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Rajkumar Rao Delivers A HIT And Not A Miss!

Posted on 17 Jul, 2022

Post by Gayatri Tilgulkar - Writer at ELFA World

Rajkumar Rao Delivers A HIT And Not A Miss!
Starring: Rajkumar Rao, Sanya Malhotra and Milind Gunaji.
Directed by: Sailesh Kolanu
Genre: Thriller 
Duration: 2h 15m


Vikram struggles with Post traumatic disorder due to a traumatic experience  and his line of profession that doesn't let him forget his past. Meanwhile his girlfriend goes missing and he sees no option other than solving the case even if it implies revisiting his harrowing past.



What works for the film?

Tone and cinematography


S. Manikandan, the cinematographer of HIT: The first case has an eye for detail. Every frame is visually appealing with a stirring color palette and stunning shots. S. Manikandan transported the audience to Vikram's world letting them experience the emotionally-charged situation. Setting up different timelines without losing the essence is commendable. Most of the stories bank on flashbacks, HIT too sometimes switches back from past to present. It is important that visually there is a contrast between the two. Sailesh Kolanu, S. Manikandan, and the team conjure a trick on the eye with different color schemes and compositions.


Performances


Rajkumar Rao sinks his teeth into the role fully aware of Sailesh Kolanu's vision. He provides authenticity, shoulders the responsibility of the part but most importantly keeps the audience hooked thereby successfully carrying the role without errors. He knows the pulse of the audience and understands which scenes or instances will have an impact and consequently gives his everything in those scenes.

Sanya Malhotra is refreshing to witness in this venture. Her sheer commitment to the part is visible. Her performance is grounded and avoids being animated. A piece of the story but a pivotal one, her character does fall into a common bollywood trope of being pivotal character's motivation, therefore Sanya's character is required to possess the same connection with the audience so the audience can connect with pivotal character's actions. Sanya strikes a connection without breaking sweat. She is effortless in her portrayal as usual. 

Milind Gunaji doesn't fail to show a layered performance filled with memorable moments. It is subtle yet impactful presenting a good balance in character dynamics. Milind Gunaji shines in the moments of anguish and strain. There is a natural charm in his portrayal that draws the audience in.


Direction and Themes

Sailesh Kolanu provides an immersive experience with every cinematic element carried out to perfection. He is a storyteller at heart, and a good storyteller has a great enthusiasm for their tale. That excitement is not lost on us. Sailesh Kolanu reveals each layer with the best skill set available. 

Constructing characters while building tension is easier said than done and yet Sailesh Kolanu gets his job done. From a storytelling perspective, the director has nailed his part and provided the spirit of a riveting thriller.



What doesn't work for the film?

Prolonged plot


If the plot points overstay their welcome, the audience will pull the plug. HIT winds down before the 140 minute mark and yet after the second half the story drags in some sequences. Wrapping up and moving on is an uphill battle. If HIT would have provided quick resolutions without convoluting the premise, the second half would be a breeze. 
 
Final verdict?

Controlling the tension, building the characters and securing the unforeseen climax makes up for an effective thriller. HIT is not a masterpiece but without a shadow of doubt it's crafted very well. A thought provoking thriller that sheds some light on PTSD 

Stars: 3.5/5

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