What Is the Story About?
Dhaval Pambar wakes up to find himself tied up to a chair in an empty house. A day later, an American-NRI, Bhumi Joshi, joins him as another kidnapped victim. The wall opposite to the chairs where they are tied up is covered in scribbles – presumably made by their kidnapper. However, upon inspecting the scribbles further, it shows the locations of both Dhaval and Bhumi, days before they were kidnapped. And the dates and locations all lead upto the date, 4-5-18 – which is tomorrow. Why is this happening? What is going to happen to them on the 4th of May?
Performances?
Raghu CNG revolves around the titular character, Raghu, who is portrayed by newcomer, Ethan Wade. And he gives us two very different performances in the same film.
In the first half of the film, Ethan is iconic. He gives us a performance that sticks with us throughout the film – giving us a nuanced portrayal of a man on a mission, who is slightly unhinged but masks his inner craziness with a few quirks. However, in the second half of the film, Ethan somehow forgets how to act. His flashbacks scenes are atrocious and the parts after that just feel repetitive. We feel that the script lets him down towards the final third of the film, but he doesn’t bring anything great himself either.
Jagjeet Singh Vadher and Sharvary Joshi are the other two actors who get the most amount of screentime, after Ethan. However, they are both exceptionally below average onscreen. They are both expected to play distinct characters in Raghu CNG, but they both manage to give us unremarkable performances.
Analysis
While Raghu CNG is not all that great, the first ten minutes of this movie manages to be quite exciting. The cinematography and music is good, the introduction of the main character is iconic and the audience is easily lured in. The director uses Ethan’s acting prowess well and manages to give us a fairly decent first-half. The film pretty much goes downhill from there.
As the title mentions, bad acting and even worse second half kills the movie. While Ethan and Chetan Daiya (who portrays Ashok Dave, the officer in charge of the kidnappings) give us decent performances, Jagjeet Singh Vadher and Sharvary Joshi who portray the kidnap victims, Dhaval and Bhumi, are almost forgettable in their roles. They do have some onscreen chemistry, but their shoddy acting kills even that and the plot as well. And that is not even counting Ethan’s 180 degree turn in his portrayal.
Don’t get us wrong, for a relatively new actor; Ethan’s performance in Raghu CNG is quite good. Especially since he is expected to carry the film. But he gives us a “rollercoaster” of a performance. He gave us cinematic brilliance in the beginning in the first half and then gave us a dud performance in the second half – kind of like watching Keanu Reeves in John Wick but then he ends up giving us a performance from Dracula.
The cinematography and background score is excellent. The writer-director, Vishal Vada Vala, has a good team behind him and it shows on screen. The various onscreen locations, the editing, even the final end credit scene showing us Raghu’s “prep work” – all show that the director had the right idea. But he has some casting and acting issues within the film. But like we said, the second half is also an issue. While the acting is a major part of that issue, the plot of the film is also not well written. Vishal has a decent script which he executed well, but the second half needs more attention from him. There are a few plot holes in Raghu CNG as well and the falling-in-love and getting-angry-with-each-other parts of the film (between Dhaval and Bhomi) feels forced, and it is not organic at all.
Overall, Raghu CNG is a film of two halves; the first half – thrilling and exciting and the second half – subpar and uninteresting. Unfortunately, the second half part of the film ruins a decent build up.
Other Artists?
Chetan Daiya gives us a decent performance on screen. While the actor is limited by the script he is provided, Chetan manages to bring some levity in Raghu CNG and is probably the best actor in the film after the first half-performance of Ethan Wade. However, almost every other supporting actor in the film, shows their inexperience in the small screen.
Music and Other Departments?
The film has a good cinematographer, music composer and director. Their location scouts as well as editing team deserves a mention as well. Vishal Vada Vala has managed to find a good team to back him, and it shows in the movie.
Highlights?
Cinematography
First Half
Drawbacks?
Second Half
Bad Acting
Plot Holes
Did I Enjoy It?
Only the first half. The second half was not worth watching
Will You Recommend It?
Not really. This movie had some serious potential and could have gone in any other direction. But the acting makes the film almost unwatchable. However, the first ten minutes are good. The first ten minutes get my recommendation.
Raghu CNG Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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