Thar: Les trois cibles

While the parched setting and the cinematography (by Shreya Dev Dube) are definite positives, the bland writing, familiar plot beats, and the overall failure of the performances to make us root for a single character, let alone the protagonist(s), pull the film down to an average fare. Written differently, this could have been a gripping thriller set within the vast expanse of the desert. The final reveal fails to add anything substantially new, and we still know very little about Harshvarrdhan Kapoor's forever-wooden character. Anil Kapoor, being the seasoned performer, does alright. Fatima Sana Sheikh adds yet another confused character to her filmography.

This movie was somewhat refreshing and different from many of the boring movies normally churned out by Bollywood and other so called " woods " of India. Did not know that Harshvardhan Kapoor was Anil Kapoor's son, till after watching this film. Anil Kapoor, Fatima Sheik did rather believable acting. The major jarring issue felt was was perhaps Harshvardhan is ' gifted '; with woody expression (almost similar to Sunny Deol in the good old days). The revenge story was very believable and genuine, depicting a woman who was wronged by uncouth, brutal savages. The depiction of still existing patriarchal mind set in Indian society is very genuine. One of the antagonist is not a happy man because his wife is infertile. Here, he cannot even remotely consider the probability that maybe he is sterile or that he is shooting ' blanks '. The rape, torture and mutilation of the protagonist's wife is similar to the new Delhi Nirbhaya Rape / Murder case (2012). It may seem that the torture of the antagonists was a tad too realistic. Same can be said for the initial intercourse scene. People cursing is also a bit much for a mainstream movie. The lack of training of the Policemen was very clearly indicated. In the movie they are seen armed with ancient rifles. In fact this is reality of the Police Force in India. The rugged and dry beauty of Rajasthan Desert (Thar) is filmed very beautifully. Altogether the movie was quite ' different ' than the run of the mill commercial ones.

If you are unaware of the genre of this film, then not very long into this film when you will easily realize the genre of this film. That's it! From there onwards you pretty much know what the film is going to tell you. This is the biggest underwhelming part of the film ( in fact yesterday only I watched a Tamil film Saani Kayyidham and i could not help but find remarkable similarities between the this film Thar and that Tamil film).

When finally the makers reveal the reason why Harshvardhan is in a torture mood, it is just too flat. No emotional connect, everything shown in a montage form, which is why you dont feel for harshvardhan at all. You don't feel the slightest bit of anger for the accused (yeah you might think these are spoilers I am hinting at but mark my words it is so predictable that these are not even spoilers). Story definitely is nothing new and is a let down.

Still, it does hold on to your attention atleast the way things move, you want to know why harshvardhan tortures the three guys but you will know that they must have done something to deserve that, its just this "what must they have done" that is left to see in the film.

Locations and settings are terrific! Never seen bollywood do this ever with such authentic setting in the desert with good use of BGM, especially that whistle one. This is where the film scores brownie points.

Despite a sub par story, the actors have given their best. Anil Kapoor to harshvardhan to Satish Kauahik to Fatima, everyone.

Another negative point is the dacoit part. I felt it an absolute unnecessary addition. They are pnly there as show pieces .

Overall, a film that deserved a much better story. Such a weak story and a poor climax let's down the film.

A veteran cop sees the chance to prove himself when murder shakes up a sleepy desert town, sending him into the seedy underbelly of the town as he attempts to uncover a grisly torture plot.

Hindi film review: Thar streaming on Netflix #sanjuzzreviews #tharfilm #netflixindia

Directed by Raj Singh Choudhary and produced by Anil Kapoor & Anurag Kashyap Thar is a visual treat indeed. This is a rare film where the raw beauty of the rustic countryside plays an important role in enhancing the narrative immensely.

Set in a small sleepy town in Rajasthan on the Indo-Pak border, Surekha Singh ( Anil Kapoor) is the inspector on the verge of retirement along with is lower cast man Friday Bhura ( Satish Kaushik).

The peace and quiet of the town is disrupted with the coming of Siddharth ( Harshavardhan Kapoor), supposedly an antique dealer. Gruesome murders start to happen with the needle of suspicion pointing towards the stranger and also the drug smugglers operating in that area. Is the stranger hiding something or are the killings related to drug smuggling ? This is what our protagonist has to decipher along the way.

Anil Kapoor is the star and carries the film on his shoulders all the way .Satish Kaushik too is brilliant, adding a doze of humor to the otherwise laidback narrative. Harshvardhan Kapoor and Fathima Sana Sheikh too have done well.

The whodunit part is revealed quite early in the film. "why were the murders committed" is the key question here.

Not difficult to guess though !! Surprise element is missing.

This is a great experiment by the makers in integrating the wild west in the Indian backdrop. Definitely a refreshing change from the dubbed South Indian films which have recently flooded the market.

If you have enjoyed watching films like Manorama: 6 feet under, Gulaal and Lal Kaptaan this one is for you.

3/5 for this one .. adios!! 🙂