KisseBaaz

Kissebaaz is a riveting Hindi language feature film, set in the intrigue-laden backdrop of Uttar Pradesh, India. Released in 2019, the movie stars a vaunted ensemble of actors including the critically acclaimed Pankaj Tripathi, Anupriya Goenka, and Rahul Bagga. Packed with twisting narratives, overflowing with suspense, and topped with a generous dose of black humour, Kissebaaz is a heady union of drama, crime, and mystery.

Directed by debutant filmmaker Annant Jaaitpaal, Kissebaaz is a labyrinthine storyline that rapidly progresses, weaving stories within stories. Relishing in its narrative unpredictability, the movie presents the audience with a fiendishly clever puzzle, raising the stakes with every scene, and pushing towards a nail-biting climax.

Set in the rustic terrains of Uttar Pradesh, the filmmaking accentuates this rural milieu and captures the stark realities of a region where power is synonymous with respect. Employing a unique storytelling technique, the director presents a thrilling layering of narratives that keep audiences glued to the edge of their seats, guessing about the true sequence of events.

At the centre of Kissebaaz’s spellbinding plot is the character of Harsh (played by Rahul Bagga), whose ordinary life takes an extraordinary turn when he gets entangled in a vicious circle of power, politics, and deceit. Harsh becomes an unexpected chess piece in a larger game, orchestrated by the character played by Pankaj Tripathi. Pankaj Tripathi brings to the role his incomparable acting prowess. He plays an unforgettable character, a local goon named Chuttan Shukla, whose silver-tongued charm is as beguiling as his ruthless disposition is terrifying.

Adding depth to the character axis is Naina (played by Anupriya Goenka), a strong and resolute woman who becomes a pillar of support for Harsh. The complex relationship between these principal characters and the myriad of secondary characters forms a compelling part of the movie, gradually unfolding the core drama and secret alliances.

As for the performances, Pankaj Tripathi, known for modulating his acting style seamlessly across a variety of genres, brings gusto and nuanced intensity to his role. Displaying an exemplary finesse while playing the local bully, he effortlessly carries off the rustic dialect and eccentric mannerisms. The narrative revolves around his eccentric character adding unexpected comic relief to the otherwise intense atmosphere.

Rahul Bagga delivers a credible performance as Harsh, bringing forth the escalating plight of his character with a balanced sense of vulnerability and firmness. Anupriya Goenka is impressive with her controlled and deep portrayal of Naina, providing a well-rounded character amidst intense plot developments.

Marking the film’s cinematographic brilliance, Kissebaaz employs an array of rich, immersive visuals that flesh out the grit and grime of its setting. Whether it’s the rural landscapes, or the vibrant street scenes, cinematographer Uttam Dhakal captures the essence of the milieu in every frame. The atmospheric background score by Rohan-Rohan further caters to create an underlying sense of tension and suspense, heightening the overall viewer experience.

The movie’s screenplay advances with several unexpectedly humorous instances, guaranteeing laughter amid the surmounting tension. The script’s ingenuity lies in its successful fusion of drama, suspense, mystery, and comedy without compromising the narrative’s overall cogency. The dialogues, written in a sparkling colloquial vernacular, add a dash of authenticity to the narrative, making the characters and their predicaments even more relatable.

However, above everything, Kissebaaz is a testament to the malleability of truth. The perception of truth fluctuates based on who is narrating the story - a concept that is cleverly played upon throughout the movie. It holds up a mirror to society's complex power structures, producing a social commentary on the volatile nature of trust, honour, and relationships.

In conclusion, Kissebaaz is a film that constantly keeps viewers guessing and intrigued, with its unexpected twists in the plot and an undercurrent of black humor. The performances, particularly by Pankaj Tripathi, Rahul Bagga, and Anupriya Goenka, are noteworthy and contribute immensely to the film’s overall allure. The expert weaving together of humor, tension, drama, and suspense results in an engaging, unique narrative, making Kissebaaz an experience that challenges and surprises, making this movie a must-watch for those who appreciate unconventional storytelling.