Slow burning social drama manages to pack a big punch

THE long -delayed film has been on the festival circuit since 2018 and had its world premiere on streaming site SonyLIV recently.

Manoj Bajpayee, who is also a producer of the film, portrays a forcibly retired police officer living in a crowded lower class area of Mumbai.

Having lost faith, he silently watches on as a political party tries to stoke tensions between local Marathis and migrants from Bihar. As the tensions simmer to a boiling point, it is only a matter of time before the authoritative figure gets drawn into the escalating tensions.

The low budget drama has a powerful message and a subject

that resonates globally, at a time where right wing politicians are stoking hate all over the world and where Indian migrant workers have seemingly been abandoned by their own government.

Bhonsle starts off slowly before building up a strong head of steam mid-way through and the result is a very relevant film that becomes a metaphor for the world we are living in today, including that of the silent bystander.

Acclaimed actor Bajpayee heads an impressive cast and squeezes out every emotion from his character. That commanding presence once again shows just why he is one of the great actors of this generation.

Santosh Juvekar and Ipshita Chakraborty Singh are also particularly good in their respective roles. The sharp camerawork, very realistic setting and astonishing sequences add to a film, which does have an imposing message.

Some will struggle with the very slow buildup and silences, but will be ultimately rewarded by the small film that punches way above its weight division and has a very strong ending.

At a time where formula driven commercial Hindi cinema has lost its way, this is an honest film that offers up a glimmer of hope with a unique subject and strong performances.