Talvar
wogma rating: Beg or borrow, but do watch (?)
Talvar is a disturbing film – at more levels than one. Why should you watch it then? Because we shouldn't turn a blind eye to the system we live in, even if the system itself is so.
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Talvar - Preview
Parents being accused of their child's murder; different points of views; political agendas; true life story angle. Talvar is as intriguing as it gets. You top it off with performers like Irrfan Khan and the return of Konkona Sen Sharma to Hindi films and Vishal Bharadwaj's backing – and it is a not-to-be left out film.
Of course, you might ultimately not like it, but just doesn't look like a film you can not watch. There is something gut-wrenching about the trailer and it is difficult to sit through the two-minute trailer without moving from within. Hope that extends to the two hour length.
Music Reviews:
glamsham - "/5"
IBN Live, IANS - "3/5"
Milliblog - "2 out of 4 again for Vishal, like Drishyam. "
Music Aloud – "7.5/10"
- meeta, a part of the audience
Did a father murder his daughter with her mother as an accomplice? A deep chill runs down the spine irrespective of the answer. If yes, it means a person who belongs to the same economic and educational strata as ours can commit such a heinous crime. If no, it implies they are mourning in a jail – both the death of their daughter and their baffling misfortune. That the film leaves you thinking about the characters involved in itself is proof that it did justice to the case, whether or justice was done in the case.
It is not that we don't know what humans are capable of. In fact, nothing I hear in the news shocks me any more. I am sure, often enough, we can find a news item which had we seen in a film, we would have scoffed a, “that cannot happen in real life”. If women can be raped by order of a governing body – quasi and unelected as it may be - for her brother's fault/crime, anything can happen. If a father can kill a daughter for not making food the shape he likes it, anything can happen. And of course, the Arushi double-murder case is anything but unheard of.
Having desensitized myself so, I feel more capable of handling the ruthlessness of the true life world that this movie is about to unfold. With my sketicism of what is reported by media, I hadn't followed the case back then, in too much detail. I decided, as always, to not research too much before watching the film. It let's me watch a film such as this like a film and not give in to real-life drama.
All well-intentioned attempt at balance aside, the film draws you in. At first, the events seem episodic; the back-and-forth and point-of-view repetition seems like a cinematic gimmick (of course, Rashomon-usque. But then, you get drawn in and you only wonder how many episodes they must've had to leave out to stick to the 2-hour time limit.
The casting is flawless – and regular readers would know, I don't use blanket statements easily. Gajraj Rao's pace and ineptitude gets on your nerves, quite like the frustration that the Tandons must've felt too. Irrfan Khan completely owns it. Is there a better poker face around? Can anyone else carry dark humor with such impeccable timing like this man?
Konkona Sen Sharma and Neeraj Kabi couldn't have merged into the background any better. The film is about them and yet, they are mere backdrop. That's what their personalities seemed like – staying out of limelight; keeping to themselves. In fact, the more showy Kanhaiya played by Sumit Gulati aptly stays in memory longer.
A lot of these performances come from very well-thought out writing. The documentation available on this case is vast. To sift through that and decide on points to focus on might not have been an easy task. For example, the decision to include the investigating officer's personal life, which was completely extraneous to the case, must have been a well-considered one. One that keeps the audience rooted in reel life. Usually, such an inclusion feels like an intrusion. But, here it goes with the flow of the film and shows you a facet of the officer that you might not have known to even have thought of.
Once these decisions were made, you can see the effort put into fine-tuning them into a coherent, in its own way linear story, to arrive at the desired effect - make a case from the writer-director point of view. Sure, it is not an unbiased point of view. And that makes you unsure about the film. It bothers you that the conclusion is dissatisfactory. And you realise, that is because it is dissatisfactory, which is why the film was made in the first place.
Isn't it ironical, that in a country where the stereotype is that the affluent get away with all kinds of crime and in fact, pin it on their domestic help – this once the opposite happened and it very well could be the wrong decision?
It does leave you exasperated at the end, and disturbed. I guess you can feel decent about yourself that with all the inhumanity in the world, its depiction in a film managed to send a chill down the spine.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...True, Talvar is Meghna’s best film, but we keep wondering if that isn’t more due to the great writing (and great acting). And it doesn’t help that a lot of the story (along with the way these investigations generally take place) is familiar to us. But slowly, as things get increasingly absurd, the film really takes off. The last half-hour is astonishingly good.... full review
Thumbs up, by Rumnique Nannar, Bolly Spice : ...The performances in the film are stellar, especially from Sen Sharma and Kabi, who capture that grief and frustration in their expressions and small gestures. When Kabi howls like a wounded animal in one reenactment, you can’t help but come on board with the family’s side of the story. Khan is terrific as Ashwin, and conveys that frustration with just one sigh or one wisecracking joke. The supporting cast of Shishir Sharma as the new head of CDI, to the trio of actors playing the servants, who bring out that chilling menace. Tabu also has a special appearance as Ashwin’s wife, but she only serves to colour his personal life as his annoyed ex-wife. ... full review
Thumbs up, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, TALVAR is an engaging, edgy thriller with no dull moments. A must watch. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Moumita Bhattacharjee, Bollywood Life : ...Even if you have a whole lot to do this weekend, make a point to watch this film. I bet you haven’t seen a better whodunit in recent times in Indian Cinema. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ...What makes Talvar superior to the many crime shows on TV, is the detailing, the small brush strokes of characterisations and motives; Bharadwaj and Meghna Gulzar even manage to find space for some wry, bitter humour—like the face-off between the two rival CDI teams in the end. The casting of theatre actors in the many supporting roles gives the film the touch of realism it needed—that and the deliberate eschewing of anything bright or glamorous in the bleak scenario. The ensemble is near perfect and Irrfan struts tall amidst the flock of talent. The film is not entertaining in the Bollywood-ian sense of the term, but it is a gripping watch. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Suparna Sharma, Deccan Chronicle : ...The film’s screenplay, clever casting and load-bearing dialogue together tell a disheartening tale of exceptionally callous and inept investigation, class conflict and an egoistic attitude of cops and investigators that flies in the face of the CBI’s motto: Industry, Impartiality, Integrity. Prakash Belwari has taken on the role of the sagacious babu in Bollywood with ease and authority. But he is loosening up. He’s ready for more. Irrfan Khan is Mr Sparkle. He breathes life into scenes without seemingly trying to. He’s given the film’s best dialogue because he can deliver them like no one else can. Case closed. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Nikita Kapoor, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - Talvar might be a game changer for the Talwars! ... full review
Thumbs up, by Ameet Bhuvan , Desi Martini : ...Verdict - Without taking sides, it lets facts speak for themselves, a feat for such films indeed ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sarita A Tanwar, DNA : ...Talvar is an absolute must-watch not just because it deserves to be seen. It NEEDS to be seen.... full review
Thumbs up, by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare : ...Overall, it's a well-rehearsed, well-meaning film highlighting the ineptitude of our legal system. You leave the auditorium with the feeling that Aarushi will never get justice, that a re-examination of the way our judiciary functions has become necessary... You feel angry and disillusioned. Maybe things may change if enough people got angry... ... full review
Thumbs up, by Deepanjana Pal, FirstPost : ...The film is taut and competently made, but it quite obviously favours one version over others. As a result, the alternatives feel either like repetition or vaguely caricaturish. Instead of utilising the range that actors like Sen Sharma and Kabi possess to craft distinctly different but credible characters in each variation, Gulzar changes very little in terms of the personalities we see on screen. The effect is less dynamic and more confusing than it could have been.... full review
Thumbs up, by Josh, fullhyd.com : ...We began with how movies based on significant true incidents are de facto important. Talvar, however, goes beyond and shows us that being based on true incidents isn't enough - they have to be made into good cinema, too. We keep watching films on incidents that were sensational and scandalous, but how often are they good movies? Much too often, the writers and directors seem to be assuring themselves that the film is good because they got a good plot, regardless of execution. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sweta Kaushal, Hindustan Times : ...Talvar is an intriguing and gripping thriller and boasts of brilliant performances, witty dialogues and much more. You should definitely not miss this one. ... full review
Thumbs up, by RAJEEV MASAND, IBN Live : ...Alternately wry, witty, persuasive and shocking, Talvar evokes feelings of fear, anger and shame as you consider the likelihood that a pair of innocent parents are serving life terms for a crime they may have had no hand in. Deliberately unsentimental and melodrama-free, the film goes about its business in docudrama fashion, exposing a flawed legal system, a judgmental society, and an impatient media. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Ananya Bhattacharya, india today : ...All said and done, there are those moments where the pace of the largely-gripping narrative slackens. The numerous POVs and the actors playing the same sequences, again, gives the viewer a sense of deja vu. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Uday Bhatia, Live Mint : ... Irrfan Khan, who creates a character both worldly and world-weary (the scene where he turns up at his estranged wife’s doorstep at night is very moving). Though this is a very impressive return for Gulzar, ... full review
Thumbs up, by Shubha Shetty-Saha, MiD DAY : ...Vishal Bhardwaj's tight screenplay, great casting and Meghna Gulzar's slick-yet-with-an-emotional-undercurrent handling of the material in hand, makes this an immensely watchable film.... full review
Thumbs up, by Joginder Tuteja, Movie Talkies : ...That said, just due to the fact that an Indian film has actually picked up an ongoing case and taken a stand which (apparently) challenges the verdict that has been passed by the Court, Talvar needs to be lauded for its bravery. One now waits to see if this eventually makes a difference to the eventual state of the case. However as a piece of filmmaking which raises a lot of questions while also entertaining, Talvar is definetly a must watch. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Divya Solgama, MoviezADDA : ...Dum??? Well this movie is one of the dumdar hard-hitting film released in recent times. It's totally gripping, thought provoking and total factual. The masala loving audience might shy away from this movie, but everyone who loves good cinema will cherish this film for years to come. It's said that a pen is mightier than the sword, but in case of this 'Talwar' it's the crime thriller which is mightier than a sword. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...No matter which of the faces of truth the audience takes away from the film, its importance as a mirror of our times is unlikely to diminish in any way. Talvar is a must watch. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Namrata Joshi, Outlook India : ...The film is sensitive enough to not dwell too long on things that had turned the actual case voyeuristic—the charges of wife-swapping; or that of a supposed affair between the girl and the servant. In the process of showing us the miscarriage of justice, it highlights the unfairness meted out to the parents, but remains measured. Its sympathy does quite lie with the parents but it doesn’t make an overt cause of it. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Raja Sen, Rediff : ...The background score by Ketan Sodha is effective, even if a touch inspired by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and the snatches of song we hear are excellent, especially the haunting final track sung by Rekha Bhardwaj that floats over the end-titles. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...In the end, the film reminds us of Aarushi Talwar, who would have turned 22 next March. It was a life cut short cruelly, and what could be more tragic than the fact that the case still awaits closure. Watch the film as a testament to the saying that truth indeed is stranger than fiction. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Jyothi Venkatesh, Star Blockbuster : ...Last Word: The film makes us question our belief in loyalty, crime and punishment and despite its flaws, Talvar is no doubt a bold and brave film that will not only disturb you but also make you think.... full review
Thumbs up, by ANUJ KUMAR, The Hindu : ...Its intentions might be blunt but as a piece of cinema Talvar is a sharp procedural.... full review
Thumbs up, by Srijana Mitra Das, Times of India : ...Talvar's compared to Rashomon but while that wandered through forests of fantasy, Talvar boldly tackles reality. It offers totally different takes on two murders. But it is unambiguous about a third - fairness, slashed to pieces by incompetence and callous crassness. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Rummana, yahoo! India : ...So what does Meghna Gulzar’s film really do? Does it tug at your heartstrings that innocent parents have been framed? Does it convince you of their guilt? ... full review
So-So, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...Anyway ending on a positive note, do watch TALVAR if you are more keen in noticing the technical nuances of film-making (especially for its last 20 minutes). But do watch RAHASYA as a must as its indeed one of the best murder mysteries coming from Hindi film industry in the recent decades. ... full review
So-So, by Parichay Mehta , Desi Martini : ...Verdict - This Talvar could've been more edgy & sharp. ... full review
So-So, by Parampara Patil Hashmi, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - Vishal Bharadwaj scores win; Meghana Gulzar loses the edge of Talvar ... full review
So-So, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...The tone of the film is it’s main deficiency. It’s neither consistent nor pronounced. Pankaj Kumar’s intimate cinematography, A Sreekar Prasad’s sharp edits and Bharadwaj’s musical compositions help the experience along somewhat.... full review
So-So, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...TALVAR is not breakthrough cinema. Neither is it exciting or informative. In fact, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth as most in India have seen ad nauseam on national television the 'live' findings of the double murder on a daily basis when the murder rocked the nation in 2008. Same is happening now in the Sheena Bora murder case. ... full review
So-So, by Namrata Joshi, Outlook India : ...The film is sensitive enough to not dwell too long on things that had turned the actual case voyeuristic—the charges of wife-swapping; or that of a supposed affair between the girl and the servant. In the process of showing us the miscarriage of justice, it highlights the unfairness meted out to the parents, but remains measured. Its sympathy does quite lie with the parents but it doesn’t make an overt cause of it. ... full review
So-So, Zee News : ...Cinematographer Pankaj Kumar's dark frames with a few unwarranted angles do not elevate the viewing experience. Overall, Talvar is a rusty film that disappoints.... full review
VenkatSwaroop5: #Review : #Talwar is powerful ,gritty and cutting Edge. #MustWatch 4/5 @irrfan_k @konkonas
varunrvarry: TALVAR is a good option BTW https://t.co/L3xotZjHDY
upasana_raddi: Talvar... It creates the sword impact. #Talvar #irfankhan
ujjainihalim: Wtcd #Talvar spellnound by d brllnt treatmnt of d sensitive issue, lovely directn stunng actng @irrfan_k as expctd https://t.co/PTB6UWguEk
twideee: #Talvar shakes you up and makes you think. Brilliant performances by @irrfan_k & @konkonas. Kudos @meghnagulzar and the whole team !
TheJoshya: Talvar is just an extraordinary illustration of how fuckall our system is.
thecrucialhour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIa09M1s5fE India_Movie: Irrfan Khan's 'Talvar' Exposes Flaws in Indian Justice System With Gritty Realism… …
tarikasingh: I wouldn't like to call 'Talvar' a disturbing movie. It's as real as it gets. And @irrfan_k , I have no words to describe his brilliance!
sush_srid: Seen the Movie Talvar......just a thought should the case be reopened......
sunnybluedevil: #talvaar good watch.... Hilarious stuff from top brass of Indian acting...
SumitPurohit: Talvar is our Memories of Murder. Brilliant and brutal.
sudnigga: WATCH TALVAR. NO OTHER THING. NOW. GO. Here is my review @konkonas @irrfan_k @NeerajKabi @meghnagulzar #VB https://t.co/Lo3yNySM9Y
sudeep_asthana: "Talwar"....Must watch, best sentence in last is " Dus Gunahgaar choot jayen, par 2 begunahon koo saza nahi honi... https://www.facebook.com/edurevolution.sudeep/posts/969735549757603
Subhash_ati9: 'Talvaar' - Cracker of a movie. Brilliantly written, paced, performed and directed with the deft touch of a seasoned pro. Do not miss.
StarAnilJha: Was very impressed with @meghnagulzar's way of story telling in #Talvar Disturbing in parts but absolutely riveting. Kudos to the makers.
SRKsDimple: Watched #Talvar fantastic movie gr8 act by @irrfan_k movie fills u with horror sympathy disgust n anger
SRKPiku: Talvar is now best film of the year so far...
sri50: #Talvar 3.75/5. Based on Aarushi Talwar murder case, Meghana in Rashmon style shows different view points 2 intriguing murder. Solid script
sonias24: #Talvar ,what a fabulous film. Faults in the Indian legal system showcased with grit and honesty. A must see! Meghna Gulzar,take a bow.
simply_fairy: Five stars for Talvar wow
ShaneemZ: I guess I saw my movie of the year yesterday #Talwar
shalakapatil1: Go watch #Talvar this weekend! Join @Justice4Aarushi on Twitter and Facebook. Help us in our fight for justice!
ScorpiusMaximus: Talvar is a pretty good look at the Arushi murder case, more realistic narration, looking at it from both angles.
saqib_hameed46: Finest movie just brilliant @irrfan_k #Talvar
sanjaybjumaani: Loved #Irrfan's acting in #Talvar;not just because he's my client
rudrani_rudz: #Talvar instantly engages u with it's simple story telling&intelligent inferences.@irrfan_k is brilliant&his sarcasm adds that zing to it.
rreshma5: अमाँ यार outrage बंद करो और जा के Talwar movie देख कर आओ ,, awsm movie
rohitbansal03: #Talwar Thanks to the director for bringing the paralysed system before public! #JusticeDenied
RohenSharrma: Simply best one #Talvar @irrfan_k speechless performances #4stars
rogueacademic88: Is weekend khud pe ek ehsaan karna, #Talvar jarur dekh lena.
rish2274: #talvaar ... Great movie to watch this weekend!!
richaanirudh: I wonder whether the truth in #ArushiMurder will ever come out but film #Talvar will not let you sleep for atleast a night. @meghnagulzar
reelbuff: Talvar has a very definite end http://pandolin.com/talvar-has-a-very-definite-end/ via @pandolindotcom
Rdeepmegha: #talvar The Irrfan-Konkona starrer make us question our precepts about fealty and loyalty, about crime and punishment.#MustWatch
rajkumarmahanti: #Talvar excellent movie
pratik140390: #Talvar is fckin brutal. Lump in the throat,chilling,scary,devastating and pinpoint. @NotSoSnob
Pratik_ksagar: # Talvar deserves to be seen. It NEEDS to be seen
PopyPadhi: Excellent movie talwar evryone shd watch ths
parekhm: Talvar is superbly enacted, scripted and directed cinema- not to be missed. Leaves you totally frustrated about the state of affairs.
pankajtalkies: Talvar is disturbing and awesome. May very well be the best film of the year. What a supporting cast. And irrfan is the actor of the year.
PANDEYSTWIT: Talwar a must watch movie
pallupower: Excellent story-telling, grt performances n a film tat keeps u on d edge of ur seats evn wen u kno mst of d details. #talvar is a mustwatch
Nomadic_Soul_: Do watch "TALVAR" and definitely don't miss last 20 mins of the film!
Nilzrav: #Talvar #MovieReview #Bollywood This one is certainly to be watched!! 4.5/5
Nilanjanas20: Sans melodrama, sans sentiments, Talvar is a compelling watch. Go see it#Talvar
nairshashank: Gripping, truly gripping #Talvar
myrjmilind: #amazing #movie #Talvar @irrfan_k #onceagain #awesome #performance @meghnagulzar #Ultimate #director #MustWatch #MYFM http://twitter.com/myrjmilind/status/650188156101201920/photo/1
mujeebkhan2337: अच्छे सिनेमा के कद्रदानो को ये फिल्म #Talwar जरूर देखनी चाहिए । @irrfan_k ne behtreen kaam Kiya h.
ms_manasi: .@irrfan_k #talvar amazing mvi! Irfan sir, brilliant n superlative performance! Thank u :)
MoneyByAnything: Talwar review - Irrfan Khan >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Oscar+Fimfare+Any single Indian awards
Mehta_Tusshar: #Talvar introspects the dark side of the human mindset,working machinery & our society. Who's to be blamed and who's not to be? #MustWatch
meetmehta26: #Talvar super movie..must watch it. Irfan Khan theory is may be right.
manizhe: Watched #Talvar very disturbed!!!dont miss it!#MustWatch
ManishJainn: "Woh afsana jise anjaam tak laana na ho mumkin, usey ek khoobsurat mod dekar chodhna accha..." - #Talvar is hard hitting stuff!
madnirules: #talwar indeed a great movie. Clearly shows the flaws in judiciary and police systems. #irfankhan u did a terrific job.
komalraney: #Talvar A compelling plot, no melodrama in acting nor narrative.@irrfan_k at his best, dry wit, pent up anger & suave personality. Superb!
knowrare: Muveen Ahmed commented "recommend to see it first, but TALWAR is best movi..." on the Blog http://itim.es/micron/redirect.html?str=9XqhYb
kevat_parmar: #Talvar seems 2 b a good depiction of real life story! A great #Thriller atlast in #bollywood.Expect something good when @irrfan_k is in it!
KaurJapmeet: Talvar is a MUST WATCH, specially those who called a young 14year old, Characterless. And the parents as "जल्लाद". Get your facts straight.
kartikvashi: Must watch! It's not just cinema .. Shows how #indian#judicial#system failed.. #Talvar
karishma0711: TALVAR~ It was the finest movies I've ever got to watch. Had the strongest grip on the story. A must must watch. Grand Salute to @irrfan_k
kafkor: Talvar is as crisp a narrative as it can get of how flawed investigative processes and judgemental media made a mockery of justice.
jeyprakash: Watched #talwar today. Very engaging. Solid script and well executed. Irfan Khan as usual was brilliant. Rating -3.5/5.
JazzKaurTweets: Jst saw #Talvar & i feel disgusted by the way police &court has worked. Poor arushi's parents, life imprisonment for a sin they nvr committd
jas_canuck92: #Talvar review. A brilliant investigation drama that gets into every detail of #Arushi case.1 the years best.4.5/5* http://twitter.com/jas_canuck92/status/650208932628033536/photo/1
iPriyankaBhatt: Talvar is a must watch!! Honestly after No one killed Jessica if any movie is this perfect it's #Talvar. Loved it! Loved @konkonas @irrfan_k
indscorpio: This should be the topic for @meghnagulzar's next after #Talvar which by the way is brilliantly executed
IndianOpinion: Go watch #Talvar. Don't waste your hard earned money on mindless crap like #SinghIsBliing. Talvar is simply an amazing movie. Period.
INDIAN_OF_INDIA: Yesterday I watched Talvar, amazing movie but couldn't wrap up a 8 year story in two hrs. What's your VERDICT?
geetaslist: #Talvar-definitely recommend. chilling case of how investigations pan out. the role of the media shld hv been highlighted more.
Gaali_Leo: #Talvar was one of the most gripping movie you'll ever watch. It just shocks you as a viewer and makes you curse our system.
fotografo_sodhi: #Talvar what a brilliant movie ... @irrfan_k you are awesome as always.. :)
filmyrants: Talvar is a well made film. Not a single false note. The film needed sensitive and able director and glad that it was in deft hands of
FilmCompanion: .@Su4ita recommends you to watch #Talvar. Watch her give out her opinion in Film Companion's #NotAMovieReview. https://t.co/eGX1XsgPX5
Fanboy_Arjun: #Talvar = Everything wrong with our system. Nothing short of a masterpiece. Hats off to @meghnagulzar VB @irrfan_k Neeraj Kabi @konkonas
faizyxxx: # Talvar ...... What a movie! So gripping! A must watch for sure
eyemohit: 'Talvar' Review: A Gripping Affair http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2015/10/01/talvar-movie-review_n_8230812.html?utm_hp_ref=tw via @huffpostindia #fb
EINMovieNews: Talvar movie review: The Irrfan-Konkona starrer is a brave film that devastates http://s.einnews.com/PFo62ICSpM
edu_Planete: Talvar: A must watch! What a judgemental society we live in! A movie that depicts sad state of Indian media &... https://www.facebook.com/gulabn/posts/10205392960198625
dimagsepakka: talvar will be vb's biggest commercial success till now as a producer..very happy for him..
DEVENDR94670769: Talwar and Singh is bling nice movies.
desai_darshil: just saw #Talwar,if d movie is anyhow based on d true story den v hv serious problem in our police as well as CBI.. gr8 acting @irrfan_k sir
Ddilip9: Talvar such a good movie #Talvar
colors05: What a brilliant performance by @irrfan_k. Loved the direction & the whole portrayal of our judiciary system. @meghnagulzar
chauhanpratima: 'Talvar' fills you with horror, sympathy, disgust & anger http://toi.in/micron/redirect.html?str=ZAM2Sa #aarushi #talvar #murder #crime #justice #failed #politics
BreakingViews4u: terrific #Talvar @irrfan_k https://t.co/uq7qw1NHsB
BhopaliLad: #Talvar is terrific. Dream ensemble. Such sharp writing. Filled with dark humor. Absolutely non-judgmental. Remarkably performed. #VBKiJai
beingspriha: #Talvar is a good movie and @irrfan_k is beyond words..
aumlaan: #Talvar is a must-watch. Helmed admirably by @meghnagulzar, d film has awesome work by @irrfan_k, @konkonas, @neerajkabi.
astoundingmind: Watched #Talvar. Incredible work by @meghnagulzar.
apurvnagpal: 3 movies seen yesterday but only 1 in my head today morning #Talvar http://apurvbollywood.blogspot.in/?m=1 @meghnagulzar @rekha_bhardwaj @konkonas @irrfan_k
anujgoelreal: In #Talvar no any music by the way without music every film would disgusting but this film was interesting.
AnjAnj_: Do urself a favour & book tickets for #Talvar for bone chilling performances by @irrfan_k & @NeerajKabi Kudos! To a marvellous piece of work
anish_anand05: Talvar is a film which belongs to decade's one of the best. Irrfan Khan is a scene stealer and what a brilliant third act.
anika_jindal: Must watch #Talvar ! A classic real movie by @meghnagulzar .. @irrfan_k and @konkonas you guys made it happen so real.. Really touched!!
anidubey2012: #Talvar shows the Murder mystery in 3 dimensions Police,Parents & Public view Just Hats Off To #meghnagulzar for this spectacle..
AmitKJaiswalNBT: Kuch alag film hai #Talvar .... @irrfan_k
Akishor1007: Just watched #talvar what a movie. great work #vishal_bharadwaj
ak_sehgal: #Talvar Yet another epic & restrained performance by @irrfan_k Time to start acknowledging there's another mainstream (not parallel) #Khan?
Ajnabee__: #Talvar Must Watch, Don't miss it.
ajju1818: #Talvar is a superb #film perfec direction, acting #ScreenPLAY sply #script @meghnagulzar @irrfan_k @konkonas @vaidehi004 @mimarathinews
AjayTheSrkFan: TALWAR IS MUST WATCH !!!!! MUST MUST MUST @irrfan_k how fucking awesome actor you are , take a bow sir #Salute
abhishe47605103: bhai yeh gulzaar saab tk bhi pauncha do @meghnagulzar btw talwar was amazing lovd everythin abt movie. https://t.co/EOtYxow3gy
abhiETAWANIA: #Talvar is a great take on judiciary and superb acting from @irrfan_k with a very sad but inspiring end...great stuff
319Himanshu: If Bollywood has some standards 2day, movies lyk #Talvar nd actors lyk Irfan Khan r responsible for that.
_neophile: Talvar is very nicely done. The movie doesn't preach but helps you realise the truth. Irfan khan at his usual best.
PhillumLouver: #Talvar needs 2 b takn with a pinch of salt. Nt evrythin cn b believd as SC hs givn the verdict with parents being guilty. Let's respect dt.
Pakespeare: 5/ Movies like Talwar and Ugly, and many before them, resonate what Indian society thinks of its policemen - unapproachable, insensitive...
manishvpania: #TalvarMovie I personally condemn showcase of this movie. How much money Dr Talvar got to expose himself? I don't think this is good cinema
ET_Lifestyle: #Talvar review: A rusty film that disappoints. http://ecoti.ms/micron/redirect.html?str=DLbp8Z http://twitter.com/ET_Lifestyle/status/650196360403161088/photo/1
ani_nag: #Talvar - would v ever hv the balls to send a film like this to the academy as a representation of 'Mera Bharat Mahaan'?
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: Lots. It is about a murder case, so there's the murder.
- Language: Abusive language muted out.
- Nudity & Sexual content: None. However, mention of sex, the missionary position and pornography.
- Concept: Presentation of a true life, double murder case.
- General Look and Feel: Grainy, real life look.
![[Facebook page of Talvar]](/static/images/icons/facebook_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Twitter account of Talvar]](/static/images/icons/twitter_small.png){kind=icon}
![[YouTube channel of Talvar]](/static/images/icons/youtube_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Wikipedia page of Talvar]](/static/images/icons/wiki_small.png){kind=icon}
![[IMDB Page of Talvar]](/static/images/icons/imdb_small.png){kind=icon}
Comments (16)
After the judiciary has gone through and full and fair process, and after the judiciary has convicted certain people, trust highly intellectual film makers to now come and mock the judiciary by making a film that claims to show the real story.
What does Mr V Bharadwaj has against Indian establishment to make anti-establishment films for the heck of making them? Or does he believe that it is the definition of intelligentsia to constantly find faults with the establishment and ignore everything else? If so then he is completely mistaken about the definition of intelligentsia.
Hello top commenter
Do you know judiciary is for sale in india!
All top involved in scams are out of jail
think Vishal Bhardhwaj could have a great carrier as story and screenplay writer.
As he is a visionary , but the problem has always been that he finds it difficult to compromise with the commercial needs of Bollywood audience. That's why not always (because i also like to see VB directing movies) but sometimes (mostly in case of real stories) its good to give VB only the writing department and give the director's chair to someone else who can keep a balance between critical and commercial needs of the movies. Meghna Gulzar in this case has done a great job in that department.
Almost no complaints with the film.
Just one , i wanted the movie to be more lengthy as some investigations has been shown in a fast forward manner. I was so gripped that i wouldn't have minded more 30-45 mins of the movie.
This for me could be the best option to represent India in OSCARS next year as long as Bollywood movies released till now. Then again its my personal views.
Such a great experience
Its a good movie when watched as a work of fiction. But its hard to separate fiction from reality in such cases. As for Irfan, the brilliant actor needs to start showing some variety in his script selection than choosing films which force him to act poker faced over and over again. No wonder he was brilliant and a pleasant surprise in PIKU as opposed to films like Talvar and the upcoming Jazbaa where he seems to continue in the same vein. Konkana Sen is a bland and expressionless actress and there is little I can expect from her even if I put my gold class intelligensia cap on. Perhaps the pseudos have a sixth sense that normal audiences do not which allows them to call Konkana and Kay Kay as fabulous actors!
Dear Meetu,
The main purpose of the movie was clearly to show the parents were wrongly prosecuted due to blotched up police investigation (the movie shows that very effectively). The movie was not only manipulative but intrusively playing on the psychology of audiences by misusing the power of cinematic medium. I found the movie serving the same purpose as the frenzied media – the difference was timing and intent. Clearly the purpose of the movie was questionable.
Casting was very important - what impact would it made if the role of Ashwini was played by an unknown actor – and Irfan was casted as head of second CBI team. The audience perception would have had swayed to what the second team would say. Additionally in the movie Tabu was paired with Irfan to build another by-plot of hero-heroine to lend authenticity to Irfan’s character as hero. Whatever hero says must be true- is the message audience takes back home. Very manipulative.
Last 12 minutes the movie focuses two CBI teams facing and arguing each other in a room trying to convince each other about which investigation is true. Why the Director/ Writer duo should do such a thing and get away with additionally showing at least 5-7 minutes of actual court arguments that lead to parents prosecution? Very disturbing when the pseudo – intelligent critics and reviewers applaud such a crafty and bogus manipulation. Cinematic liberty!?
There are rumors as claimed by a Director Manish Gupta who made another fictional movie ‘Rahasya’ inspired by Aarushi murder case, that the Talwars had approached him to make a movie showing them as innocent, and when the Director didn’t agree – they wanted to ban the release of the movie.
The last scene where it is shown the parents entering the jail after being found guilty by the court and the manipulative sad back-ground score playing – stating parents are innocent and this is what should linger in the minds of audiences who walk out of the theatres. Debauching!
I am disappointed and question the integrity of the duo – Director Meghna Gulzar and screenplay writer Vishal Bhardwaj. Apologies and sorry!
If I had heard them saying in their TV interviews that the movie is trying to show in favor of Talwar parents, I would had certainly rated this movie 6.5, but now...
(Rating 4.5 out of 10)
Meetu, Unlike my full IMDB review, I didn't put my comment on use of paid-media (electronic and print) that producers and production services are using especially of leading national daily and its state subsidiaries. I could not resist but raise my protest over here - it is 5 days and there is 12 pages of paid-news coverage in TOI on Talwars. I am appalled and disturbed by this corrupt mis-use. It strengthens my observation further on the pervert intentions of the film-makers backed by someone who wants Talwars to be proved innocent.
I understand that there might not be a compelling case against the Talwars, but who is going to fight the case for the 3 friends of Hemraj - if they are innocent?
How I wish - money and easy funding - doesn't drive police, judiciary and media. How I wish - if this film duo had taken a clear cut case of a poor victim who is wrongly prosecuted and there is no one to even hear what they have to say. Just because they are poor - they don't have voice. And there are more than 300 K under-trails in India - some dying in the jail and their cases pending since 15-20 years. Very very sad, that people are running behind Talwars to give them justice with such zeal.
@Raj : This is a sentimental society where the possibility of educated parents putting their own daughter to rest is something that nobody wants to accept despite damning evidence. Irrespective of the evidence & the court's verdict, the sympathy factor would always be in favor of the Talwars because somehow, in our society we just cannot contemplate a scenario of parents murdering their own child. Viewership hungry prestitutes and pseudo-intellectual publicity hungry film-makers like Vishal Bharadwaj are quick to prey on this sentiment and add fuel to the fire. Last year Vishal made a mockery of the Indian army and its brave jawans by making a false, intolerable and completely anti national movie like Haider. This time around he's decided to mock the judiciary and its esteemed judges.
@Anuj, @Raj: VB is falling fast in my esteem as a responsible film maker. Two back to back films that are highly irresponsible film making at its best.
Problem is that there are millions of educated so called intelligentsia who encourage such irresponsible film making, thereby increasing the probability that VB will produce another such irresponsible film in the near future.
Very apt review. I'm a little taken aback by all the hate this movie is generating. Perhaps reading the book Aarushi will help people understand the case better.
@Fan : I don't have as much of an issue with the movie (which I think is a good watch if watched as a work of fiction) but I do have issues with film-makers taking real life incidents and tweaking them over to suit their film. Its even worse when talented film-makers like Kabit Khan (Phantom), Rajkumar Gupta (NOKJ) and VB (Talvar) do so.
Direction: 3
Story: 4
Lead Actors: 5
Character Artists: 4
Dialogues: 3
Screenplay: 4
Music Director: 2
Lyrics: 2
I did get the chance to watch it this weekend and imo its an up and down movie. While I do agree with Raj that the movie is one sided, but imo that one sided-ness creeps in only during the last 20 minutes of the film during the charge and counter charges being levied by the 2 CBI teams on one another. The film-makers have actually done well not to get swayed away for a major part of the duration. That being said, this movie is not free of loopholes. The last 5 minutes is hushed up and the real reason and evidence on the basis of which the Talwars were convicted by the court has not been dwelled on at all. Irfan Khan despite being repetitive is top notch nevertheless.
Dear Meetu, I could not resist but write back again here. Ten days, 17 pages of paid-news coverage in Times of India supplements City Edition, plus on-going regular news-clips in the main paper. Yesterday, (11 Oct 10 pm) heard the paid-debate on Times Now too (Good Arnab was neutral) but unlike Meghna's earlier rant about she is neutral, she was vehemently fighting for Talwars. What a let down from the time she came to promote the movie with Vishal Bhardwaj on NDTV saying - She has just presented facts. As I had not followed the case at all, came to know that there are so many facts, the film has intentionally not presented to the audience.
Just imagine, if the film is able to free Talwars, and prosecute the poor three friends of Hemraj, (yet according to the night security - no one came or went in the society or the house that night), Will Vishal Bhardwaj and Meghna Gulzar make a movie showing that they are innocent? NO, because they are poor.
I reiterate how good it would be if they had made a real life movie on an innocent poor rural person who is wrongly prosecuted and is in jail from last 15-20 years. There are more than 10% of such cases from the total of 3 lakh under trails in Indian jail.
I am no expert, but just using my common sense in an objective way to understand the case and the movie and its motive.
I feel very very let down by Vishal Bhardwaj's script, screenplay and Meghna Gulzar.
I won't be a surprise if Meghna Gulzar runs away with all critics awards - sadly this is the society we are living in today!
Move on.... Move on...!
@Raj D Undoubtedly the film is biased, so I don't think there was any attempt at giving both sides of the story.
Watched the film. Even as a pure work of fiction it is nothing great and certainly far away than "buy the DVD already ". If you want to spend money to buy a dvd on a good potboiler then buy a dvd of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot. Or a dvd of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. And if you want to spend the money on an Indian production then buy a dvd of Jewel Thief.
Performance wise all are as expected Irrfan Konkona Tabu. Other than stay with a serious look they are not expected to show any of their acting prowess.
And what was that over stretched LOL moment on missionary position supposed to mean?
Okay watch if you happen to be stuck with it. But don't plan time to watch it or don't regret if you didn't get the opportunity to watch it. You will not have missed anything important in life.
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