Talvar

Lost and Found

Lost and Found - Talvar - Episode 68

Talvar

Films based on or inspired by true events rely heavily on the filmmaker’s approach and narrative style. After all, the makers are aware that they’re only telling a story that has already been told. Stripped from the opportunity to embellish facts for cinematic flourish, factual accuracy often eclipses the need to draft a compelling watch that actually triggers debate and discussion. Considering these limitations, Meghna Gulzar’s Talvar that’s based on the sensational Aarushi Talwar murder case that made headlines across the nation is equally gripping and as it is a faithful adaptation of real events, even if it doesn’t claim to be.

The film revolves around the mysterious events surrounding the unsolved murder of a 13-year-old Noida girl and her 45-year-old domestic help. The case that shocked the nation had the deceased teenager’s parents being held as the prime accused even when a clear motive couldn’t be justifiably identified.

Instead of focussing on the events that led up to the double murder, it picks up from the point when the case is transferred to central authorities once the local police unintentionally botch up the crime scene. We’re introduced to the unbiased and perceptive lens adopted by investigator Ashwin Kumar (played by Irrfan Khan) in piecing together the facts and cobbling together the shreds of information, in an attempt to get to the bottom of the affair.

But does he manage to crack the case? And did the young girl’s parents actually murder her? And why? These questions may float around your head when you watch this one. And while the film does take a definitive stand, you may still be left with a few doubts even after the film wraps.

The late Irrfan Khan is in top form here and laces his quirky investigator with fiery clapbacks that he lobs at his victims with a poker face. Konkona Sen Sharma, as the deceased’s distraught mother, and Neeraj Kabi as the father are both equally effective and manage to closely capture their characters’ state of mind.

That the case was sub judice at the time of the film’s release, meant it had to carry a disclaimer that suggested that this film was actually a fictional account. But significantly, Gulzar allows the audience a deep insight into the case and arms us with enough to arrive at our own conclusions.

Be rest assured: This is not a whodunit with multiple suspects. It’s also not a thriller that will keep you second-guessing throughout its runtime. But it’s a tastefully-assembled compilation of events leading to a heinous crime that will test your ability to question, reason, and even rationalize.

If you haven't watched the flick yet then do so by streaming on Disney + Hotstar

Well, that's the OTTplay Lost and Found for today, until the next episode it's your host Nikhil signing out.

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