Starfish

Starfish," directed by Akhilesh Jaiswal and adapted from Bina Nayak's novel "Starfish Pickle," embarks on a narrative journey that, unfortunately, encounters turbulent waters. The film introduces us to Tara, portrayed by Khushalii Kumar, a diver entangled in the undertow of her past. Despite a promising start, the cinematic voyage is hindered by a choppy narrative, impulsive editing, and a screenplay that lacks finesse.

The initial chapters offer a glimpse into Tara's world, but impulsive edits disrupt the flow, hindering the audience's immersion. The film grapples with a momentary dip in engagement, struggling against a cinematic tide that refuses to be tamed. While Jim Edgar's cinematography captures stunning underwater scenes, it becomes a victim of the film's impulsive editing, overshadowing its potential impact.

Set against the enchanting backdrop of Malta, Tara's life as a diver and her struggle with PTSD are hindered by a screenplay that meanders lazily through thematic depths. Conflicts between moving on and confronting past wounds feel diluted, failing to leave a lasting impact. Relationships with Aman (Tushar Khanna) and Neel (Ehan Bhat) suffer from predictability, lacking the emotional depth intended.

Despite Khushalii Kumar's commendable performance, the film struggles to rise above its challenges. The attempt to deliver a compelling exploration of human emotions is marred by a choppy narrative and a screenplay that misses opportunities. While Jim Edgar's cinematography shines, it becomes a victim of the film's lack of cohesion.

In conclusion, "Starfish" falters in its attempt to provide a seamless and immersive cinematic experience. The film's untamed currents, represented by its choppy narrative and impulsive editing, may leave audiences grappling with cinematic confusion. Unfortunately, the lack of interest-inducing elements categorizes "Starfish" as a waste of time, failing to make the overall viewing experience compelling or worthwhile.

This movie is a cinematic gem that takes audiences on an exhilarating and thought-provoking journey. This visually stunning film combines breathtaking cinematography with a mesmerizing storyline, creating an immersive experience that captivates from start to finish. The performances are nothing short of exceptional, with the cast delivering nuanced and heartfelt portrayals that bring the characters to life. The director's visionary approach is evident in every frame, seamlessly blending elements of sci-fi, drama, and emotion. The special effects are top-notch, transporting viewers to otherworldly realms that are both awe-inspiring and beautifully crafted. The soundtrack complements the narrative perfectly, enhancing the emotional impact of each scene. What truly sets Starfish apart is its unique and thought-provoking plot. The storyline is rich in complexity, offering a fresh take on familiar themes while introducing innovative ideas that keep audiences engaged and guessing.

Starfish is an absolute cinematic gem that deserves every bit of praise it receives. This visually stunning masterpiece takes storytelling to new heights, blending breathtaking visuals with a gripping narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The film's special effects are nothing short of mesmerizing, transporting the audience to otherworldly realms with seamless precision. The attention to detail in the CGI work is unparalleled, creating a vivid and immersive experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. What truly sets "Starfish" apart, however, is its brilliant cast. The performances are nothing short of stellar, with each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. The chemistry on screen is palpable, enhancing the emotional resonance of the story. The character development is expertly crafted, allowing the audience to connect on a profound level.

A parfum advertisement has more coherence that this film. It is like "mexican soap opera meets Bollywood". Countless continuity errors, stereotypical music, poor performances, in a display of exuberance and lavish locations. On the bright side, it can serve very well as a travel advertisement of Malta and southern Italy. If you are the type of person that can't sleep without some white noise or something in the background, this movie is perfect for you. Otherwise, don't bother.

As I have nothing else to say about this movie, I will write this final sentence to fill the gap in this review. Bye.

Don't get carried away with high ratings. They come mostly from Indian users. We could call it something like the "Indian public lobby", again generating false expectations.

Almost all of them rate this movie with 10 points, do they really think it is on a par with Titanic, The Revenant or Forrest Gump?

That aside, Starfish has a noble intention in the message of its story. The protagonist is a beautiful diving professional who seems to have the world at her feet because of her beauty, but deep down she carries a huge emotional and psychological backpack. As a result, Starfish does a good job of showing this protagonist's weaknesses and more emotional downfalls, as she goes on an increasingly desperate quest to heal herself and her past.

Now for the bad. Overall, all the performances. Always over the top, exaggerated, not in keeping with the deep existential drama that the script wants to tell. Sometimes, the mix with comedy and music only serves to numb the senses and increase the disinterest in the main story.

And the link with the depth of the ocean and the underwater world only serves as a barely cosmetic context.

The quick happy ending ends up being, in reality, a sad and abrupt consolation for the viewer who resisted the almost 2 and a half hours of an afternoon soap opera turned into a movie.