Inkaar

Inkaar (which translates to "Refusal" in English) is a 2013 Hindi film written and directed by renowned Indian filmmaker Sudhir Mishra. Inkaar stars Chitrangada Singh and Arjun Rampal in the lead roles. While this is the third Sudhir Misha film that stars Chitrangada Singh in the lead— the other two being Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003) and Yeh Saali Zindagi (2011)—it's the first time that Arjun Rampal has teamed up with Mishra.

In Inkaar, Sudhir Mishra puts the spotlight on the highly contentious issue of sexual harassment in corporate circles. The movie tries to define the term "sexual harassment" by highlighting the complexities associated with it. The greatest challenge is to draw the line between flirtation and harassment. Once that is taken care of the next challenge is to fathom the reality that, contrary to the popular belief, both the sexes are equally prone to sexual harassment. And that's where the subjective element comes into the picture. Who's the victim? Who's the accused? Thus, it becomes a real nightmare situation to deal with. As a senior female lawyer aptly describes in the movie, "It's often much easier to prove rape than sexual harassment". The story of Inkaar presents one such case of alleged sexual harassment.

As the hearing progresses, it becomes more and more difficult to discern who is speaking the truth and who is not. While the versions of the accused and the victim only differ slightly there is enough deviation to perplex the most astute of minds. The manner of proceedings, though completely alien to Indian cinema, is strikingly similar to Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa's groundbreaking masterpiece Rashomon (1950), which is widely regarded as a cinematic treatise on the subjectivity of truth.

Overall, Inkaar despite its flaws is a commendable work of cinema that brings to the fore some serious issues concerning the corporate culture. Through the microcosmic world of an advertisement agency, Mishra presents to us the pitiful tale of human detachment that's slowly becoming a reality. Inkaar is brilliant from the technical point of view. The editing is absolutely brilliant and the same can be said about its music. The acting is above average. Mishra elicits a remarkably strong performance from Arjun Rampal. Chitrangada Singh is ever so delightful as the dusky, sensual Maya Luthra. Deepti Naval cameo is a major highlight of the movie. Apparently, Naval replaced Mishra's ex- wife Sushmita Mukherjee who, because of her tight television schedule, failed to spare any dates for the movie. Saurabh Shukla makes his presence felt in an interesting item number that he gets to perform in the movie. The lead actors get good support from the supporting cast. Inkaar with its slow character development, ambiguous themes, and deceptive direction is ought to disappoint an average viewer whose sole purpose is entertainment, but an intelligent viewer who is patient enough to wait for the different layers to slowly get unwrapped will be rewarded. 7.5/10

A more in-depth review can be read at:

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Okay, the film isn't bad, and it's really quite watchable mainly thanks to its interesting narrative and main cast, who aren't great but are all quite competent in their roles. Sudhir Mishra does a fine job which isn't surprising considering the experienced director he is, but still, the entire thing ultimately doesn't gel. Yes, the film is watchable through and through, the cinematography is good, and the entire track of the dynamics of office politics mixed with office romance is done pretty well, and the viewers are likely to find themselves torn between the two versions presented by the man and the woman in the midst of her complaint of sexual harassment against him. The flashbacks unfold pretty well, but you sort of wish the writers had been a little braver in their decision taking other than try to accommodate commercial pressures.

The two leads are obviously incredibly good looking and the cast in general includes several highly familiar faces which is definitely a bonus. Arjun Rampal is a successful fit for the part of the main lead - he is charismatic and does exceedingly well in registering the character's many facets. Chitrangada Singh is not quite as strong, and even though she is very pretty and attractive, she is sadly never forceful enough even if some moments are better than the others. Obviously Deepti Naval can always be counted on to be never less than excellent, and she is a great addition here. Even to see Rehana Sultan is nice after years even if she has moments on screen. The ending is slightly disappointing, as it ultimately succumbs to the commercial format. Inaar is without a doubt a vert watchable film overall, but let's say more could have been done.

This is a different kind of movie which boldly deals with a topic of sexual harassment in workplace. It is done well and keeps you involved. If you are a guy and are drifting away from the plot, don't worry. Chitrangda Singh will keep your eyes glued. She is excellent as always and looks excellent. Her dressing sense is great and she looks very classy.

Arjun Rampal's acting is where it's always been, and yet he was not as annoying as I find him otherwise. He is also given some good one-liners in the movie and has done a decent job. Overall the plot is interesting. Oh, did I mention that Chitrangda Singh totally rocks !

No idea why the IMDb rating is low. I and my friends found the movie very good. I recommend you watch it.

This film is really a gem. Why? because during its runtime of 2:07:19;not for once will you find yourself distracting to think of something else than what is going on screen. It transported me to the INKAAR conference room table along with the other characters. The story is trimmed out of all excesses and is just right. The acting is more or less good. It keeps you on the edge till the last moment thinking "SO WHO'S WHAT?" So please if you can get your hands on this movie, don't delay watching it; because its worth it! I gave it a 7 because, well, i did not particularly like the ending was hoping for something different than that.

Director is very firm on what he wanted to show. Surprisingly good acting by Arjun Rampal. Liked the plot. Director is successful in making audience glued to seat to know the result. Story is really neutral and being a corporate employee, you will find yourself somewhere in the film. On top of that the subject is picked at very right time as similar kind of news are being gossiped in society. I am very sure that it wont be a blockbuster as audience nowadays demands only "Masala" and time pass movies instead of quality movies. Although this movie demands corporate class of audience, anyone can see this just to feel the politics that goes on in private sector.

But Kudos to the team for making such effort.!!!