Nazar

Nazar, a 2005 Bollywood film is an adaptation of the Hollywood movie 'Unfaithful'. This captivating and thrilling film features Meera, Ashmit Patel, and Koel Purie in pivotal roles. The film is directed by the talented Soni Razdan, who took a huge risk in breaking the Bollywood norms to bring about a film that is starkly different from the standard normative Hindi cinema. The movie boasts of a gripping plot with complications and subtleties wooing the audience and making them delve deeper into the story.

The story surrounds the lives of three central characters: Meera, who has aced her role as a happily married woman, Ashmit Patel, who gives a commendable performance as Meera’s loving husband, and Koel Purie, who shines through in her character as an escort. The plot primarily revolves around Meera, who falls into a vicious circle of infidelity, guilt, and deceit. Initially filled with passion, her affair quickly spirals, leading to a series of unfortunate events that unravel secrets and shakes the life foundation of all three characters involved.

The story begins by illustrating the perfect bourgeois life of Meera and her doting husband, portrayed by Ashmit Patel. The couple seems to have an ideal marriage until an unexpected character enters their tranquil universe. Koel Purie, who plays the role of a seductive female escort, drastically brings a turning point in the movie.

Meera's character is seen to be battling complex emotional turmoil - one part of her is drawn towards the thrill and passion of her new found love, and the other part of her is buried deep in guilt, trying to hold onto her otherwise perfect marriage. The film takes us through a roller coaster of emotions and a whirlwind of suspense. The sharp twists and turns in the story keep the viewers engrossed. As the characters’ lives tangle in a web of deceit, love, and betrayal, the narrative intensifies, gradually revealing their darker shades.

The premise of the movie is quite bold, considering conventional Bollywood storylines. The compelling characters bring a fresh perspective, and the narrative does an excellent job of capturing their emotional struggles, often leaving the audience grappling with questions about moral judgment, relationships, and complexities of human nature.

The performances of the lead actors are splendid, earning praise as one of the first Hindi films to introduce the concept of an extramarital affair in Bollywood. Meera, in particular, stands out as she manages to deliver an exceptional performance effortlessly switching between feelings of guilt, love, and eventually, fear.

The stirring music score, composed by Anu Malik and Roop Kumar Rathod, perfectly complements the intense narrative, accentuating pivotal moments and heightening the emotional ambiance. The songs, shot in exquisite locations, add a soothing touch to an otherwise grim plotline.

If not a thoroughly romantic, action-filled, or comedic film that Bollywood usually churns out, this melodramatic suspense thriller is indeed a breath of fresh air. The movie isn’t just about the superficial love triangle but delves deeper into examining fidelity, human emotions, and the gray spectrum of our moral compass.

Nazar is a cinematic masterpiece that outlines a blend of relationships, love, betrayal, and suspense set against the contemporary backdrop of urban India. Although it was not a commercial hit and provoked mixed reviews from critics, its daring storyline and splendid performances make it a must-watch for anyone interested in unconventional storytelling.

In conclusion, Nazar is quite an unconventional Bollywood suspense thriller of its time with a raw portrayal of forbidden love and its grave consequences. It may not sit right with the fans of mainstream Indian cinema, but nevertheless, it's an excellent pick for those who wish to explore beyond the standard formulaic narratives. Its gripping storyline, paired with realistic performances and an edgy script, make it an intriguing watch that is well worth your time.