NH10

NH10 is a gritty and edge-of-the-seat thriller film from 2015, directed by Navdeep Singh and co-produced by Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, along with Krishika Lulla, Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap. This adrenaline-pumping movie endeavors to showcase the horrifying face of honor killing, while effectively demonstrating the gaping contrast between urban and rural India. It proves to be a compelling and haunting ride that leaves viewers at the edge of their seats.

The movie starts off in the bustling city of Gurgaon, portraying the life of a successful professional woman, Meera (played by Anushka Sharma) and her husband Arjun (portrayed by Neil Bhoopalam). Meera, a high-ranking corporate executive, and Arjun, a techie, are a modern, loving and well-to-do couple whose life takes a turn when a sudden terrifying incident occurs, furthermore accentuating the dark corners of our society.

Despite the attacking shock, Meera wishes to get back to a normal life, while Arjun, feeling guilty and protective, plans a relaxing weekend getaway for his wife's birthday at an exquisite farmhouse far from the city's hustle and bustle. En route to their destination though, they cross paths with a group of violent individuals led by Satbir (played by Darshan Kumaar), which leads them into a nightmare they could never have imagined.

This encounter pushes Meera and Arjun into a ruthless face-off with the harsh realities of rural India where law and order are mere words. Struggling for survival in this alien terrain, they find themselves challenging traditionally embedded societal norms in their fight against the irrefutable malevolence that lurks in these rural areas, hoping for nothing more than to escape the unanticipated nightmare alive. Their struggle reflects the struggle of many others, innocent lives snuffed out in the name of baseless customs and false honor, struggling against an antiquated system that is still terrifyingly alive even today.

Anushka Sharma, in her debut production venture, delivers a power-packed performance. She captures the nuances of her character impeccably, depicting Meera's transformation from a successful city girl into a desperate woman fighting for her life. Neil Bhoopalam does justice to the character of an average city-bred man and Darshan Kumar excels as a menacing and ruthless antagonist.

Though primarily a thriller, NH10 is fraught with serious undertones, exploring the issue of gender inequality, misogyny and casteism – aspects often overlooked in mainstream cinema. The movie exposes the stark contrast between the cosmopolitan life in metros and the deeply entrenched patriarchal customs in rural regions. Director Navdeep Singh's keen eye for detail and crisp storytelling has given the movie an authentic feel, intensifying the viewer's emotions and driving home the gravity of the issue.

Embellished with a chilling background score and a relentless pace, NH10 also boasts of flawlessly operating cinematography and crisp editing. The barren, desolate and eerie landscapes only augment the gripping narrative. The movie expertly sheds light on the menace of honor killing that persistently haunts rural corners of India. The relentless realism of the film doesn't waver for a second, keeping viewers tied up till the last frame.

NH10, presented in its raw form, is undoubtedly a chilling reminder of the horrors that lurk at the corners of our society where law is a far cry and humanity is a forgotten element. This thought-provoking narrative is more than just a thriller; it is a mirror reflecting the stark realities of a divided nation. Compelling and nerve-wracking, NH10 serves as a testament to the continued struggle against mind-numbing societal atrocities.

As a thriller, NH10 markedly stands out for its exceptional storytelling, outstanding performances, and brutal honesty. It does not flinch from portraying an uncensored version of the nefarious practices existent in remote parts of India. With its engaging direction and performances, NH10 is compelling and thought-provoking, driving audiences to confront the uncomfortable truths of contemporary society in this emotionally charged journey.