As a cinephile, I was eagerly awaiting the release of ‘Vadh’ ever since I first watched the trailer on YouTube a few months back. The trailer was intriguing, and the glimpses of Sanjay Mishra’s acting in it made me believe that the movie was going to be a phenomenal work of cinema. I was so impatient to see it that I even tried to watch it on an illegal site, but the poor quality of the video made it impossible for me to get past the opening credits. However, my patience was finally rewarded when it was released on Netflix this week. I have to say Vadh is a hauntingly brilliant piece of cinema that explores the darkest depths of the human psyche. The movie is a triumph for all involved. The masterful storytelling, cinematography, and acting together take it to another level. Set in the small town of Gwalior, the movie revolves around the lives of Shambhunath Mishra and his wife Manju. Shambhunath, a hardworking man, takes out two different loans—from the bank and a loan shark called Prajapati Pandey—to send his son to the USA. His son doesn’t understand why his father is hesitant to take out a second loan to meet his estimated expenses. He promises to pay it back. But once settled in the US, he forgets his promise and Shambhunath soon becomes the victim of Prajapati’s exploitations.

Vadh takes its time to build tension, gradually revealing the layers of each character and their motivations. The writing and direction by Jaspal Singh Sandhu and Rajiv Barnwal are exceptional, and their ability to transform a common Indian man into a ruthless killer is truly commendable. The movie depicts the psychology of a man pushed to the brink, showing how far he will go to protect those he loves.

There are moments in the movie where the pace slows down a bit too much, but these instances are few and far between. Additionally, Prajapati’s character development could have been better, but his role is cut short in the movie. Despite this, his character is fierce and memorable. The same can be said for the protagonist Shambhunath, who could have had a more interesting backstory, as the lack of a palpable cause for his sudden change in character raises doubts in the audience’s mind. Vadh stands out among other slow-burner Bollywood thrillers as it presents a much more realistic and less gimmicky portrayal of the human psyche. Compared to other similar movies, this one takes a more nuanced approach to its subject matter and delves deeper into the motivations of its characters. The acting performances in Vadh are outstanding. Sanjay and Neena Gupta (who plays Shambhunath’s wife, Manju) bring depth and emotion to their roles, and their on-screen chemistry is palpable. There’s a certain ease between the two actors that translates well on screen. Saurabh Sachdeva’s portrayal of Prajapati, the detestable loan shark, is equally impressive, and Manav Vij’s character as the corrupt cop, Shakti Singh, is noteworthy. The cinematography in Vadh is stunning, with lighting and camera work that create a dark and intense atmosphere, making the audience feel as though they are right there and it’s all unraveling around them. Who should watch it? Vadh is a must-watch for fans of cinema and for those who appreciate well-crafted storytelling. Its slow pace and intense atmosphere may not be for everyone, but for those willing to take the journey, it’s a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and intense film, Vadh is definitely worth checking out. While some of the characters could have been fleshed out better, the acting performances, cinematography, and exceptional writing more than make up for the minor glitches. Rating: 3.5 stars Vadh Genre: Thriller/Drama Actors: Sanjay Mishra, Neena Gupta, Manav Vij Director: Jaspal Singh Sandhu and Rajiv Barnwal Run time: 1h 50m https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5EkZtIXb1Q