5.3/10
Neeyat Review
Director
Anu Menon
Genre
Thriller
Stars
Vidya Balan, Ram Kapoor, Rahul Bose, Dipannita Sharma, Shashank Arora, Shahana Goswami, Neeraj Kabi, Amrita Puri, Danesh Razvi, Prajakta Koli
Writer
Anu Menon, Girvani Dhyani, Advaita Kala, Priya Venkataraman
Producer
Vikram Malhotra
Runtime
130 minutes
Deals
Release Date
July 7, 2023
Set against the brooding backdrop of a Scottish castle, "Neeyat" unfolds the mysterious death of billionaire Ashish Kapoor during his birthday celebrations. As the guests, including his close friends, family, and unexpected CBI officer Mira Rao, grapple with the shocking murder, a web of secrets, motives, and betrayals unravels. While the setting and performances, especially from Ram Kapoor and Shashank Arora, are compelling, the ease with which the murder mystery is solved leaves the audience wanting more. Director Anu Menon crafts an atmospheric thriller, but its full potential is somewhat marred by plot conveniences.
Neeyat Review
Dark, stormy nights; haunted Scottish castles; and a room filled with motives and mysteries – “Neeyat” initially weaves an intricate web of suspense. Directed by Anu Menon, the film presents a tantalizing premise: a billionaire’s suspicious death at his birthday soiree. Yet, for all its potential, “Neeyat” wobbles at points of execution.
The Setting:
The atmospheric Scottish castle, captured brilliantly by Andreas Neo’s lens, sets the stage for the murder mystery. Overlooking the ocean, this gothic structure promises secrets, betrayals, and deceptions. Aided by Lydia Moss’s meticulous art direction, the ambiance perfectly aligns with the suspenseful tone.
The Cast – A Mélange of Motives:
Every attendee at billionaire Ashish Kapoor’s (Ram Kapoor) birthday bash is introduced with underlying hints of hidden motives. From his best friend Sanjay Suri (Neeraj Kabi) and the ever-charming Noor Suri (Dipannita Sharma) to the enigmatic tarot card reader Zara (Niki Walia), each character is layered with intrigue.
However, the character that truly brings the plot to life is the unexpected guest, CBI officer Mira Rao. Tasked with extraditing Ashish, Rao suddenly finds herself neck-deep in a murder investigation.
Plot Twists and Turns:
True to the genre, the story unfolds with a slew of revelations, clandestine affairs, and hidden chambers. Yet, what disappoints is the simplicity with which Mira unravels the mystery. Clues handed on a silver platter and fortuitous eavesdropping moments dilute the suspense. Moreover, an elongated list of suspects, while adding to the mystery, at times slackens the pace, making the plot seem tedious.
Performances that Shine and Falter:
Vidya Balan, portraying Mira Rao, showcases her versatility once again. Though not her best, she does justice to the role of a sharp-witted officer. Ram Kapoor, portraying the multifaceted billionaire, captivates with his nuanced act. Shashank Arora impresses with his impeccable timing, making a mark as the troubled son. However, amidst these commendable performances, Rahul Bose’s portrayal feels forced and lacks authenticity.
Conclusion:
“Neeyat” certainly scores in creating an enticing environment filled with suspense and spine-chilling sequences. Yet, the narrative could have benefited from a tauter screenplay and more unpredictable twists. While it’s an engaging watch due to its compelling performances and stylization, the film leaves the audience yearning for a deeper plunge into suspense.
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Trivia
- Vidya Balan, who plays CBI officer Mira Rao, had to undergo extensive training to familiarize herself with crime scene investigation techniques to make her portrayal more authentic.
Goofs
- In one of the scenes, a character refers to a glow-in-the-dark sock clue, but in the preceding scene, no such sock was visible or highlighted, creating a continuity error.