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Thar – A Decent Attempt at Neo-Western

Mon 09 May 2022    
EcoBalance
| 2 min read

I wonder at what point in the script narration did Harshavardhan Kapoor decide to act and produce the film. Was putting the dry, arid yet beautiful landscape on-screen the motivation behind the decision. Was playing the dark, brooding angry young man that we watched Amitabh Bacchan play to perfection in the early 1970’s the reason.

Did he feel this movie will be remembered for ages like Guru Dutt’s Pyaasa Or Dev Anand’s “ Guide” – the benchmark for all filmmakers or was there much more than the writer/ director promised to lace around a simple revenge drama? Issues such as casteism, illiteracy, domestic and sexual violence, cross border opium trade in the backdrop of a stale 1980’s Rajasthan are touched upon as we prod along the mysterious trail of villagers being ruthlessly mutilated if not disappearing from plain sight.

While I have mixed feelings about the movie, kudos to Harshavardhan for putting his money into meaningful cinema. He sure realized this movie will take months of spending a difficult time in the scorching sun and unbearable heat. To bring about his (star) father along with a brilliant cast and adept technicians must need strong conviction in the story and faith in the director.

There are some actors who are great purely for the choices they have made in selecting memorable films. In that regard, Harsha is the latest entrant to join the tiny hall of fame. He could have easily started with money churning “Mr India” remake but he chose to make his own path. “Thar” is a good start, and I sincerely hope this Pyaasa becomes a Guide to great movies in the years to come.

Anil Kapoor is brilliant as a character stuck in an insipid life with the constant realization that he has settled for less. Not much fanfare is made about the father-son duo, nor was an item song included and thankfully there was no agenda to the movie as is the norm nowadays. The soundtrack of the movie is worth mentioning and adds to the beautiful tone of the movie.

Thar is a sweet slow-burn thriller but let’s applaud the makers for their attempt. It doesn’t have a satiating climax or a juicy ending. Much like the desert, it keeps you thirsting for more.

Contributed by TheBrew Reader – Razi Siddiqui

Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in The Brew View – our opinion section – are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TheBrew.ae, the company, or any of its members.


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