Tanisha Saxena
Plot: Sangeeta, the corrupt and regressive warden of Sewadham, a school for the blind in the village of Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, has been found dead. As Inspector Deepak Negi (played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui) and his team investigate the case, layers of the story begin to unravel. The prime suspects include the school’s trustee, Manoj Kesari (played by Atul Tiwari), the principal, and a few others.
Highlights : Rautu ka Raaz is a slow burning crime thriller set in the backdrop of the hilly terrain of Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Unlike any typical crime thriller Rautu ka Raaz is a subtle portrayal of village life.
Siddiqui’s performance is a tour de force, blending stoic resilience with a palpable sense of vulnerability. His portrayal of a man grappling with his inner demons while unraveling external mysteries is nothing short of mesmerising. Complementing Siddiqui’s gravitas is Rajesh Kumar, who plays Sub Inspector Naresh Dimri. Kumar’s body language and dialogue delivery make this character a uniquely compelling sub inspector, significantly enriching the narrative.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from Narayani Shastri, Samridhi Chandola, Harshit Verma, and others, adding depth to the film’s intricate web of characters. Each role, no matter how small, feels essential to the fabric of the story, creating a living, breathing community that is as much a part of the mystery as the crime itself.
What sets Rautu ka Raaz apart from other crime thrillers is its pacing. This is not a film that rushes to reveal its hand. Instead, it slowly peels back the layers of its narrative, allowing the audience to savour each revelation. This deliberate pace is both a strength and a challenge; it demands patience but rewards viewers with a richly textured story that stays with them long after the credits roll.
In the compelling narrative of the crime thriller, an unexpected focus emerges on pivotal social issues, particularly the urgent necessity to improve facilities for visually impaired children. Going beyond its primary storyline, the film eloquently portrays the multifaceted lives of visually impaired individuals, subtly emphasising their equal participation in the spectrum of human experiences. A poignant moment unfolds when Rajat, who is blind, inadvertently overhears a conversation revealing unjust treatment by the warden. What is truly commendable is how seamlessly and poignantly these themes are interwoven within the framework of a crime thriller. Moreover, the film’s ending is profoundly touching.
Drawbacks : While Rautu ka Raaz excels in its narrative depth and character development, some viewers might find its slow pacing challenging, especially those accustomed to faster-paced thrillers.
Technical aspects : From the opening frame, the film captures the breathtaking vistas of the Garhwal foothills. The lush, rolling terrain, shrouded in mist, provides a beautiful backdrop that becomes a character in its own right. Cinematographer Sayak Bhattacharya’s lens transforms the hills into a labyrinth of mystery, where every twist and turn reveals a new layer of intrigue.
Verdict : Rautu ka Raaz is a must-watch for aficionados of slow-burn crime dramas and those intrigued by narratives that transcend conventional genre boundaries. With stellar performances by Nawazuddin Siddiqui and a nuanced portrayal of social issues, the film offers a richly textured cinematic experience that lingers in the mind. Director Anand Surapur’s adept handling of both technical and thematic elements further solidifies its place as a standout piece of storytelling.
Directed by : Anand Surapur
Produced by : Umesh Bansal, Shariq Patel, Chintu Srivastava, Anand Surapur
Cinematographer : Sayak Bhattacharya
Cast : Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rajesh Kumar, Atul Tiwari
Streaming on : Zee5
Rating : 3/5
