Ardh: A Realistic Portrayal of Struggling Actors

Plot

'Ardh' is a social drama that follows the life of Shiva Kumar, a struggling character actor in Bollywood. Shiva dreams of making it big in the industry but often ends up picking up the leftovers. To make matters worse, he has to work as a transwoman in a film on the same subject to make ends meet. The film explores the ups and downs of Shiva's life as he tries to make his mark in the industry.

Acting

The casting of 'Ardh' is perfect with Rajpal Yadav, Rubina Dilaik, and Hiten Tejwani delivering brilliant performances in their respective roles. Rajpal is perfect for his role of Shiva, while Rubina's fans would have wanted to see more of her in the film. However, her discomfort in the role is unmissable. Hiten, as usual, is a treat to watch and should have gotten more screen time.

Cinematography

'Ardh' has some soulful numbers sung by Rekha Bhardwaj, Sonu Nigam, Palaash Muchhal, and Armaan Malik. The music, composed by Palaash himself, could have been used more effectively to evoke emotions in the viewers. The film has a realistic setting, and the cinematography captures the essence of Mumbai beautifully.

Direction

Director Palaash Muchhal has delivered a realistic portrayal of struggling actors in the film industry. The story is emotionally appealing but lacks a tight script. The transitions from one scene to another could have been smoother, while the plight of the transgender community could have been highlighted better.

Verdict

'Ardh' is a realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by character actors in Bollywood. The film has a brilliant cast, but the weak direction mars the impact of the emotional story. The film may resonate with those who have dared to come to Mumbai with dreams in their eyes, but it fails to move you. Watch it for the performances of Rajpal Yadav and Rubina Dilaik.

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