By Neha Ravindran
Movie: Te3n
Director: Ribhu Dasgupta
Cast: Amitabh Bacchhan, Vidya Balan, Nawazuddin Sidddiqui, Vidya Balan
Genre: Thriller
Te3n is the remake of a 2013 Korean movie by the name Montage. It is probably one of the finest remakes of Bollywood as the script and storyline has been duly modified to fit into the backdrop of Kolkatta’s bylanes.
John (Amitabh Bacchhan)is in the relentless search for his granddaughter’s kidnapper for the past 8 years. Father Martin (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) chose the path of god to forget the painful memories of his days as a policeman. And then it happens again, another kidnapping case lead by officer Sarita (Vidya Balan), bears uncanny resemblance to a case that took place 8 years ago. Will this untraceable kidnapper be nabbed after an 8 year long wait or is it a hoax?
Te3n is entirely shot in subdued shades of grey and brown, giving us a feel of the Victorian Calcutta. Amitabh Bacchhan once again proves what a remarkable actor he is. For hours after the movie I was revelling in the satisfaction of seeing him on screen. Versatility is redefined when Amitabh Bacchhan is the man we are talking about. The character John is a grandfather whose granddaughter was killed in a kidnapping case. Amitabh Bacchhan brings out the character’s pain, guilt and anger with an intensity and depth that makes you grieve along with him. Nawazuddin’s character was the police officer handling the kidnapping case 8 years ago but has now become a priest to escape from memories that refuse to stop haunting him. Nawazuddin is an actor who brings a new flavour into every movie he is a part of. He brings out the confusion and chaos his character is struggling with maintaining a balance between the priest martin and the police inspector Martin. Vidya Balan imposing as inspector Sarita and together all three actors complement each other perfectly.
Now, the climax of the movie has one major loophole which is very crucial point in the movie, apart from which the storyline has a steady flow and rhythm. Though it is not one of your gripping, on-the-edge-of-your-seat thriller but the unanswered questions and suspense builds up as the story progresses. Music by Clinton Cerejo is a beautiful and merges with the mood of the movie without stealing away the focus from the context and the lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya is wonderful.
Te3n is a must watch for this week. After last week’s debacle, this week is a wave of relief.
My verdict: ****
