Love Games

Love Games is a penetrating exploration of modern love and lust that vicariously throbs with the prevalent undercurrents of today's urban lifestyle and culture. Released in 2016 and directed by Vikram Bhatt, the movie features lead performances by Patralekhaa Paul, Gaurav Arora and Tara-Alisha Berry in principal parts.

In this smoky narrative, Patralekhaa Paul, best known for her role in the movie 'City Lights', essays the role of Ramona Raichand, an affluent and emotionally damaged widow. With little to hold onto in life, except for her debauched lifestyle, Ramona finds solace in her 'Love Games'.

Tara-Alisha Berry, portraying the character of Alisha Asthana, is a successful surgeon who, despite her accomplishments, is entangled in an abusive marriage. Her character brings a stirring contrast to Ramona's unhinged lifestyle, yet they are tied together by an underlining layer of pain and silent suffering.

Gaurav Arora embodies the role of Sam, an affluent individual battling his drug addiction and a tormented past. His character stands as a stark representation of people living in the forefront of an upscale life yet struggling with personal dilemmas and a dark past.

Love Games brings to life a vibrant panorama of the sophisticated urban society, where it unravels the dark secrets of relationships and the elite. It dauntlessly portrays the psychologically rooted issues plaguing the society with an audacious portrayal of sexual relationships amongst the high-lifers. The movie's aesthetic shines through these honestly shameful yet true realities of the world today.

What makes this movie engaging is that it doesn't simply focus on critiquing the urban wealthy class but brings a story that resonates with the struggles of every person facing personal demons. It's a tale portraying love and sexuality from a perspective that takes a detour from traditional Indian cinema love narratives.

Director Vikram Bhatt displays his craft by creating a fascinating drama that leaves the audience both appalled and emphatic. Despite the explicit scenes presented throughout the narrative, what Bhatt accomplishes is a unique depiction of the emotional undertones that lie beneath the surface. He explores themes of lust, love, betrayal, and addiction and weaves them into his narrative effectively.

The cinematography in Love Games complements its complex narrative perfectly. The tantalizing portrayal of the high-fi world, the spaces of urban party scenes, and the luxurious living conditions are displayed in a contrasting balance of flamboyance and solemnity, which satiates the viewers' cinematic needs.

The music of the film, composed by Sangeet-Siddharth, caters to the taste of the Indian audience with its catchy tunes, invigorating beats, and soulful lyrics. It's an enthralling collection of songs reflecting the movie's rollercoaster emotional journey.

The performances by the leading cast are applaudable. Patralekhaa brings a haunting believability to Ramona's character as she convincingly brings forth the visceral intensity and damaged vulnerability. Tara-Alisha Berry aptly plays Alisha's character with a constrained agony and a magnetic charm, which catches the viewer's sympathy. Gaurav Arora's depiction of Sam's character is filled with an endearing relentlessness pursuing love and a journey of self-redemption.

In conclusion, Love Games is a rollercoaster ride for the audience. It plunges beneath the polished surface of the elite class to expose deep-rooted problems engulfed within facade of extravagance and debauchery. It's a daring exploration of love, lust, pain, and redemption, unveiling the darker side of passion and dominance in relationships. It stands as an audacious attempt by Vikram Bhatt to expose the sometimes pathetic realities that often find a home amidst glitter, glamour, and wealth. This provocative movie, filled with unabashed scenes and human vulnerabilities, is a pursuit of raw emotions where love becomes just a game.