Karwaan Review - Finding LIFE in Death

Suhansid Srikanth

Three lost people dealing with two corpses, together in a journey of their life time. Akarsh Khurana's Karwaan posters read this as its tag line. In a strange way, the film can be drawn parallel to Savarakathi that came earlier this year. If it was a knife & violence imagery there.. it is the dead body - life corundum here. Both films hold characters finding themselves back in a journey that is paved by accidental happenings.

But unlike Mysskin's, the beautiful thing about Karwaan is the ease it carries in every frame despite the darkest of the themes it deal with. Avinash is an introverted protagonist who shares a disturbed relationship with his father. Tanya is gen Z, contrast to the much organised Avinash and is more of a spoiled brat. They join for a journey together to collect the corpses of their family members. They are accompanied by Shaukat, played by Irrfan Khan.

Dulquer as Avinash fits perfect in the role. As a boring young man in his mid 20s, DQ brings in a casual good boy vibes to the role with uber cool charm. Mithila Palkar is natural. But the real striking star of the film is Irrfan. He dominates the film with his exuberant charm, timing and slang. His versatility takes over everything else.

All the characters are etched out beautifully flawed. Their resistance to accept life as it comes slowly fades with the journey. My favorite moment in the film is the goodbye Avinash bids to his ex-lover Rumana. She is called as Rumi and it makes a poetic sense as well. So is the character that comes as Irrfan's love in the film. The relationship dynamics of the characters are unusually tangled. And the flavours it paint on the film is a delight to watch.

The film is beautifully shot. Avinash Arun's cinematography breathes monsoon of Kerala in every shot. Bejoy Nambiar's story, as odd as it may sound as a one line, is brought to life as much as possible by the cast and crew. Even when logic fails then and there.. the sheer magic of the vibes the film spell keep you hooked up throughout.

Bottomline:

If you are in midlife crisis.. If your week is dumped with boredom.. If you are stressed up with anything and everything.. Karwaan is the feel good film you all need to catch up with your pals.. or perhaps alone to get back to your senses!

Rating: 3.5/5