Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa Review: Nawazuddin Siddiqui shines in this tale of life, love and longing | Bollywood Life
Almost eight years after its making, Buddhadeb Dasgupta’s Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa is going to release on a digital medium. The actor was signed on for this project by the National Award winning filmmaker after he was impressed by his performance in The Lunchbox (2013). The movie has been shot in West Bengal, and is centered around the life of a private investigator, Anwar Mohammad (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). While the film revolves around a lonely man, Anwar, it has a take on society with its taboos and debauchery. The film relies heavily on its imagery. Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa is rooted in brutal realities but told with a touch of magic realism. Also Read – Nawazuddin Siddiqui on typical ‘hero-heroine’ plots: Formula films dekhte raho aur zombie bante jao
What is it about…
Mohammad Anwar (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) works as a private investigator in a detective firm. His work involves double-checking on prospective brides/grooms and even tracing missing children. He leads a lonely life with his pet dog, Laalu who has been abandoned by its former owner. Anwar longs for Ayesha (Niharika Singh), his former flame who is now married to someone else. The film is centered around his interactions with various characters, and how he ends up at a place called home. Also Read – What to Watch this Week: A Simple Murder, Bicchoo Ka Khel, Raat Baaki Hai – 5 titles to satiate your binge-watching urge
What’s hot…
Nawazuddin Siddiqui is first-rate as the clumsy detective who loves to reminisce his ex-lover’s beauty with his pet dog. The actor is perfectly in sync with the mood of the film, which is lyrical, real and satirical. Buddhadeb Dasgupta has written the script, dialogues and screenplay. The film is full of metaphors, if you observe the scenes carefully. Another highlight is the cinematography of Diego Romero. He has captured the narrow lanes, arid landscape and slums with a lot of love. The sound design of Resul Pookutty and Amrit Pritam Dutta is exceptionally good. Niharika Singh, Pankaj Tripathi and Farukh Jaffar are terrific in their small cameos. Also Read – Nawazuddin Siddiqui criticizes the way OTT is going in India; says, ‘Hum log art ko dhandha bana dete hain’
What’s not…
Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa is not a massy film. Though it has some humour, it is too subtle for the general audience. At a run-time of two hours, some might find it a bit too long.
BL Verdict:Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa has the poetic touch courtesy Buddhadeb Dasgupta. It is a good watch for students of cinema and those who are sharp enough to understand subtlety.
