roshni (Mukherji) on the brink. As a coping mechanism he nosedives deep into this high profile case. When nothing seems to come his way, he meets Rosy (Kapoor) a hooker with a golden heart who might have the link to the missing puzzle. Also a chance meeting with a pimp's right hand guy Taimur (Siddique) leads him to unearth a blackmail conspiracy. As Shekhwat is troubled by his inner demons, the problem seems to be much larger than meets the eye. (No spoilers, dont worry!)

As stated earlier Kagti's film works on various levels. On the surface its a taut thriller, but Talaash is as much about grief and surviving great loss. Its a story about relationships. Various subplots (Siddique's relationship with an aged hooker, Kareena and aamir's relationship) go on to show that Talaash has that rare human touch. Also unlike other suspense films, Talaash goes ahead at a leisurely pace. Some might call it a lack urgency that should be there in films of the genre, i call doing things differently. For the people who know they know that i am one of the biggest fans of the noir genre, and Kagti's treatment reminds one of famous noir films like Taxi Driver (which by the way is one of my favourite films). Despite packing in so many themes, Kagti makes a film which is consistently accesible. The twist in the end is great and requires a bit of 'thinking out of the box' like my roommate did. For seasoned suspense watchers (like my father) the twist might not be so difficult to grasp but it has the potential to keep you guessing for a long time.

What also works for the Talaash are crisply written characters. Shernaz patel shines in a small as the seemingly crazy psychic. Nawazuddin Siddique is fantastic as Taimur. This is one man whose talent have been recognised years earilier. Rani Mukherjee is great as grief stricken wife trying to cope with the loss of not only her son but at some level her husband. Kareena Kapoor is one the best things about Talaash, She shifts effortlessly from brazen to understanding. She never lets it turn into a caricature and invests her heart into the role. But the film (not so surprisingly) rests with Mr perfectionist Khan. On paper, Surjan Shekhawat is a complex character. A man ridden with guilt and trying to shy away from it by drowning himself in his job. Aamir Khan brings volumes of depth to the troubled man making the role his own. Its ample proof that here is a man who never allows himself to be tagged with stereotypes. Who is always ready to explore virgin territories unlike most of his contemporaries who never seem to show an inclination or capacity to break out of the 'mould'. There is a reason why Aamir Khan is way beyond the 100 crore club and 'the greatest khan' fight. It is because here is man who treats cinema as an art and not a business. Aamir khan is without doubt the best we have on this side of the world

Kagti delivers a film that is rich in atmoshperics and mood. Ram Sampath's haunting score is a plus. 

All in all, Talaash is not your everyday suspense film. Its a film with depth, its a film with a solid heart.

Backed by superlative acts and an even more superlative direction. Talaash is a must watch.

Rating - 9.0/10