It’s been a long wait for an Aamir Khan film.. 35 months after the release of 3 Idiots, Khan returns with Reema Kagti’s Talaash, co-written by the writers of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (Reema and Zoya Akhtar). The film also features two of the most talented leading ladies in the industry, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukherji.

Story: Talaash revolves around a mysterious accident of a popular film actor. Police officer Surjan Singh Shekhawat (Aamir Khan) heads the investigation team. Devrath (Raj Kumar Yadav) a junior police officer and a stunningly gorgeous sex worker Rosy (Kareena Kapoor), help him solve the mystery.

Talaash is also about Shekhawat’s personal life. He is yet to get over his son’s tragic death. Blaming himself for the accident, Shekhawat suffers from Insomnia. Leaving his wife Roshni (Rani Mukherji) back home, he spends his nights driving through isolated streets.

Talaash Review

First Half: Talaash begins well, director Reema Kagti takes her own sweet time in establishing the characters and the mystery. The narrative is gripping and absorbing enough to keep you hooked throughout the first half, even though the pace tends to slacken at times. No screen-time is wasted on forced comedy, action or unnecessary item numbers. Every shot has a meaning and takes the story forward. At interval, you don’t really know what to expect next.

Second Half: The mystery begins to unfold and from here on, expect the unexpected. The ending is outrageous, something that Indian audience wouldn’t expect from a big budget commercial film. While the writers convincingly explain the mystery, you will either end up loving it or walk away ridiculing the climax.

Performances: As a hardened cop who struggles with his own personal issues, Aamir Khan delivers a nuanced performance. Watch out for the scene in the second half when Rani Mukherji confronts him, the pain in his eyes of a father who holds himself responsible for the death of his son and the sea-side sequence with Kareena Kapoor when he breaks down – Aamir is brilliant. Rani Mukherji does her bit as a pained mother. Kareena Kapoor’s performance reminds you of her Chameli act. Both actresses don’t get enough scope to showcase their acting talent. Nawazuddin Siddiqui makes an impact. Raj Kumar Yadav does well.

Mohanan’s camera work is excellent, he captures the Mumbai night in all it’s glory. Dialogues by Farhan Akhtar and Anurag Kashyap are good. Ram Sampath’s music isn’t very catchy, but is situational and well-placed in the film. Jee Le Zaraa is a gem.

Overall, Talaash is a well-directed film with good performances. Most of the film will be loved by the urban audience, but it’s the unconventional ending that may not be liked by all.

Rating:

Cast: Aamir Khan, Rani Mukherji, Kareena Kapoor
Director: Reema Kagti
Producers: Aamir Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani
Writers: Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti
Censor Board Rating: U/A
Runtime: 2 hours 14 minutes