Raazi’ is based on a novel called ‘Calling Sehmat’ written by Harinder Singh Sikka. The movie is essentially a spy thriller of an Indian girl who is married into family of a military officer in Pakistan. So while, she is being an unassuming daughter-in-law in the Pakistani household, she is also leaking classified information back to her officers in India, so that they can counteract Pakistani secret operations.
Let me discuss the plus and minus points of the movie
- It does not delve into any kind of jingoism. Normally, Bollywood movies which have this kind of template use over-the-top, chest thumping jingoistic dialogues and scenarios. Raazi, most commendably, does not infuse any kind of hate speech; and shows facts as they are. I particularly liked the scene where the Pakistani household welcomes the girl ‘Sehmat’ with open arms and do not raise any hue and cry of her being an Indian.
- Good production values; the costumes department and the art direction is apt, giving us a feel of the bygone era.
- Superb performances from everyone, the notable mentions being Arif Zakaria and Alia Bhatt. Alia Bhatt is the crowning glory of ‘Raazi’. I wouldn’t say it is her best performance, because I found her going a tad-over-the-top in a few scenes but having said that; out of the current generation, only she could have pulled off this role.
Now coming to the things which could have made the film, a much better watch. Let me remind you, there may be a few light spoilers along the way
- The screenplay conveniently moves to the comfort of the protagonist. It is like this spy-girl is busy doing things on her own in the house (clicking pictures, connecting cables and wires), without anyone noticing. Well, this is supposed to be a big family of the one of the highest officials of the government; there is no way this guarded mansion will not have security personnel and servants not getting a whiff of this girl snooping around or things going amiss.
- Also take this scene, where an important police officer is killed instantly by a poison injected in his body, and his case is hushed away; with no family member raising objection.
- We see Indian intelligence coming easily to Pakistan killing their officers in a public place by bombing them, and then returning to India, like it is a piece of cake. This looked definitely hare-brained to me and that too in a tense-filled situation of 1971.
- Alia chases Arif Zakaria at night through the gates of the well guarded house. Where were the guards?
So, if you are willing to go past the enormous cinematic liberties in this film and excessive taking-for-granted approach, then Raazi is a decent watch. If you want logic, then you won’t find much.
