How wonderfully and intelligently director Meghna Gulzar crafts her latest work after eons in "Talvaar" must be seen and savoured.Must say that the director's earlier works like Filhaal which dealt with surrogate pregnancy and Just married that delved into post marriage adjustments and compromises though not commercially successful were still discussed for their sincere presentation.The director here takes an objective look at the Aarushi Talwar murder and drenches the winding and sensational case with dollops of sensitivity and practicality.
Helped by an immensely talented cast who literally make the scenes come alive, Meghna nails it this time.Irrfran Khan as the CDI investigatorAshwin Kumar carries the film on his shoulders with ample confidence.His cool as a cucumber demeanor and sincerity in the serious scenes lends the film credibility.As his assistant who later back stabs him for personal gains , the handsome Sohum Shah is well cast.As the parents unable to come to terms with the loss of their daughter and also harboring a bad name as the accused in the murder of the young girl, Neeraj Kabi and Konkona Sen(as the Tandons) are suitably restrained.This is not much of their film and you even wish the talented Konkona was given more meat in her role.Tabu who features in a guest appearence as Irfan's wife who is seeking a divorce from him which keeps popping up now and then with influences of Ijazat(as a tribute to dad Gulzar probably).The mytical Mera Kuchh saaman plays in the background and this song about love,loss and memories is as much important to the central story of the anguished parents as it is t this smaller track which is a little distraction of sorts.Gajraj Rao as the police officer initially investigating the case clumsily is suitable despicable.ATUL Kumar as Paul who takes over the case from Irrfan makes the most of his breif role while Prakash Belawadi as Swamy(the ex CDI chief) and Shishir Sharma who takes on the CDI chief from the former seem to revel in their roles.
The film's dialogue crackles with intelligence and humour and the water tight writing by Vishal Bharadwaj is a key strength.Musically the film does not have much to offer but Rekha Bharadwaj's song Zindaa is touchingly evocative as the film's credits roll at the end and we get glimpses of the happier times of the victim and her family.The more compelling scenes come towards the end of the movie in a meeting room where the 2 investigation teams clash and also initially when the audience would be shocked to see the apathy and clear disinterest with which the initial police adn forensic investigations were done.The central murder is treated in a Rashomon style when viewed by the eyes of different members linked to the crime and this keeps the viewers interest intact too.
FABULOUS FILM.Worth watching and a really enriching experience.Hats of to you Meghna, Irrfan ,Vishal and team for giving us the gleaming gem of a movie.