Sriram Raghavan proves to be a flawed genius in Ayushmann starrer Andhadhun
- Arijit Bose
- Oct 26, 2018
- 4 min read
The greatness of the film aside, one of the biggest flaws of Sriram Raghavan’s Andhadhun is that it symbolically lets the cat out of the bag by making the viewer realize that the protagonist can actually see and he is not blind. There are ample scenes when you can actually catch on. Had Raghavan not done so and ended at the scene where Ayushmann spotted an auto with Aishwarya Rai image on it or even where in a street abroad a beer can is swiftly knocked out of the way, the thrill would have gone up manifold.
The film has a terrific musical score and it is one of those few recent movies where the camerawork has made you realize that there is more to a camera than a pan, tilt or dolly. Take for example the opening scene where a hunter is on the prowl and in the next shot your realize you are staring at a hare on zoom mode who runs to save his life.
There is madness, there is creativity and then there is the brilliance of Tabu that lifts you to a different world altogether. Playing the wife of Pramod, who she lovingly refers to as Pammi, she has mastered the art of adultery. Loves a cop and once caught in a compromising position she does the unthinkable by eliminating the yesteryears star, played by Anil Dhawan and then disposes off the body.
Akash a talented blind pianist spends time trying to give shape to his finest musical piece ever. The only one knowing Akash’s dark secrets are a neighbouring kid and a pet cat named Rani.
It all starts with a sudden coming together of Sophie (Radhika Apte) and Akaash (Ayushmann Khurana) through an accident. Playing good samaritan, Sophie offers to help and she gives him a ride. A conversation ensues and then is when the pianist side to Aakash is known. Aakash, the musical genius who seeks to sing his redemption song as an artist gets that much needed rush of excitement. He performs at a hangout Franco’s to his hearts fullest and starts getting handsome tips. It is here that Aakash comes face to face with Pramod.
Just as Radhika Apte starts falling in love and the usual stuff plays out, Pramod has an offer. Pramod is married to Simi (Tabu), he hands over a grand bundle of cash and wants him to perform some golden oldies for his wife on anniversary day. Ayushmann is at the venue the next day where he is first shooed away but later welcomed in for a private concert.
Even before Ayushmann, the not so blind guy can say Jack Robinson – a murder most foul is unfolding in front of his eyes and he has little to do about it.
Akaash goes to the bathroom where he sees Inspector Manohar (Manav Vij) hiding but acts as if he is unaware of him, since assumed to be blind.
In a flashback, it is revealed that Pramod had lied to his wife about a supposed trip to Bangalore, but had, in reality, gone to bring anniversary gifts as a surprise for his wife.
It is the mad chase to expose the murderers that makes up Andhadhun’s story.
Simi manages to kill the neighbour who had also noticed Manohar’s entry into the flat, once again in the unwitting Akash’s presence.
Dr Swami played by Zakir Hussain portrays a organ racket kingpin with panache. He has done every bit of planning to ensure his next prey is Aakash, with some help from his assistants. But one mention of Lord Shiva and the supposedly evil hearts of the racketeers melt.
This is followed by a chain of events where Aakash first gangs up with the racketeers who were trying to take his kidney. Later the members of the troupe turn rebels. They tie up Simi and Aakash and escape. By the time Aakash and Simi are finally again baying for each others blood, Dr. Swami enters and the two of them including Aakash subdue Simi. Dr. Swami and Akash tie Simi in the trunk of a car and begin driving. Dr Swami reveals his plans to harvest Simi’s organs for six crore rupees and pay for Akaash’s cornea transplant, but Akash is morally perturbed by the notion.
Akash continues to try to convince him to let Simi go.
Hearing this, Simi drops Akash off but changes her mind later and turns around, intending to run him over. At this point, the hare (from the beginning of the movie) slams into her windshield, causing her to lose control and crash. The car explodes, killing Simi with it.
Two years later, in Europe, a travelling Sophie meets Akash (still apparently blind ) at one of his gigs in Europe, where he tells her the entire story.
Akash then tells her Simi over powers Dr Swami and then takes control of the car. And further how things unfold. After playing blind with utmost perfection, the movie ends on a scene where he hits a beer can from in front of him using a stick. The scene has got critics deciphering it in detail.
An Indian black comedy crime thriller directed by Sriram Raghavan, Andhadhun is inspired by the 2010 French short film L’Accordeur (The Piano Tuner).
The songs are composed by Amit Trivedi, Raftaar and Girish Nakod. The lyrics are written by Jaideep Sahni, Raftaar and Girish Nakod.
Andhadhun clashed with Loveyatri at the box office. The film is being screened at a time when another Ayushmann Khurana starrer Badhai ho is running at a cinema near you.
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