💫💫💫💫 (4 out of 5 stars)
🎬 Alright, buckle up, darlings! Review Rani is here to spill the chai (and some sarcasm) on the latest spy flick to hit the Bollywood scene – ‘Berlin’. 🕵️♂️ Let’s dive straight into this head-spinning world of espionage, sign language, and, believe it or not, a coffee house named ‘Berlin’. 🤷♀️
Set in the politically-charged climate of 1993 New Delhi, ‘Berlin’ spins a tale around a deaf-mute chap, who, despite being as physically fit as a soggy samosa, is suspected of being a German spy. Just when you thought life was hard enough being deaf-mute! 🙄 And who’s the lucky guy assigned to grill this supposed spy? Why, a sign language expert, of course! Because when you need to interrogate a suspected spy, you call a teacher, right? 🤔
The film takes a refreshing detour from the overused ‘India vs. Neighbour’ narrative, instead delving into the murky waters of internal politics, power struggles and the ‘he said, she said’ of intelligence agencies. You know, the usual office politics, just on a national security level. 🕴️
What stands out (like a sore thumb, if you ask me) is the film’s unique take on the espionage business. It’s not just about secret documents and hidden microphones. No, sir! It’s about using the hearing and speech impaired as ‘walls’ in a coffee house called ‘Berlin’. Get it? Walls… Berlin Wall… Ok, never mind. 😏
The performances in ‘Berlin’ are as sharp as a fresh batch of jalebis. Ishwak Singh, as the deaf-mute suspect, nails his character through soulful eyes and body language alone. Aparshakti Khurana, the sign language expert, brings a touch of empathy and a thirst for truth to the narrative. And then there’s Rahul Bose, as the head honcho of the intelligence agency, who’s as cunning as a street-smart auto rickshaw driver. He can’t understand sign language, but he can smell a lie from a mile away. 🕵️♂️
However, ‘Berlin’ is not without its hiccups. The suspenseful reveal is as exciting as watching paint dry, and the plot twist is as predictable as Delhi’s summer heat. And the cat-and-mouse thrills within the intelligence agency’s office are about as effective as a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest. 🐱🐭
But let’s give credit where it’s due. The film’s world-building, visual style, atmospheric tension, and intricate details are as well-crafted as a Sabyasachi lehenga. Plus, the film’s exploration of pain and loneliness adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making it more than just your run-of-the-mill spy drama.
Rani’s Wrap-Up: Despite its flaws, ‘Berlin’ is a spicy samosa of suspenseful storytelling and character development. It’s a must-watch for fans of spy thrillers and those seeking a film that offers more than just popcorn entertainment. And remember, darlings, in the world of espionage, not everything is as it seems. Just like in my reviews! 😉💃
