Kabir Singh

Kabir Singh, released in 2019, is a contemporary Indian cinema that has changed the core perspective of a typical Bollywood romance. This blockbuster film is a remake of the hit Telugu movie ‘Arjun Reddy.’ Helmed by the same director, Sandeep Vanga Reddy, Kabir Singh stars notable Bollywood actors, Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani, in lead roles, along with Nikita Dutta in a supporting role.

Shahid Kapoor shines as the protagonist, Kabir Singh, a brilliant but deeply flawed medical student. He portrays a complex character who is academically excellent but finds himself gradually consumed by his arrogance, temper, and tendency for self-destruction. Kapoor's Kabir Singh is a transgressive figure, steering away from the archetypal hero that populates much of Bollywood's romantic dramas. His raw performance brings forth the multi-dimensional aspects of Kabir, making it one of the most challenging characters brought to life in Bollywood.

Kiara Advani plays the subdued Preeti Sikka, a fresher medical student who finds herself caught in Kabir's whirlwind of passion and tumult. Preeti's character is gentle, caring, and nurturing, which is a stark contrast to Kabir's rough personality. Kiara Advani subtly expresses the emotional change that Preeti goes through, offering viewers an insight into their intense relationship and love story.

Additionally, the movie also features Nikita Dutta, who plays an aspiring actress named Jia Sharma. Dutta's character is pivotal and contributes significantly to the storyline, addressing the emotional complexities involved in relationships and love.

Kabir Singh unfolds in motion with a bleak opening, setting the tone for a narrative full of gray shades, powered by Kapoor's dexterous performance. The movie might seem like a simple love story, but it subtly breaks away from templated Bollywood narratives. Singularly dedicated to the protagonist, Kabir's pathology and journey from being a top medical student to losing himself in the turmoil of his turbulent life and the unfortunate fate of his relationship, the story grips the viewer all throughout.

The film’s differentiating point lies in its evocative storytelling, passionately exploring themes such as love, anger, addiction, heartbreak, and redemption. The stark and often unsettling portrayal of the complexities of love and overwhelming grief makes Kabir Singh a compelling watch. The film also delves into the protagonist's struggles with alcoholism and rage, depicting the darker side of human emotions and the devastating effects they can have on a person's life.

Kabir Singh's music serves as one of the major highlights, wonderfully blending Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's composition with Arijit Singh's soulful voice to create a sonic experience that complements the raw emotionality within the narrative. The background score, varied between soft melodies and intense tracks, resonates perfectly with the rise and fall of emotions in the storyline, making it an integral part of the narrative.

However, Kabir Singh isn’t without controversy. The intense, gritty portrayal of love and self-destruction starkly polarized audiences and critics. While some hailed it for its realistic portrayal and bold ontological choices, others criticized it for glorifying toxic masculinity and violence towards women. The film's bold endeavours and its polarized reception places it within a genre of cinema that isn't afraid to take risks.

With the lens firmly fixated on the male protagonist, Kabir Singh paints a vivid, deeply emotional portrait of a man trapped in his catastrophic vortex of self-destruction. Kapoor's brilliant portrayal of the volatile and clearly flawed Kabir Singh allows the audience to engage, empathize, and condemn his behaviour – all at the same time.

Kabir Singh's ability to provoke such strong emotion is testament to its success as a narrative. It is a story not afraid to venture into the dark corners of human nature, delivering a raw portrayal of pain, love, and redemption. It deviates from the conventional and ventures into the realm of exploring flawed characters, making it a standout piece in contemporary Bollywood cinema.