Review : ‘Chehre’ unmasks the masked society!
Known for comic affairs, writer, director #RumyJafry has come up with a tense mystery drama ‘#Chehre’ wherein his grip on the medium could be witnessed. The court room drama, takes place outside the court, is interesting but the film’s pace should have been brisker. In India most of the time the justice is delayed or not offered as only judgements are passed. Due to various loopholes and practices the victim is deprived of justice. So the film ‘Chehre’ pinpoints the flaws prevalent in the judicial system and tries to offer real ‘justice’ to the victims with a ‘mock-trial’.
Sameer Mehra (Emraan Hashmi) is an executive in an ad agency is heading to Delhi from a hilly area where snow stops him at an isolated place. Luckily he meets a gentleman Paramjeet Singh Bhuller (Annu Kapoor) who offers shelter to him in the stormy weather. They have a ‘seniors club’ which consists of, including him, Lateef Zaidi (Amitabh Bachchan), Jagdish Acharya (Dhritiman Chatterjee) and Hariya Jatav (Raghubir Yadav) who meet everyday and play a strange game with strangers who occasionally visit Mr Acharya’s mansion. Bhullar is a retired defence lawyer, Mr Acharya is a retired Judge, Hariya is a retired ‘Jallad’ and Mr Zaidi is a retired public prosecutor. Even after retirement they seem to be loyal to their profession. While playing a game with Sameer, he is accused of a murder of his boss to grab his position of CEO in the company and ‘mock-trail’ takes place. Just like real trial this trial too runs through ups and downs till the verdict is passed by the judge.
The screenplay of ‘Chehre’ is a little loose which hampers the pace of the film. Dialogues sound outstanding when delivered by Amitabh Bachchan in his baritone voice but they are preachy most of the times, especially Mr Bachchan’s last monologue. But nothing should be taken away from writing because it keeps you invested in the film till the end. The cinematography is excellent and the mood of the scenes are superbly created. Background score is impressive. The film is taut till the intermission but later it becomes too predictable as other characters peep in. The crime mystery is well developed but lacks reasoning in parts. The film scores hugely in acting department. Everyone has delivered fine performance. Annu Kapoor, Dhritiman Chatterjee impress a lot and Amitabh Bachchan takes the cake. His stylish demeanour is outstanding and his dialogue delivery is impeccable. He holds your attention throughout the film and Emraan Hashmi lends his good support. Both have made the film rise above it’s script.
Overall ‘Chehre’ keeps you spellbound till the last frame unmasking the masked society.
Rating:- ***1/2