Plot: Albert Pinto is dead, and that too on his birthday. Investigators Rajveer Singh Choudhary (played by Sanjay Kapoor) and Abhay (played by Rituraj K Singh), along with officer Sashi (played by Ssmilly Suri) from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), interrogate the guests—Albert’s wife Ragini, brother Anthony, sister-in-law Aastha, lawyer Karan Sinha, doctor Fernandis, friend Col. Verma, and house help Zaid—and try to uncover the many layers of complexities.
The plus: There are some intriguing real-life references to cryptocurrency, the Enforcement Directorate, and homosexuality in the film. These elements could have been significant strengths of the story. However, amidst the film’s shortcomings, their potential remains unexplored.
The minus: House Of Lies fails to deliver on its promising premise, stumbling through a convoluted plot and underwhelming performances. The cast, despite their efforts, struggles to breathe life into their characters. Sanjay Kapoor’s portrayal feels disjointed, while Rituraj K. Singh’s Abhay lacks depth. Ssmilly Suri’s officer Sashi fails to make a lasting impact, contributing to the film’s overall lack of engagement.
In recent times, whodunits have become a go-to genre for filmmakers, particularly on streaming platforms. The formula often involves setting up a murder investigation amidst a web of suspects to craft an engaging murder mystery. While some films succeed in this, others fall short. Unfortunately, House Of Lies falls victim to this trope! While the screenplay avoids clichés and predictable twists, it fails to sustain interest. The film’s attempt to explore complex relationships and motives falls flat, leaving viewers indifferent to the outcome.
Technical aspects: The film’s technical execution mirrors its narrative shortcomings. The cinematography, though visually appealing in certain segments, lacks consistency, which detracts from the immersive experience. The editing feels choppy, disrupting the narrative flow. The background score, which could have been used to build tension, fails to leave a lasting impression.
The one-hour and seventeen-minute runtime feels overly lengthy. There’s no chase scene to maintain the excitement. The geographical setting of the film is unclear, with only a few scattered scenes showing the sea or hills. It’s bizarre. If the plot falters, at least the technical aspects like the background score, geographical setting, or precise editing could serve as a cohesive element. However, in House Of Lies, nothing works.
Verdict: House Of Lies had the potential to be a gripping whodunit, but it falls short due to its convoluted plot and underwhelming performances. The film’s attempt to delve into complex themes remains underdeveloped, leaving it unable to engage its audience fully. Despite its promising premise, the film ultimately feels like a missed opportunity in the crowded landscape of streaming whodunits.
Director: Saumitra Singh
Creator: Simran Kaur Suri
Produced by: Kali Movies Private Limited and Sebhariya Pictures
Starring: Sanjay Kapoor, Rituraj K. Singh, Ssmilly Suri, Hiten Paintal, and Ajitesh Gupta
Streaming on: Zee5
Rating: 1.5
