Talvar: A Gripping Tale of Crime and Controversy (2024)

“तुमने इंसाफ की मूर्ति देखी है.. उस मूर्ति के हाथ में एक तलवार भी है… 

मगर पिछले साठ सालों में, उसमे जंग लग गई है.”

Talvar Movie Review

Talvar is not your typical Bollywood movie where a girl and boy dance around a tree; Talvar is a sharp – thrilling storyline. It’s intense, complex, disturbing and at the same time, nuanced, brave, and classy. It is a satire on a weak judiciary system in the country where sensationalist media’s inclination to rush the judgment led to various biases and constraints within our legal and investigative frameworks.

The film is based on the real-life Noida double murder case of 2008, where a teenage girl, Aarushi Talwar (casting Shruti Tandon), and the family’s domestic helper, Hemraj Banjade (Khempal), were found murdered in their home.

The title “Talvar” (meaning “sword”) is a symbolic reference to the scales of justice which also happens to be wordplay on the surname of the original victims.

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The movie starts with Ashwin Kumar, beautifully portrayed by Irrfan Khan, assigned to investigate the murder of Shruti Tandon, a case that has already been ruined by controversy and public scrutiny.

The film unfolds with the murder of Shruti Tandon when her body is discovered in her bedroom, Khempal (domestic servant) goes missing at the time, and he is considered the main suspect. The next day, Khempal’s partially decomposed body is discovered on the terrace. After ruling out Khempal, the police treat Shruti’s parents as the prime suspects.

Talvar’s screenplay is taut and engaging. It keeps the audience on the edge of their seat as new revelations and evidence come into the picture. With its swift pace, the narrative unfolds with ease and weaves together different threads of the story, leaving the audience contemplating their interpretations of guilt and innocence.

The film also tries to balance the seriousness of the crime with moments of humour, as seen when Khan’s character jokes about the creation of the CDI (the film’s version of CBI) on April 1st. The parallel storyline delves into his married life; his struggles intersect with his professional duties. Even when his wife seeks a divorce, his evident tenderness towards her adds depth to his character.

The movie highlights the flaws of the police, showcasing the fear of the case being transferred to the CDI and how it adds pressure on the police, leading to questionable decisions and manipulation of evidence. It also addresses the impact of societal status on the investigation, highlighting the challenges of a model in a middle-class society, with media sensationalism and public reactions adding layers of complexity to the already complex case.

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The way the camera pans at the dagger (Christian cross) sign and Paul draws a conclusion saying “yeshu mahaan hai ~dharmpracharak~ Missionary ” reflects the nonsensical way of the investigation.

The story is told through multiple perspectives, echoing the Rashomon effect (as different witnesses provide conflicting or contradictory accounts of the same event.). The use of close-ups depicts Tandon’s emotional journey, while the constant, shaky camera captures the chaos pretty well. The constant noise of media coverage and whispers within the courtroom creates a sense of unease to showcase the pressure on the characters.

“वह अफसाना जिसे अंजाम तक, लाना न हो मुमकिन उसे एक खूबसूरत मोड़ देकर, छोड़ना अच्छा.”

This couplet by Sahir Ludhianvi portrays the complexity of the end of the story in the most beautiful possible manner. Huge appreciation for Meghna Gulzar, as the film demonstrates her skills in bringing a complex story to life with clarity and precision.

The climax of the movie is intense, stimulating, and provides a morally nuanced and inconclusive resolution leaving a lasting impact on the viewer long after the credits roll.. “Talvar” keeps the audience engaged with its intricate plot. Talvar is not just a crime thriller movie; rather, it’s a social commentary.

Authored by Priyanshi Kharwade, a 2nd year B.Voc. Media and Communication at Fergusson. 

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