Friday, July 19, 2013

D-Day


Attempt to mature

 

            Nikhil Advani’s attempt of re-re-inventing himself with a gangster thriller takes a mature step ahead over a volley a gangster films India has made. D-Day is taut and detailed and a genuine attempt of bringing authenticity to Indian gangster films. With thrilling action sequences and authentic performances, D-Day easily becomes one of the better films of the year.

            Four ISI agents from different backgrounds, join hands for a common job in Karachi, Pakistan, and soon get caught into something, the cause of which cannot be comprehended by either of them. Consequently, the merciless international politics weakens them further and dumps them to hopeless death possibilities. Advani impresses you with his detailing in terms of showcasing mission plans, use of weapons and the layers of his five main characters. The craft of the film keeps you well engaged, until the film reaches its mid second half, after which dragged emotional sequences and melodrama take centre stage. The conclusion is well staged, but is nothing that you wouldn’t expect from the film.
 
 

            Screenplay needs to be applauded for its subtle capacity of inducing emotion even for a dead Karachi main market prostitute. Editing is crisp and a fine cinematography helps recreate Karachi. Production design is detailed and genuine, and real locations are well shot. Music is unnecessary for most of the parts that it is played, although the compositions are worth appreciation.

            Rishi Kapoor as the big guy, seems a little awkward in some scenes, but the being the actor he is, he successfully hides it and delivers a convincing gangster role. Rampal as the macho ex-military agent paves his way through with ease. Huma Quereshi is functional. Irfaan Khan as the sandwiched in dilemmas ISI agent steals the show with a strong, subtle and supreme performance.

 

D-Day is the sort of film India hasn’t made till date. Although it doesn’t conclude on an ‘epic’ note, it still makes a mark on you as you move out of the theatres. It’s 3 out of 5 for the film and an extra half just for the genuine attempt.
 

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