U-Turn Review: A Riveting Thriller with Compelling Performances
Director
Arif Khan
Genre
Horror
Stars
Alaya F, Priyanshu Painyuli, Aashim Gulati, Manu Rishi
Writer
Parvez Sheikh, Radhika Anand
Producer
Shobha Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor
Runtime
101 minutes
Deals
Release Date
April 28, 2023
U-Turn Review:
“U-Turn” is a gripping mystery thriller that skillfully captures the attention of its audience right from the opening scene. The film revolves around the life of Radhika Bakshi, an intern reporter, who stumbles upon a sinister story while investigating traffic offenders disrupting the divider and making illegal U-turns on a Chandigarh double road flyover. As she delves deeper into the case, she finds herself entangled in a dangerous web of events, leading to her becoming the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Will Radhika be able to clear her name and unravel the truth behind the mysterious accidents?
Engaging Plot and Direction
Arif Khan’s directorial debut shines with a captivating plot that keeps viewers engaged throughout. The film is a remake of the 2016 Kannada movie of the same name, but it manages to stand on its own with a taut and well-executed narrative. The mysterious accident that occurs on the flyover serves as the backbone of the story and unfolds intriguingly in the climax. Despite some similarities with the original, “U-Turn” successfully delivers its own thrills and chills.
Khan’s direction ensures the story’s seamless progression, even during flashbacks. The film is filled with enough suspense and excitement to keep the audience invested, especially with sequences like the initial murder and the haunting soundtrack by Ketan Sodha. However, some of the twists and revelations during the climax may be predictable, slightly diminishing the element of surprise.
Atmospheric Setting and Cinematography
“U-Turn” primarily takes place in a dark and rain-soaked environment, creating a sense of eerie mystery. While this setting effectively heightens the tension, it can also make it challenging for viewers to grasp certain details. The cinematography by Rohit Ajit Makhwana is commendable, maintaining a brisk pace that leaves no room for dull moments.
Powerful Performances
The film boasts commendable performances by its cast. Alaya F. shines as Radhika Bakshi, portraying her character with depth and conviction. From a rebellious and independent young woman to a determined detective, Alaya brings her character to life with remarkable skill. Priyanshu Painyuli delivers a strong performance as Arjun Sinha, the empathetic and astute police officer.
Manurishi Chadha is a standout with his fantastic portrayal, leaving a lasting impact with his role. However, some supporting characters, such as Rajesh Sharma’s H.S.P. Saxena, feel underutilized and do not contribute significantly to the plot. The chemistry between Alaya F. and Aashim Gulati’s character, Radhika’s coworker and love interest, could have been further explored to add depth to the story.
Crisp Editing and Average Dialogues
The film benefits from the crisp editing by Rohit Ajit Makhwana, ensuring a well-paced screenplay that maintains audience interest. However, the dialogues could have been stronger to enhance the impact of certain scenes.
Conclusion
“U-Turn” is a topical and relevant thriller that sheds light on the consequences of traffic violations while delivering an engaging mystery narrative. Arif Khan’s directorial debut is a commendable effort, backed by compelling performances by Alaya F. and Priyanshu Painyuli. The film serves as an important reminder to always abide by traffic rules for the safety of oneself and others. “U-Turn” is a must-watch for fans of the mystery thriller genre.
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Trivia
- The film
Goofs
- In one of the scenes, a character's hairstyle changes suddenly between shots, indicating a continuity error in the film.