From the first few frames of ‘Raazi’, one can brace oneself for a classic, period film (based on history fictionalized) and in the genre of nerve-wracking spy-thriller ‘Eye of the Needle’ based on Ken Follet’s brilliant novel that we’d thoroughly enjoyed back in the 80s ! Yet, despite being so gripping and crisp in its narrative, it doesn’t carry the gore and coldly ruthless aura of Frederick Forysth’s celebrated spy-yarns ‘Day of the Jackal’ and ‘The Odessa File’.
The challenge primarily lies in the theme of pulling off an overtly daring espionage operation in tension filled Pakistan, preparing for full scale conflict against India, yet depicting it sans chest-thumping and jingoism that would normally be part of the patriotic fervor that gets generated on such issues. The other remarkable aspect are the subtle characterizations of the principal players, almost all of whom are Pakis, but display quiet grace and humane dignity not usually associated with sworn foes even on celluloid – justification, each one must owe allegiance and protect the motherland.
The film entirely belongs to two super performers – Meghna Gulzar, the Director who seems to effortlessly create magic from behind the camera with a taut, suspenseful screenplay and riveting background score and Alia Bhatt, the star, simply stunning in the lead role. However, Vicky Kaushal is quite superb in his understated act as the guileless and devoted husband, caught in crossfire of treachery and murder in his own backyard. The others are also so quietly impressive.
The message, apart from the selfless sacrifice of many unsung warriors for the nation’s cause, is that in war and survival, there are no explanations sought or given for the toll that it takes – it’s unrelenting, heartless and comes with a heavy price to so many.
Working on Living 