Irada

Irada from 2017 is an eco-thriller Indian feature film encapsulating an intriguing narrative about a father seeking justice for his deceased daughter’s untimely fate. The film is marked by dynamic performances of veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah along with Arshad Warsi, Divya Dutta, Sharad Kelkar, Sagarika Ghatge in the pivotal roles.

Directed by Aparnaa Singh, the movie is an intelligent and thought-provoking cinematic piece that mesmerizes the audience by its realistic portrayal of the disturbing current environmental issues and the corrupt political & corporate world, infused with intense and tightly-knit plot full of drama, suspense, and action. It showcases how the greed-ridden desire for power and money takes an atrocious form, bringing devastation to the innocent lives and their community in due course.

The story starts with Naseeruddin Shah playing the character Parabjeet Walia, a retired army officer who lives a peaceful life with his daughter. Their serene life is disrupted when Parabjeet's daughter becomes the unsuspecting victim of an ecological disaster, eventually leading to her untimely death. The incident leads Parabjeet to investigate the root cause of her daughter's mysterious illness and discover that the groundwater in their city had been contaminated by a large pharmaceutical company dumping toxic chemical waste. Consumed by anguish and despair, Parabjeet declares a one-man war against the powerful and politically connected culprits to bring them to justice, avenging his daughter's death.

Meanwhile, there is Arshad Warsi, playing the character Arjun Mishra, an NIA officer pulled in on a parallel thread of a bomb blast case. Arjun, a shrewd and inveterate police officer, gradually unravels the mystery linked to corporate greed and unscrupulous environmental damage. The captivating journey of Arjun and Parabjeet intersects, weaving a riveting tapestry of suspense, lies, justice, and retribution, exposing the grim realities of life and death in the backdrop of environmental degradation.

Divya Dutta plays the character of a crafty businesswoman and politician who is utilizing her power for dubious means. Her performance adds another layer of interest to the plot, cementing a triangle of government, citizens, and corporate entities, highlighting the practical issues plaguing our day-to-day life in more than one way. The film focuses on the transactional relationship of this triangle, where everyone is a pawn in a much larger, risky game.

Sharad Kelkar is seen in the role of a rich, powerful but unethical businessman who gives scant regard to the environment or the people affected due to his industry's work. Sagarika Ghatge also provides a commendable performance as a journalist who plays a significant role in the narrative.

Irada is a rare breed of film in Bollywood that offers an earnest perspective towards environmental issues and corporate ethics while maintaining the thrill and suspense required in a gripping thriller. It blends elements of mystery, action, and drama perfectly, keeping the viewer hooked till the end. The film delivers a powerful message about the environment and engages the audience with a compelling narrative and strong performances.

The cinematography of Ravi Walia captures the gloomy and dark essence of the unfolding plot brilliantly. The screenplay by Aparnaa Singh and Anushka Rajan uses the right balance of suspense, drama and emotional depth to portray a narrative full of intensity and emotional charge. The music composed by Neeraj Shridhar harmoniously complements the intensity of the plotline.

Ishara Films Production and Times Studio have made this film a must-watch for those who appreciate cinema that is not only entertaining but insightful and sparking societal debates.

All in all, the film is a paragon of how meaningful cinema can still be entertaining. Irada is a commendable effort towards making a socially relevant film and a fearless step towards discussing issues that are usually swept under the carpet. Despite its simplicity, the movie offers profound insights into the polluted waters of corporate repercussions.