The pandemic and moreover, the lockdown was a difficult time for everyone across the globe. However, there was a variation in how difficult it was based on factors such as class and caste. Anubhav Sinha, in his film Bheed, brings out just that, in an empathetic tone that is heart-wrenching to watch. Starring Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Pankaj Kapur, and Dia Mirza, in pivotal roles, the cast put on a power-packed performance altogether.
Check out the trailer below…
The film over time highlights the various journeys people were on, physically and emotionally. Surya Kumar played by Rajkummar wants to be a dutiful cop as he fights his way up in a system caught in the shackles of casteism. We also have Bhumi Pednekar playing the role of a doctor who wants to do her most on ground, for the people. We also have Pankaj Kapur who is rather a grey character, with the aim of getting his family and himself to his village safely.
The film Bheed covered a lot of arenas, but here are 3 things that stayed with me.
Rawness of the film
Anubhav’s film spoke the truth and just the truth. Never did it try to glamourise it. The scenarios were taken from stories we’ve all seen on our screens or heard about, but this time around they were being enacted on screen by characters you’re emotionally attached to by the second half. Smaller things like minimal makeup on Bhumi also added to the rawness of the film.
Acting
The film had very strong roles, and each actor shone through theirs. Pankaj Kapur deserves an honorary mention for seamlessly taking on the character of a man who has his prejudices but also has a humane side to him. Rajkummar Rao is fierce in his role as the incharge, but the plot brings out an emotional side in him very beautifully.
Black and white film
The b&w frames in the film are almost reflective of how much colour was washed out from our lives as people and as a society. It also helps bring out the emotions on screen more distinctively. A great touch to the film, by Anubhav Sinha.
What could have been better…
They could have fleshed out Bhumi’s role more. She should have been given a more concrete back story and have her do more than be an emotional support to Rajkummar in his down times. The mall plot seemed a little force-fitted for me, and the plot following was predictable.
The film boils down to the fact that hunger brings out the worst in people, and at the end of the day our humane selves always come out to help another being. It ends with a song with some impactful lyrics, that stay with you even after you get out of the theatre.
MM Verdict: 3.5 out of 5 stars