Karwaan

Karwaan is a 2018 Indian Hindi-language road film that marks the directorial debut of Akarsh Khurana. The film stands out as a unique, visually stunning, and heartfelt exploration of self-discovery, relationships, and the unpredictability of life.

The film boasts a remarkable cast - the incredibly talented and late Irrfan Khan, the versatile Malayalam actor Dulquer Salmaan in his Bollywood debut, and the up-and-coming actress Mithila Palkar.

Karwaan begins with an unexpected mishap. Avinash (Dulquer Salmaan), a disheartened IT worker in Bengaluru, receives news that his father has passed away in an accident. The grieving son, eager to perform the final rites, discovers a shocking mix-up – his father’s body has been exchanged with someone else’s. As Avinash embarks on a journey to correctly retrieve and cremate his father, he is joined by Shaukat (Irrfan Khan), a friend of his father with a van, adding a comic aura with his quirky personality. Their trip takes an unexpected detour when they involuntarily pick up Tanya (Mithila Palkar), a fiery college student coping with her grandmother's death. The film's plot ensues as an engrossing journey that weaves together the paths of these three oddly matched characters.

The story is a blend of drama and comedy which takes the audience through an engaging roller-coaster of emotions. The narrative manages to keep you engrossed and entertained throughout, while continuously presenting new and interesting character developments and scenarios. Karwaan also provides views into scenic landscapes of South India, as the film uses the road trip as a narrative device to portray little-known places.

Avinash’s character, portrayed by Dulquer Salmaan, provides a somber, grounded performance as he reflects on the life he didn’t choose. Salmaan's quiet and understated performance perfectly balances Irrfan Khan's lively and rib-tickling performance as Shaukat. Khan’s immaculate comic timing and witty dialogues are endearing and set an amusing and heartfelt backdrop to a film that skims emotional depths.

Mithila Palkar, as Tanya, brings in the wide-eyed exuberance of youth who is coming to terms with the realities of life, and the energy of her character becomes a refreshing element in the story. The relationship dynamics between the three main characters form the real heart of the film and lay the groundwork for some poignant moments.

Accompanied by its wonderful music, Karwaan also offers an introspective view on relationships, loss and dreams. The film showcases the healing power of stopping, looking around, and appreciating the simple joys of life. The story unfolds at a gentle pace, allowing the audience to soak in the atmospheric quality and relish the charming moments of absurdity.

A hallmark of Karwaan is its empathetic, character-driven narrative, which emphasizes each individual's need to embark upon personal journeys of self-discovery. Moreover, it highlights how sometimes, it is through the navigation of unexpected detours and interactions with strangers that we come to understand ourselves better. The film radiates a message that life, much like a road trip, is unpredictable yet filled with moments of happiness, sadness, laughter, regret and companionship.

Overall, Karwaan is a picturesque and existential road film that beautifully encapsulates how journeys often end up becoming more enlightening than the destination itself. The film is a celebration of life, a bitter-sweet narrative filled with layered characters and sparkling humor. It encourages the viewers to accept life with open arms, whatever route it may choose for us. With its outstanding performances and seamless alignment of drama and comedy, Karwaan delivers a simplistic yet profound tale that holds the power to entertain, while initiating introspection about life and its meandering paths.