Man has arrived — #Raazi ho jao!
When was the last time someone took your dil (heart)on the celluloid. Like you can watch it flying away to the actor. Has happened to me thrice so far. Two weeks ago on a road trip I met with a friend, and we got to talking about all sorts of things ranging from Hindi/Punjabi music, movies and of course, cricket. And he asked me what was my all time favorite character portrayal on silver screen? A rather different question. I did not have to think a lot. Actually at all. In a heartbeat I said — Vicky Kaushal from Masaan. I mean all great acts one side and Deepak from Masaan on another. All soul, all heart, and all feels. Everything from his silence, smile, and immaculate authenticity with which he played the character were unforgettable. Like magic oozing out in every frame. Like soul stirring with each cry of his. Like butterflies with all the love he felt for Shalu. And one hell of a heartbreak for his tragedy. Like a man leaving an indelible mark in Hindi cinema.
He managed to impress in Raman Raghavan and Love per square foot as well. I mean he was great. He was pitted against Nawaz (Bollywood actor) and he did a fine fine job. And then I saw Raazi! And the boy has killed it. All the actors, regardless of age, stature in Hindi cinema should feel the tremors for the raw, immense and effortless talent that has hit them and is most definitely here to stay.
It has been over 18 hours since I saw the movie. And Iqbal’s eyes have not left my mind. He did so much less, and yet did a lot more than anyone else in the full cast. Truthfulness, innocence and owning the character, I think come naturally to Vicky. When I saw Masaan I was head over heels for the fella. Onscreen, there is not an ounce in his craft that would remind you of the real person like — hey, this is an actor playing the character — Deepak. I mean there is no Vicky, there is only Deepak in Masaan. He brings the character to its full possible bloom. Although in Masaan, I thought to myself, Vicky did not exist as a phenomenon then so it was perhaps easy to leave his own self aside. You had no frame of reference for the boy.
But in Raazi, you know who he is, yet you cannot see a shred of Vicky on screen, even if you try. It is all Iqbal. When you see other actors, you perhaps go ahead and say — “hey Nawaz killed it, or Irfaan was so real, or Tripathi ji owned his role”. With Raazi, I just can’t bring myself to say it. Because even if I try, I only find Iqbal in the movie.
He quite literally did nothing, he just was.. just was in the frame with all his honesty. With his nothingness, with his eyes. With his simple, relatable crude actions and a few words to say.
Kudos to the entire cast and great direction. Everyone did a fabulous job. A special mention to — Jaideep Ahlawat, who will give you goosebumps. When talent finds its way in the right movies, the heart is left with big smiles.
