🌟🌟🌟 (Three out of five, if you’re wondering)
Well, well, well! Here we are again, Bollywood, you and me. Another day, another disaster, another disappointment. This time we’re talking about ‘The UP Files’ – Review Rani is here to dissect this piece of cinematic marvel. (Yes, that’s sarcasm. Please note!)
‘The UP Files’, a film that supposedly draws inspiration from real-life incidents, is a chronicle of the journey of a fresh-to-the-office Chief Minister, Abhay Singh (Manoj Joshi). Our man here is on a mission to bring about a revolution in Uttar Pradesh by combating the corrupt and criminal elements and focusing on women’s welfare, irrespective of their religion.
Noble cause, right? Absolutely. But the execution? Not so much.
The director, Neeraj Sahai, tries his level best to paint Uttar Pradesh in a new light, highlighting the possibility of a progressive governance under the leadership of Abhay Singh. The film is filled with some groundbreaking policies such as empowering rape survivors to punish their violators, relocating corrupt bureaucrats to rural areas, prioritizing rural electrification for job creation, and espousing the concept of ‘one country, one law.’
But here’s the catch: while the film is all about good governance and relevant issues, it severely lacks a coherent narrative. It seems like the film is loosely strung together by Stanish Gill’s script and screenplay, which are riddled with clichéd characters and overused storylines. Imagine every 90s Bollywood movie you’ve ever seen, mix it all up, and voila! You’ve got ‘The UP Files’.
And if disjointed storytelling wasn’t enough, the film also suffers from some serious editing issues. The songs begin and end abruptly, as if they were an afterthought. The ending feels rushed, almost as if the filmmakers realized they were running out of film reel.
The performances, however, are the saving grace of the film. Manoj Joshi as the CM is convincing and committed. Manjari Fadnnis, as a daring female cop seeking justice, does her best despite being hampered by the stunts. Other cast members include Milind Gunaji, Ali Asgar, Anil George, and Aman Verma, who all add their bit to the film.
But in the end, the lack of a compelling narrative and the reliance on formulaic tropes fail the film. It tries to showcase a powerful CM and the impact of effective leadership but ends up being a missed opportunity to explore meaningful themes and ideas.
Rani’s Wrap-Up: ‘The UP Files’, with its disjointed narrative and clichéd characters, feels like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. It’s like a song you can’t remember, a film you can’t forget, and a headache you didn’t ask for!
