The Hungry

The direction is flawless I can watch this on repeat. The class of actors chosen for this movie is outstanding. Each character portrayed by either veterans or newcomers stands out.

My only disappointment is the name of the movie. Why "The Hungry"? An adaption set amidst Indian context, the name "The Hungry" does not strike any chord. The name is a big damper. Wish they had been more creative and honest to the 'Indianness' of this adaptation by choosing a more relevant and striking name, rather than being unimaginative.

"Revenge is a dish best served cold". this proverb perfectly describes The Hungry, a violent drama based on the Shakespearian tragedy Titus Andronicus. Set in contemporary India somewhere on the outskirts of Delhi, it is a tale of two families - the Ahujas led by patriarch Tathagat (Naseer who steals every scene he is in) and the Joshis led by Tulsi (Tisca Chopra, relishing the role tailormade for her). The story which plays out over a couple of days around a wedding between Tathagat Ahuja's son and Tulsi grips you early on with a brutal murder within the first 10 minutes into the film. Terrific acting overall supported well by Neeraj Kabi, Sayoni Gupta, Antoni Aakeel. Technically it is great with the editing and the pacing almost perfect. Director Bornila does a swell job and this movie is not a bad time to pass 1.5 hours.

There's a scene in The Hungry where a herd of black goats devour a feast decorated on a lavish table meant for the dignitaries of an event that is going to bind two families into one and which would mean the binding of their joint businesses into a single entity. That's the crux of the film but we are not interested in that. We are interested in the power dynamics and the greed for power and money. Hence, The Hungry. It's so profound, and along with the sudden jarring scenes throughout the film since its 30th minute, I was gobsmacked. Since it's based on a Shakespeare play you get the idea how the characters are going to be connected and it's haunting to say the least. Every single event in the film is worth your complete attention and if you serve it with that you will be rewarded, again thanks to the arresting, hum-based music that rips your ears as the invisible weapons rips through flesh of some of these characters that have been written with so much relevance I don't think I have seen a dark film as The Hungry that is set in modern day Delhi in a long time, especially with Hindi cinema. It reminds me of Vishal Bhardwaj's films and his adaptations of the Bard. Neeraj Kabi and Tisca Chopra pit against each other to grab the best actor award but it's difficult to judge because all the remaining actors including Naseeruddin Shah and Sayani Gupta also join the competition. The conclusion, therefore, is not about who wins but is in the form of a question: how many times are you going to let your jaw drop? TN.

This movie is not for everyone. The direction of the movie is outstanding as the story portrayed feels real. Nasruddin shah has as always done a fantastic job and does justice to the charecter.

Awesome piece of art with an extraordinary direction and the outstanding starcast that totally outperformed their roles. You may have watched many films with stories of sequential murders but the intensity and the cold bloodedness shown in this movie is simply unmatchable.

The lust of power, the politics to hold the position of superiority, the ruthless murders executed to satisfy the hunger for revenge and which only ends with the end of all the characters is the theme of entire film. I was glad watching Tisca Chopra after so long time that too playing such a bold character. Let's not waste time commending Naseeruddin Shah's role coz, he everytime surpasses the standard of acting you have set in your mind regarding him. While all the other actors did justice to their characters, also the flow and the pace of the movie will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. I also will like to give you a hint of the ending scene specially. The last two minutes are so much subtle which perfectly justifies the title of the film and properly deserves a viewer's wit to be striked.

What I think is, if you are fond of psycho thriller movies.. than you will definitely die thanking director for making this masterpiece!