Aamir

Aamir, a 2008 movie, is an unnerving and remarkable thriller, directed by Raj Kumar Gupta and produced by Ronnie Screwvala. The film is a gripping psychological drama that marks the breakthrough of actor Rajeev Khandelwal from the realm of television to the big screen. The film also includes commendable performances from lesser-known actors such as Mukesh Agrohari and Supavitra Babul.

The film revolves around an ordinary man pulled into a terrifying whirlpool of criminal conspiracy and grave danger. Dr Aamir Ali, a London based doctor, played by Rajeev Khandelwal, comes back from Britain to his home city of Mumbai after spending several years overseas. A loving son and a successful doctor, Aamir is excited to get back to his roots and embrace the city's hustle and bustle. But Aamir's idyllic return shatters as he steps off the plane. His personal space, freedom, and fundamental rights gradually strip away against the city's grim and objectionable underworld backdrop.

Soon after his arrival, Aamir's nightmare begins as he is left with a mobile phone in a public place. The attackers operate by issuing orders via the phone that Aamir is compelled to follow. His seemingly ordinary journey turns into a devastating path of fear and torment that test his principles and integrity. Highly educated, moralistic, and devout, Aamir is now caught in a world where his values hold no significance.

Rajeev Khandelwal's brilliant portrayal of a common man, trapped in an uncommon situation, is a major highlight of the film. With authenticity and conviction, Rajeev captures the raw fear, helplessness, and determination of a man who is driven to the brink. The film avoids the typical Bollywood masala; there are no songs or dance routines. Instead, it is a gritty thriller that keeps you on the edge with its realistic depictions of Mumbai's underbelly.

Mukesh Agrohari and Supavitra Babul also depict their characters with conviction and intensity. Their performances add layers of credibility to this thrilling narrative. The film introduces us to the dark underbelly of Mumbai, where good and evil exist in shades of grey. Gupta's cinematography is brilliant; the camera captures the city of Mumbai in all its beauty and squalor, depicting a stark contrast between the lives of the privileged and the poor.

The director, Raj Kumar Gupta, presents a stark depiction of Mumbai, weaving an alarming tale of one man's unremitting ordeal to survive. The overall narrative of Aamir is further enhanced by its excellent screenplay, and the film's fast pacing ensures that there is never a dull moment. The tension is palpable right from the first scene to the last, making audiences hold their breath till the end.

Despite being dark and chilling, the plot overall delivers a sense of an extraordinary journey of an ordinary man, ultimately hinting at the resilience and grit of the human spirit. The unpredictability of the storyline is its strength, forcing audiences to think and question, and thereby making it an unorthodox experience. This film stands out among the usual Bollywood flicks due to its earthy reality, superb performances, and unique storytelling technique.

Amit Trivedi's music in the film blends flawlessly with the narrative. The songs are used periodically to solidify the film's anxious and desperate tone. The background score further heightens the tense atmosphere of the film. The cinematography is stark and captures the city's harsh reality, enhancing the overall narrative of the film.

Aamir is a film that reflects the social reality and pushes the viewers to think beyond entertainment. It's a film that takes its audience on a thrilling ride, exploring a series of unexpected and horrific events cornering a simple, educated man living his ordinary life. It's a riveting portrayal of a man's suicidal journey forced by circumstances beyond his control, guided by intimidating and deadly strangers who treat him as a pawn in a larger game. The juxtaposition of the underprivileged and the privileged alongside the accelerated pace keeps you captivated till the end.

To sum it up, Aamir is a compelling watch thanks to its riveting narrative, superb performances, keen cinematography, and the gripping background score. This gem of a film seems, on the surface, to be a simple thriller, but beneath it explores deep layers of socio-political themes and human resilience.