Aug. 24, 2018|India|164 Min.|PG
Genre: Action;Thriller
Description: The 2018 film *Genius* begins with the story of Vasudev Shastri, a highly skilled RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) agent, who is deemed incompetent after a failed mission leaves him severely injured and unable to continue his work. Depressed, he sits in a park, where Nandini, the love of his life, comforts him. The narrative then shifts to a flashback, revealing Vasudev’s past.
At IIT, Vasudev, played by Utkarsh Sharma, is a brilliant yet charming student who tops his class. Nandini Chauhan, portrayed by Ishitha Chauhan, his second-ranked peer, grows jealous and attempts to make his life difficult. Despite her efforts, Vasudev consistently outsmarts her. While excelling academically, he secretly works part-time for RAW, leveraging his hacking skills.
On the eve of the final exams, Nandini reluctantly approaches Vasudev for help with a theorem. During their conversation, he confesses his long-standing love for her. In response, Nandini devises a plan to sabotage his performance by giving him sleeping pills. However, Vasudev outwits her once again, managing to attend the exam and even assisting her with an unexpected issue. Later, it is revealed that he intentionally submitted a blank paper to allow Nandini to top the class. Touched by his selflessness, she falls for him but keeps her feelings hidden, leaving for the U.S. to pursue her dream job.
Meanwhile, impressed by his intelligence, RAW senior officials recruit Vasudev to join their ranks. Driven by the desire to avenge his parents’ death in a Pakistani ISI-planned communal riot, he agrees. The story returns to the present, where Vasudev, now seen as a failure by RAW, struggles with injuries, tinnitus, and limited mobility, relying on a walking stick for support.
The film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and determination, blending emotional depth with thrilling espionage elements.
Cast director: Anil Sharma
Cast actor: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Mithun Chakraborty, Ayesha Jhulka, Ishita Chauhan, K.K. Raina, Utkarsh Sharma
Original name: Genius