Blackmail movie review

Blackmail (2018) Movie Review

"Blackmail" is a 2018 Indian black comedy thriller film directed by Abhinay Deo. The movie is a remake of the 2014 Swedish film "The Girl in the Spider's Web", which is itself a sequel to the "Millennium" series. The film stars Irrfan Khan, Kirti Kulhari, Arunoday Singh, and Divya Dutta.

Plot

The movie follows the story of Rukhsar (Kirti Kulhari), a young woman who is blackmailed by a stranger after she is forced to kill a man in self-defense. The stranger, who is revealed to be a former cop, threatens to expose her secret unless she does his bidding. Meanwhile, Rukhsar's husband, Devesh (Arunoday Singh), is a police officer who is investigating a series of murders.

As Rukhsar tries to navigate the situation, she finds herself entangled in a web of deceit and corruption. She turns to her husband for help, but he is unaware of her secret and is more concerned with solving the murder case. Rukhsar is forced to take matters into her own hands and confront the blackmailer, leading to a thrilling climax.

Performances

Kirti Kulhari shines as Rukhsar, bringing a sense of vulnerability and determination to the role. Irrfan Khan, in a cameo appearance, adds depth to the story with his nuanced performance. The supporting cast, including Arunoday Singh and Divya Dutta, deliver solid performances as well.

Direction and Writing

Abhinay Deo's direction is competent, and he keeps the pace of the movie engaging. The screenplay, written by Arijit Biswas and Rohan Ghosh, is well-structured and keeps the audience guessing. The movie's climax is particularly well-executed, with a surprising twist that adds to the tension.

Criticisms

While the movie has its strengths, it also has some weaknesses. The plot can be a bit convoluted at times, and some characters feel underdeveloped. The movie's tone is also inconsistent, veering wildly from dark humor to intense thriller moments.

Verdict

Overall, "Blackmail" is a gripping thriller with a strong performance from Kirti Kulhari. While it has some flaws, the movie is engaging and entertaining, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.

Rating

I give "Blackmail" 3.5 out of 5 stars.