Culpa Declarada

Apart from the storyline, the performances of the director, scriptwriter and actors, what stayed with me was how scary this entire matter was. The incompetence of government officials is not something that we are unaware of, but when it results in incorrect convictions of innocent individuals that are already suffering from the horrifying manner of the death of their only child, it generates a disturbed feeling that stays with you longer than any silly movie that calls itself horror.

Move aside, Conjuring and Insidious and Ring and Fridays and slashers and zombies. *This* is genuinely terrifying, in the "it could so easly happen to me" mould. Congratulations to everyone involved in the making of this gem.

Before going to watch this movie, everyone might have speculations, preconceptions, and many thoughts as to what the real thing happened. This is a true story which took place and was the talk of the country for years. Some have anticipation of what might be the truth, some have pre-decided views of what happened and some who didn't know what happened.

Coming back to the movie, it consists of all the ingredients to make it a blockbuster. A murder, many suspects and absurd local police work results into special police to take up the case. Enter Irrfan and the whole case takes a new angle. Newer thoughts are given to the case as to what might have happened with help of logic.

The major thing about this movie is its logic as to what might have truly happened. Some dialogues are comical and really make you see the funny side of some situations. As the movie ended I wondered whether what might have happened because of the twist shown in the movie. But nonetheless this movie has been made with precision and sticks to its main topic.

The only disappointing thing, perhaps, was Tabu not getting much of a role. For a powerful actor like Tabu she should have got a much better role than she got. Irrfan is spot on and is wonderful in every scene and so is Konkona.

Verdict: A must watch even if you know or not know what happened in reality.

The 2008 murder of Aarushi Talwar and Hemraj Banjade and the subsequent investigations, of which Guilty/Talvar is the fictionalized account, are complex, with multiple official points of view, compromised evidence, and of course breathless media accounts with unnamed sources, rumours and innuendo. The views on this case are polarized and often hardened, so how to make a movie about it? Vishal Bhardwaj and Meghna Guzzal took the time to scrupulously research the case, and present a Rashomon-like telling of the story with multiple viewpoints, allowing the viewer to conclude which case is most compelling.

The acting is superb, and despite the many details, the editing it tight so that the movie is gripping from start to finish. Highly recommended.

For those who want to go deeper into the case, and into the trial that followed (which isn't covered in the movie), Avirook Sen's 2015 book "Aarushi" is detailed deconstruction of the case.

Based on Arushi Talwar's murder case. Written by Vishal Bhardwaj. Directed by Meghna Gulzar. Starring Irrfan Khan, Konkana Sen Sharma & Niraj Kabi. I was not aware of what was happened to Arushi. I only knew that her parents have been proved guilty and they are still in jail. But this film describes something else. And after watching the movie, I can't imagine the life of her parents. Pannel Discussion scene is one of the best scene I've seen this year. Serious topic with a light humor, is Vishal's cup of tea. Irrfan can do everything. Neeraj Kabi is growing faster and faster. What should I say about Kankana! Tabu has a cameo too. Music by Vishal and Lyrics by Gulzar. Insaaf is the perfect song. No background music makes the movie real. Just a one superb background score, during the scene of murder. I have never seen any movie, in which the audience is sitting so quietly and enjoying, as this is not for single screen type audience. People are changing, so it's a good hope for the better Indian cinema. I've read in some of reviews that the movie is very disturbing. I found it too. Questions and questions are there in my mind. With an addition of sorrow. One poor mistake of policeman leads the case to nowhere. Just watch it and it will come in your thoughts for some days for sure. Not writing much, as I've to come out from the film.

Recently watched the movie 'Talwars'. An intriguing and gripping tale of horror, reality, emotion immaculately stitched by Meghna Gulzar, the director of the film. Once again she proved that We, the common people follow news through newspapers, news channels but only what 'we are made to follow', that is how a perception is being made. Not sure we should call it cognizance or ignorance? It again reinstated the pathetic condition of our Indian judiciary system...! In law it says "Innocent before you are guilty", here the state of fact reinforces "Guilty before you are innocent". Don't miss it...please go and watch the movie, highly recommended!!!