Revenge of the Artist|Sep. 23, 2022|India|135 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: 4K-2160p;Bollywood;Crime;South;Indian;Thriller
Description: Set in Mumbai, the film begins with the brutal murder of a well-known film critic at his home. Investigating officer Arvind Mathur (Sunny Deol) starts unraveling the motive behind the crime as two more critics are killed, each with a bloodied star etched on their forehead. Meanwhile, Nila Menon (Shreya Dhanwanthary), a young entertainment reporter aspiring to become a film critic, develops feelings for her neighbor Danny (Dulquer Salmaan), a florist who seems indifferent to cinema. As Nila grows closer to the enigmatic Danny, the police seek her assistance to catch the killer, whom Mathur believes will strike again, targeting critics as a form of retaliation.
The killer’s identity remains a mystery, with motives unclear. While the police suspect an angry filmmaker, actor, or producer, the perpetrator leaves no trace, making the investigation challenging. Written by Balki, with co-writers Raja Sen (a film critic) and Rishi Virmani, “Chup” draws inspiration from Guru Dutt’s films “Kagaz Ke Phool” and “Pyaasa,” using them as metaphors. The film also critiques the cutthroat media world, where reviewers often prioritize clicks and views over honesty.
While “Chup” keeps viewers engaged, its linear narrative lacks surprising twists, especially in the second half, which shifts focus to the love story and becomes more dramatic than a slasher film. By the climax, the plot becomes predictable, diminishing the element of suspense.
Cast director: R. Balki
Cast actor: Sunny Deol, Dulquer Salmaan, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Pooja Bhatt, Adhyayan Suman, Saranya Ponvannan, Rajeev Ravindranathan, Amitabh Bachchan
Original name: चुप: रिवेंज ऑफ द आर्टिस्ट