I Want to Talk Film Review: A Whispered Tale of Resilience and Redemption

🙃🙃🙃 (3/5)

Hello, darlings! It’s your favourite cynic, Review Rani, ready to unleash her razor-sharp wit upon yet another unsuspecting Bollywood flick. Today, the guinea pig on my review operating table is none other than ‘I Want To Talk’ starring Abhishek Bachchan. Let’s dive in, shall we?

‘I Want to Talk’ is the kind of film that sneaks up on you, like an unexpected health crisis. That’s in fact the plot. Our hero, Arjun Sen (played by Bachchan) is a hotshot marketing guru in the US, who thinks words are his playground. But, a health scare gives him a reality check, the kind of check you can’t cash at the bank. It’s not just his verbal arsenal at risk but his very life.

After the initial shock and denial, our man finds himself in an emotional maze, navigating relationships, medical bills and, oh yes, the possibility of losing his voice forever. But hey, who needs words when you can express through long pauses and glaring silence, right?

The filmmaker, Shoojit Sircar, seems to let the story unfold in a slow burn, a bit like warming your hands over a candle. It’s not hot enough to give you third-degree burns but just enough to keep your interest.

The film isn’t just about a man’s struggle to survive but also about bonds – the one between Arjun and his daughter, Reya, and between him and his nurse, Nancy (played by Kristin Goodard). There’s a subtle exploration of their dynamics that leaves you with a lump in your throat and the realisation that everyone needs a bit of healing.

Despite the heavy undertone, the film somehow manages to stay light on its feet. It’s like watching a ballet dancer gracefully pirouette around a pothole. The film acknowledges human resilience without turning it into a Bollywood melodrama.

Now, about the performances. Bachchan carries the movie on his shoulders, balancing the humour and gravity with the ease of a tightrope walker. Newcomer Ahilya Bamroo, who plays Reya, is an impressive find, handling her role with maturity. And then there’s a small cameo by Johnny Lever that’s a welcome change from the otherwise serious narrative.

In a nutshell, ‘I Want to Talk’ may not have you biting your nails but it isn’t a yawn fest either. It’s a gentle reminder of our inner strength, the kind you discover when there’s no WiFi and you have to entertain yourself.

Rani’s Wrap-Up: ‘I Want to Talk’ is like that dish you never ordered but got served anyway. You didn’t expect it, but you end up enjoying it. It’s not a roller coaster ride, but it’s not a dud either. It’s just… there. So, if you’re in the mood for a slow burn, give it a watch. Just remember – no refunds if you don’t like it. 😉