Te3n

Te3n is a gripping 2016 Indian Hindi-language thriller film that features some of India’s celebrated actors - Amitabh Bachchan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Vidya Balan. The title, 'Te3n', meaning 'Three', serves as an intriguing precursor to the intense storyline, revolving around three key characters' lives intertwined by a series of mysterious events. Director Ribhu Dasgupta journeys into the suspenseful world of crime, loss, and unrelenting determination, presenting audiences with a film imbibed with a deep, captivating narrative.

Amitabh Bachchan, donning the character of John Biswas, presents a tormented grandfather relentlessly seeking justice for an unsolved past case of his granddaughter's kidnapping and the subsequent tragedy that occurs. Deriving the essence from his real-life persona of a dignified and persistent individual, Amitabh Bachchan portrays a deeply affected yet hopeful character who refuses to give up as he explores avenues to bring the offender to justice.

As the storyline transitions, we are introduced to the two other pivotal characters of the film. Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays an enigmatic priest who was once a cop involved in John’s granddaughter's case but left service to find solace in spirituality. Siddiqui's character Father Martin Das, stands as a paradox of guilt-ridden past and the path of redemption presenting a unique character sketch unknown to the realms of Indian cinema.

Vidya Balan plays the dynamic role of Sarita Sarkar, the determined detective handling a new kidnap case which oddly seems to mirror the older unsolved mystery. Her ceaseless efforts, quest for evidence, and deducing facts signify her character's tenacity and integrity. Vidya skilfully navigates her character through the labyrinth of a complex crime scene, offering audiences a glimpse into the world of an uncompromising detective.

Located in the culturally rich city of Kolkata, ‘Te3n’ brings to life the city's essence by cleverly integrating real locations adding authenticity to the storyline. The by-lanes of Kolkata not only serve as the backdrop but also serve as a significant component in the film's narrative, contributing to the emotive palette of the characters and the on-screen action.

Ribhu Dasgupta's direction masterfully retains the attention of viewers with a carefully laid out plot structure that is both suspenseful and emotionally engaging. The director skillfully sprinkles clues throughout the film, engaging the audience to piece them together, becoming armchair detectives themselves, since the very first frame. By intermittently segueing between the characters' interlinked journeys, blended with a suspense-filled subplot, Dasgupta maintains a gripping flow in the narrative.

Screenplay writers Bijesh Jayarajan, Suresh Nair, and Ritesh Shah prove to be the masterminds in presenting a tricky thriller with a strong emotional layer. Their clever storytelling excels in revisiting a past narrative while beautifully connecting it with a present scenario, pushing the boundaries of conventional narratives.

To further elevate the screenplay and direction, the music composed by Clinton Cerejo resonates with the film's tone. The melodies infuse a sense of melancholy and an impending sense of mystery, encapsulating the movie's underlining theme effectively.

‘Te3n’ examines the universality of human emotions cutting across time and space. It is an intriguing exploration of faith, guilt, redemption, and relentless pursuit of truth told in the realm of a thriller. It retains the essence of human relationships while tangling and untangling the strings of an unsolved crime, leaving lasting imprints. The layered characters and the complex narrative are significant attributes of this film, making it a must-watch for those who love thought-provoking cinema with an edge of mystery.

With soul-stirring performances, brilliant story-telling, and an immersive screenplay, Te3n succeeds as an engaging crime thriller that emphasizes Indian cinema’s growth in exploring diverse narrative styles and storytelling techniques. The movie reminds the audience that closure comes with persistent struggle and that justice can be achieved amidst the intermingling worlds of despair and hope, guilt, and redemption.