"Rukh" Hindi film review - One of the best films of the decade...

Movie poster image source & credit: Wikipedia

This film reminded me so much of Udaan, emotionally. It is sad when a movie of such high calibre has no publicity, and to add insult to injury, gets a delayed release.

The first half of Rukh was good. Though slow, it's realistic and the tremendous acting of the entire cast takes the film exponentially higher.  Manoj Bajbayee is so good to watch, and you sincerely wish to see more of him. What a talent! And that guy who plays his son - the protagonist - is a revelation. Yes, Adarsh Gourav has arrived, and how!

The story is through the eyes of Dhruv Mathur, a teenager who comes back home from boarding school. His father, Divakar, is killed in a car accident, and weird events unfold that makes the son suspect foul-play.

Director Atanu Mukherjee makes a remarkable debut. He is controlled and draws out impeccable performances from his cast. Not only is this a whodunit film, it is more so a tale of coming to terms with one's loved ones and the self, about betrayal in friendship, and the stress involved in running your own business, especially when things go awry. The director has depicted all this beautifully.

The second half of the film was even better. And the music, plus the background music, is terrific.

Amit Trivedi doesn't disappoint, and the title track is apt. His music is given life by the playback singing of Arijit Singh and Mohan Kannan. The lyrics by Sidhant Mago are pretty convincing.

Special mention for Smita Tambe, too, who, through her expressions, shows her state of helplessness and pain.

Good to see more and more of such realistic films come out. Much needed.

Seriously makes me want to make a film. Just need a story! Films are so good technically these days.

My verdict: 4.5 out of 5. Too bad this did not have the backing of a 'known' superstar, and is hidden away like a secret. Pun intended!