Bawaal Movie Review

Plot:

"Bawaal" tells the story of a guy living in a small town who falls head over heels for the most stunning girl in town. He dreams of marrying her, believing it will elevate his status in society.

Acting:

Varun Dhawan delivers a powerful performance as a self-centered and flawed character. He shines in scenes where he confronts his shortcomings, especially when he contemplates the priorities in his life. Janhvi Kapoor impresses as a bright and modest girl in search of love from her husband. She excels in emotional moments, notably during discussions about World War II. The supporting cast, including Manoj Pahwa, Anjuman Saxena, and Mukesh Tiwari did well and justified their presence throughout the movie.

Cinematography:

Some of the scenes like the gas chamber sequence towards the end of the film is particularly gripping, evoking strong emotions in the viewers. Daniel B George's background score complements the scenes well, while the tracks by Mithoon, Tanishk Bagchi, and Akashdeep Sengupta are hummable. Director Nitesh Tiwary, cinematographer Mitesh Mirchandani, and editor Charu Shree Roy demonstrate their expertise, especially in the transitions between the 1940s and the present.

Direction:

Director Nitesh Tiwari's efforts in "Bawaal" fall short compared to his previous success with "Dangal." The film tries to incorporate elements of a love story and an anti-war plea, but it struggles to find a cohesive balance. It makes an awkward comparison between a failing marriage and the horrors of concentration camps during Hitler's regime.

Conclusion:

"Bawaal" starts slowly, spending considerable time on explaining the protagonist's fabricated image and mistreatment of his love interest. Some scenes feel drawn-out and lose impact after a while. However, the film gains momentum post-interval, particularly during the recreation of World War II events. Sequences at Omaha Beach, Anne Frank's house, and the concentration camp are intense and splendidly crafted. Overall, "Bawaal" could be a one-time watch, especially if you are interested in witnessing stellar performances by Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor.

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