Berlin, directed by Atul Sabharwal, is a unique foray into the espionage genre that manages to differentiate itself from the mainstream Bollywood spy dramas. Streaming on Zee5, this film takes a nuanced approach to its narrative, providing a fresh perspective on a genre often characterized by high-octane action and grandiose heroism.
Set against the backdrop of 1993, on the eve of a significant state visit by a post-Cold War Russian president, Berlin ventures into a world fraught with political intrigue and espionage. The film’s premise revolves around a cryogenic rocket deal that displeases the US, leading to heightened security concerns and the looming fear of an attempt on the visiting dignitary’s life. This setup provides a fertile ground for the film’s exploration of deception and manipulation.
The film’s title, Berlin, refers to a fictional Connaught Place café that serves as a hub for secret exchanges among government functionaries and intelligence agents. The café, staffed by hearing-impaired individuals, becomes the epicenter of the unfolding drama when Ashok Kumar (Ishwak Singh), one of the waiters, is arrested by a Bureau team led by Satpal Dhingra (Rahul Bose) and charged with treason. The story intensifies as Pushkin Verma (Aparshakti Khurana), a sign language interpreter, is summoned to interrogate Ashok, with the interrogations revealing layers of truth and deception that elude the observing officials.
Sabharwal’s script disassembles the conventional espionage thriller, creating a narrative that is far removed from the high-octane, larger-than-life depictions of spies seen in films featuring characters like Tiger and Pathaan. Instead, Berlin offers a subdued, introspective take on the genre, focusing on the vulnerabilities and flaws of its characters rather than their heroism. This subversion of expectations is both refreshing and thought-provoking.
The film features limited star power and eschews the typical Bollywood elements of extravagant songs and intense background scores. Instead, it relies on the strength of its performances and the subtlety of its narrative. Ishwak Singh delivers a performance that is both expressive and enigmatic as Ashok Kumar, effectively heightening the character’s mystery. Aparshakti Khurana portrays Pushkin Verma with a compelling mix of bafflement and determination, capturing the essence of a man ensnared in a complex web of espionage. Rahul Bose brings a restrained intensity to his role as Satpal Dhingra, embodying the internal conflicts of an intelligence official grappling with personal and professional dilemmas.
However, Berlin is not without its flaws. The film’s period detailing, while rich in atmosphere, occasionally veers towards anachronism, with the exterior and café interiors evoking a 1970s aesthetic rather than the early 1990s. Despite these creative missteps, the film’s courage to challenge the norms of the Bollywood spy genre deserves commendation.
In conclusion, Berlin is a sobering and subversive entry into the espionage genre that defies the typical Bollywood spy movie template. While it may not offer the pulse-pounding excitement of its genre counterparts, its introspective approach and strong performances make it a noteworthy watch.
Rating: ★★★☆☆