Solo

Solo is a 2017 Indian experimental anthology film co-written, directed, and produced by Bejoy Nambiar. The film stars Dulquer Salmaan in four distinct roles as the lead protagonist. The narrative features an accomplished cast, including Dhansika, Sai Tamhankar, Sruthi Hariharan, and Neha Sharma in pivotal roles. The film presents an intriguing mix of romance, drama, action, and thriller genres with a unique style that distinguishes it from more familiar narratives.

'Solo' is divided into four distinct stories, each drawing inspiration from the four elements of earth, fire, wind, and water. Each story, while unique in its plotline, shares a thematic thread, tying them to the central motif of the movie - the different shades of Lord Shiva. In all four stories, Dulquer Salmaan presents different personas, each encompassing a unique period, background, and emotional landscape.

In the first story, Dulquer plays Shekhar, a college student who is blind and is characterized as a man of the earth. Romance brews between Shekhar and Radhika, portrayed by Dhansika, as they navigate the ebbs and flows of their relationship. The second tale delineates the element of fire, where Dulquer plays Trilok, a fiery, passionate individual who is a veterinary doctor and is on the path of revenge.

Moving to the third narrative, we meet Shiva, a gangster who is a 'creature' of wind. Shiva's story delves into the bounty of his colourful world while gradually immersing us in his relationship with Rukku, played by Sai Tamhankar. Lastly, the fourth segment uses 'water' as its thematic central symbol and features Dulquer as Rudra, a calm and composed army officer navigating the troubled waters of his marriage with Akshara, (Neha Sharma).

Each story characterizes its own set of conflicts and themes - exploring romance, redemption, retribution, and renewal. The uniqueness lies in each segment having its own visual aesthetics, musical scores, and narrative style, all essentially capturing the diverse essence of the human experience, emotions, and relationships. The film uses the elements as metaphorical devices, connecting different personal and emotional experiences back to these natural powers.

What sets 'Solo' apart is not only its anthology format, which is quite rare for Indian Cinema, but the exploration of a layered narrative structure that pushes the boundary of conventional storytelling. The film's cinematography is captivating and it transports you vividly into each of the stories' ethereal landscapes. It also skillfully embraces various music styles, blending and juxtaposing different scores, mirroring the protagonist's shifting emotional landscapes, and making music a character in the narrative.

Dulquer Salmaan's performance in the movie is noteworthy as he's tasked with playing four completely different characters, each with its own unique personality traits and histories. Expertly, he assumes the roles with conviction and credibly brings them to life, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His performance is ably supported by the rest of the cast, who also offer nuanced performances, adding weight and depth to their respective characters' narrative arcs.

Despite the distinct narratives, there is a profound interconnectedness in the film with recurring themes of love, loss, and redemption. Solo effectively navigates these dense emotional territories, integrating them into narratives that oscillate between reality and surrealism. The director blends these disparate elements to serve a mesmerizing visual and symbolic experience that evokes thought and introspection about life, Nature's power, and human existence.

In conclusion, 'Solo' is an emotively rich, visually and musically immersive movie that offers a different and refreshing narrative experience. Its experimental storytelling approach, invigorated by an incredibly majestic and versatile performance from Dulquer Salmaan, makes it a movie that's worth a watch.