Chup review {3.0/5} and rating
CHUP is the story of a serial killer. Dany (Dulquer-Salmaan) is a florist in Bandra, Mumbai. A young journalist Nila (Shreya Dhanwanthary), who recently moved to Mumbai, discovers his shop and is impressed that he sells tulips, his mother’s favourite. The two are attracted to each other. Meanwhile, a prominent film critic, Nitin Srivastav, is mercilessly killed in his residence. Inspector Arvind Mathur (sunny deol) is in charge of the case. A few days later, another critic named Irshad Ali was murdered, by pushing him under a local train. The following week, another critic was killed. Arvind discovers that the killer of all critics is the same and also discovers his unique pattern. The killer kills according to the review written by the reviewer. As he tries to find out who the killer is, the town’s critics are scared. Arvind Mathur advises them to play it safe and give movies a positive review, for their own safety. For the upcoming release, all critics are praising the film whether they liked it or not. However, Kartik, who works for Nila’s publication, refuses to bow. He slams the film heavily. Arvind immediately rushes home with a huge police force, as he may be the killer’s next target. What happens next shapes the rest of the film.
R Balki’s story is unique. There have been many films about serial killers on the loose. But there hasn’t been a movie about a serial killer killing movie critics. It gives a nice twist to the overall plot. The screenplay by R Balki, Raja Sen and Rishi Virmani is effective and creative. The way the two tracks are parallel makes it a beautiful watch. Also, the way Guru Dutt, the flowers, and the murder come together is seamless. However, the investigative angle could have been more convincing. The dialogues of R Balki, Raja Sen and Rishi Virmani are lively and witty.
The direction of R Balki is commendable. He is known for his feel-good films and this is his first time entering this zone. But it excels in several places. Interestingly, one can predict who the killer is at the very beginning. However, the revelation of the murderer comes as a shock to viewers. Second, he executed the film creatively and that keeps the interest going throughout its duration. Third, the movie has enough funny and exciting scenes to keep it interesting. It also deserves kudos for not bashing movie critics as a whole. It takes a balanced approach and also makes it clear that film criticism is important in society.
On the other hand, the pace of the film is slow. Despite the interesting narrative, it’s still a niche movie. On top of that, it’s violent, which further limits its appeal. Additionally, a few investigative scenes feel superficial and theatrical, and not too real. It is especially in the scenes of Pooja Bhatt.
CHUP begins on a thrilling note, with the murder of Nitin Srivastav. The way it’s executed, you can’t predict whether Nitin or his wife will be killed. Danny and Nila’s entrance scenes and the way they cross paths are cute. The sequence where Arvind addresses critics and industry members and the madness that ensues is hilarious. However, what takes the cake in the first half is when the lone critic speaks out against the film and the cops descend on his residence in force. The intermission point shifts. After the interval, the movie gets slow but a few Danny scenes stand out. The finale is chilling.
Hush | Official trailer | Sunny Deol, Dulquer Salmaan, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Pooja Bhatt
Sunny Deol has a supporting role but is suitable for the role of the T. He underestimates it well and in one scene he walks into the massive area, which will be greeted with applause and whistles. The dashing Dulquer Salmaan rocks the show. He plays a difficult role with ease and proves once again that he is one of the best actors of the moment. Shreya Dhanwanthary looks lovely and in terms of performance, she is top notch. She easily slips into character. Pooja Bhatt (Dr Zenobia Shroff) is fine and her dialogue delivery seemed overrehearsed. Saranya Ponvannan (Nila’s mother) is adorable. Rajeev Ravindranathan (Inspector Shetty) is a bit of a stretch. The actors playing Kartik, Nitin Srivastav, Govind Pandey and Arvind’s senior Yashwant Singh are fine. Adhyayan Suman (Purab Kapoor) is just in a cameo. Amitabh Bachchan’s special appearance is memorable.
There’s only one song in the story, “Gaya Gaya Gaya”, and though its melody is forgettable, it’s well shot. The background music is the USP of the film. The instrumental tune of the song ‘Jaane Kya Tune Kahi’ is haunting and will remain in the mind long after the film is over.
Vishal Sinha’s cinematography is neat. Sandeep Sharad Ravade’s production design is real and urban. Aesha Merchant’s costumes are realistic yet attractive. Gagan Oberoi’s costumes for Sunny Deol are appropriate. Vikram Dahiya’s action is bloody. Nayan HK Bhadra’s editing could have been sharper.
Overall, CHUP is a unique story of a serial killer on the loose and boasts some great performances. At the box office, it will get off to a good start due to reduced ticket prices on Day 1. From Day 2, word of mouth will play an important role in attracting audiences to cinemas, especially in urban centers.
