NH10 Movie Review - Inconsistent Thrill Ride

Ameet Bhuvan

In an industry where meaningless candy floss wins over substance and art both at the box office and at the awards, a film that breaks the clutter with a mere attempt gains cult status. NH10 falls into this latter category, where an honest attempt at something different doesn't really turn out as it should be, yet given how parched we are for decent cinema we can't help but go gaga over it. 

Arjun (Neil Bhoopalam) takes his wife Meera (Anushka Sharma) out on a weekend getaway for her birthday. On the way they witness a woman being abused (what we later learn was an honour killing in the making) and get involved with a bunch of goons. A chase begins leading us into a dirty dark take on how nothing really is modern or new about India and its society. 

A stark take on the fact that under all the city dwelling and urbane sophistication lies a seething brutality. NH10 is unflinchingly disturbing, a lot thanks to the performances by the lead. What lets the film down however is the script, that is inconsistent and does not enhance the dreadful atmosphere that the story requires. 

Neil Bhoopalam, as Arjun, is playing second fiddle to Anushka’s Meera. Yet he does shine through and gives us a nuanced performance. Films like these are bringing actors, and not just stars to the fore and it is a delight to watch a leading man who does know more than to sing, dance and fight. 

Anushka however is the lead of the film fair and square. As Meera, she is anything but the quintessential hindi film heroine. She abuses, fights, is confused complex, in short as real as any woman. She does not break into a dance routine or cry at the drop of a hat waiting for her knight in shining armour. Anushka manages to scrape through, despite glitches and false notes, especially in the second half. 

Darshan, does not quite manage the accent, but is menacing as the bad guy. A welcome second act after Mary Kom, this is another actor dying to break out. 

A film like NH10, and Badlapur a few weeks ago, are good news for an industry fulcrumed around stars. That big names like Anushka are willing to take a risk like this is heartening. One can only hope that sooner than later, the technique and execution also match up to the intention behind these films. Watch this one for sure though. 

Rating: 2.5/5