Movie: Chup
Director: R. Balki
Starring: Dulquer Salmaan, Sunny Deol, Shreya Dhanwantary and Pooja Bhatt
Producer: Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Jayantilal Gada, Anil Naidu and Gauri Shinde
Production company: Hope Production
Story: R. Balki
Cinematography: Vishal Sinha
Editor: Nayan H. K. Bhadra
Music Director: Amat Pant (Background Score), Amit Trivedi and Sneha Khanwalker (Songs)
7/10
The IBC News Rating
Balki is one of the renowned filmmakers in Bollywood who always comes up with off-beat subjects like Paa, Shamitaabh and Ki & Ka. This time, he came up with another unique storyline in his latest flick Chup. Starring talented actors like Dulquer Salmaan, Sunny Deol, Shreya Dhanwantary and Pooja Bhatt in prominent roles, this movie created a good buzz among the audiences. Let’s see how it is.
Storyline:
Mumbai City is shaken up by the serial killings of film critics. Head of Crime Branch, Aravind Mathur (Sunny Deol) takes charge to investigate these serial killings. He founds out that the serial killer follows a pattern while selecting the critics he wants to assassinate. On the flip side, Danny (Dulquer Salmaan) is a florist in Bandra. He falls in love with an entertainment reporter named Nila Menon (Shreya Dhanwantary). But eventually, they get connected with this case. What is their connection with the serial killer? Did Aravind Mathur able to solve the case? These factors form the major crux of the movie.
What’s Entertaining & What’s Boring:
The premise of Chup is very intriguing. Until now, we haven’t seen a film about a killer killing film critics. Balki scored brownie points right with his story idea. He builds the story very well and keeps us hooked to our seats right from the first scene. The buildup has been done very well in the first half. Even the track between Dulquer and Shreya Dhanwantary looks fresh and interesting.
Once the identity of the killer gets revealed, things get boring. Especially in the second half, you know where the movie is heading and the scenes are written by taking so much liberty. After a point, you know what will be the climax and you get bored for sure.
Performance of Cast & Crew:
Dulquer Salmaan shined in his role. This is one of his career-best performances. After impressing with his class act in Sita Ramam, Dulquer comes up with an entirely different kind of role in this movie. If this movie manages to do well in Bollywood, Dulquer can be called the new pan-India star without any doubt.
Sunny Deol fit well in the shoes of a police officer. His seniority and demeanour suit well for the character. Shreya Dhanwantrary is charming. She got a meaty role and she used it to her best. This can be a breakthrough film for her in Bollywood. Pooja Bhatt is good in her extended cameo. It is good to see both Sunny and Pooja together on the big screen once again.
First Half & Second Half:
The first half is highly engaging right from the first scene. Balki develops the world of Chup in a very interesting way. The investigation part has been dealt with very well in the first half and we keep guessing until the interval point.
The identity of the killer gets revealed towards the end of the first half. Later, the film becomes predictable. Instead of taking time to bring the killer to the police, Balki should have written the second half in a more gripping way. Compared to the first half, second half falls flat.
Impressive:
Dulquer Salmaan
Other lead actors’ performances
Music
Story Idea
Unimpressive:
Flat Second Half
Illogical Scenes in the final act of the movie
‘The IBC News’ take on movie:
Chup is definitely an interesting film to watch in theatres. It has a unique story idea complemented by powerhouse performances, thrilling elements and a great background score. The second half is a letdown. Nevertheless, you can give it a try.
One-Line Review:
Impressive suspense thriller which could have had a better second half.
