Friday, 30th October 11:40 AM IST

TITLI Is Best Offbeat Film Of The Year

Pluses:

Minuses:

editing is inconsistent in 2nd half

Critic Rating:

4.5/5

Business Rating:

1/5

Verdict:

Watch it for some uncomfortable truths of our times

Detailed Analysis:

Yash Raj Films tried few unconventional films in last few years and 'Titli' is one such film. It has done round of festivals and got immense critical acclaim. 

Titli (Shashank Arora) is the youngest in a family of poor car-jackers who live in the outskirts of Delhi. These bylanes are occupied by people who’re oscillating between the idea of a better life and their ruined present. Titli’s elder brothers, Vikram (Ranvir Shorey) and Bawla (Amit Sial) are emotionally traumatised, drifting from one day to the other, without any concrete plan for their future. It’s this oppressed section of the society which is untouchable for the growing ‘corporate’ India. The brothers, and their father (Lalit Behl), make ends meet with whatever they earn from petty road robberies (they call it ‘gasht’).

One day, the brothers decide to marry off Titli just so that they have a female member in their gang who could help them trap their victims more easily. The bride, Neelu (Shivani Raghuvanshi), refuses to be a part of any crime. Instead, she has her own dreams, and expects Titli to help her fulfil them. But, will this be possible in a densely populated street whose sunlight has been blocked by nearby skyscrapers?

Performance wise Ranveer Shorey is simply outstanding and gives best performance of his life. His demeanor, his walk and his persona all gel well in addition to his intense act. Shashank Arora is revelation in title role as he delivers such a moving act of a boy with dreams in his eyes with so much going around him. Amit Sial also pitches with finest gritty act. Lalit Behl as father is so natural that you end up hating and loving at the same time. Shivani Raghuvanshi is good. Other supporting cast is good as well.

Film has weird yet real screenplay and dialogues are less but apt. Film has razor sharp editing. Background music is superb. Cinematography brings characters' and situations' discomfort forward. Costume and production design are perfect.

Director Kanu Behl  delivers unarguably the best offbeat film of the year. It might not appeal to typical Bollywood audience and masses but for some one looking forward to an original film , this is an ideal watch. This is about a family which has criminal profession, they dream for better life, they live at crux of suave urban class and poor lower class, its about characters whom we all meet in our day to day life but we never care or imagine their lives. It has not one, two or three but a dozen uncomfortable scenes which will leave you disturbed but you know its bare truth of our times.

Film will release today and it will get very good reviews but it will get poor opening due to cast and niche promo. Film will also suffer due to dull pre Diwali period. Only exceptional word of mouth and big growth on Saturday can save it to some extent.

Go for this one only if you like original films with European sort of real treatment!