Thrillers have found a comfortable place on the ever-evolving Bollywood map. Thus comes the Quint during its journey while Viacom18’s up and coming direct to computerized discharge Neeyat – in light of all these things; a homicide puzzle, with an insight into the disarranges results and an exciting adventure to unwind significant truths. It is a 2023 film that is sure to thrill the viewer to their core as we see the manipulations unfold, promising a surprise around every corner.
Neeyat is a suspense movie with many performance-oriented scenes, so it provides enough fodder for discussion. We explore the plot, performances, cinematography, and how effective a whodunit thriller is.
Plot Overview
Reviving the murder mystery, Neeyat is set in a dazzling mansion during an extravagant birthday celebration at a midnight high society gathering. Vidya Balan as Mira Rao — a sharp detective investigating the death of a rich tycoon played by Ram Kapoor. As the investigation plays out, we meet several potential suspects broiling with secrets that compound the mystery.
Whether they are estranged family members or close confidantes, all of the people with a purpose behind being there keep the audience hanging as guessing for the clues to be put together. In a redone style splendidly connecting with personal relationships and the bigger picture of who did the crime, it creates this nice knit story that ramps up to an eventual climax.
Performances
In one of her most varied and laudable works, Vidya Balan commands the role of the sharp-witted and intrigued detective Mira Rao. She nonchalantly shoulders the movie, keeping the audience glued with a fastidious ear and biting humor. The character of this strong, intelligent female lead played by Vidya is a rare sight onscreen yet a common trope in a career packed with powerhouse performances.
Ram Kapoor brings weight to his role as the millionaire whose death is at the center of the film, despite it being a relatively small part. Neeraj Kabi, Prajakta Koli, Shahana Goswami, and Amrita Puri among others in the ensemble cast deliver strong performances adding to the drama. And, all the actors bring their characters in a dark, suspenseful atmosphere full of tension and said secrets from the past.
Direction and Screenplay
Dil Bechara director Anu Menon of “Shakuntala Devi” and “Four More Shots Please!”, turns to a darker story with Neeyat. She then skillfully weaves a labyrinthine trail of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat at every twist and turn. The characters’ backstories are well fleshed-out and the dynamics between each of them are expertly woven by Menon which in turn, increases the bulk of tension lead on as a viewer.
Anu Menon and Priya Venkataraman’s screenplay is a treat that keeps alert viewers on their toes with nifty clues, deft red herrings as well as spry revelations. Characters are carefully considered and time is given to show their intentions without overly burdening the plot. But the film, had its narrative bit compressed effectively in the middle part, at times when it becomes unnecessarily prolonged.
Cinematography and Music
The cinematography of Neeyat has a touch to it which is done very well and it suits the thriller drama style capturing the creepy kind of atmosphere. Low lighting, shadows, and wide angles create more of a mystery about the mansion. The setting is a grand estate, that feels confined and isolating…beautifully shot with opulent interiors….style adding to the suspense.
The dark background score by Mickey McCleary is wonderfully matching with the gloomy state of affairs in the film. The eerie melodies produce a sense of dread when necessary — augmenting the suspense without being outdone by the storytelling. The sparse use of music in key scenes enables the audience to hone in on the developing drama, as this makes for a much more exciting film.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Vidya Balan:Vidya keeps the intrigue alive as Mira Rao, undoubtedly and probably ranks among one of the strongest elements in this feature.
Interesting plot: The whodunit storyline would keep you glued to your screens, with adequate nosedives to keep the tension to the end.
Great ensemble cast: Each of the supporting actors helps to mold their characters, making them more than just one-dimensional beings.
Cinematography: The visuals of the film are as brooding and dark as the overall tone of it and they have some eye-catching scenes.
Weaknesses:
Slight pacing issues: Some scenes, especially in the midsection tend to drag more than they have to and slightly slow down the pace of the movie.
That could be the case with a few of the twists for thriller veterans, but it ultimately does its job of keeping your attention.
Ratings
Storyline: 7.5/10
Direction: 8/10
Performances: 9/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Music: 7/10
Overall Rating: 7. 8/10
Final Verdict
Authored and produced by famous Bollywood filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt, Neeyat is a smartly executed attempt to engage listeners with an intriguing murder mystery. While it doesn’t revolutionize the genre, thanks to strong performances (in particular by Vidya Balan) and well-executed tension throughout, Kahaani is worth a watch for thriller fans. Its moody compositions and densely drawn characters. just scratch the surface.
Overview: Neeyat is a fascinating mystery for fans looking for a good who-done-it with a captivating lead, worth the time. It’s not exactly hitting every mark, but it certainly does make an impression.
