What Is the Story About?
Arif is a small-time taxi driver who needs to pay a huge sum to fund a child’s operation at a hospital. The latest entrant in his cab is a rich, depressed husband Thomas, who’s yet to come to terms with his failed marriage to Jyotsna. Life takes a miraculous turn for Arif when he’s offered three opportunities to rewrite his destiny, which could potentially end his financial woes.
Performances?
The performances, although raw, are generally neat and precise. Hima Dasari holds the film together with an appreciable portrayal of a driver caught in a catch-22 situation. Osman Ghani displays good screen presence in his performance as Thomas while Pooja Reddy Bora does what’s expected of her in a role with a delicious twist.
Analysis
Tatva is exactly the sort of film that proves limitations in resources and constraints in execution needn’t necessarily be a roadblock to churn a decent product. First-time director Ruthvik Yelagari’s crime drama is aided by a supernatural touch, revolving around the integrity of its three characters – a taxi driver, a rich drunkard and a cop – and the repercussions of their choices.
Within a 58-minute narrative, the film establishes the core motives of its characters while placing them in tricky situations. While Arif is a driver who generally means well, a financial crisis alters his approach to life, where the line between right and wrong blurs. Through conversations with a stranger, he understands himself and gets a rare opportunity to set the record straight.
The soul of the film is the idea of karma, that you need to pay a price for your actions. Tatva predominantly deals with the demons in Arif’s mind, and how he tries to justify himself and his needs. As the son of a tailor who’s falsely labelled as a terrorist and a husband who goes all out to protect his partner and her interests, Arif has an inflated image of himself, until a supernatural influence changes it all.
While the film has a clear idea of right and wrong, it isn’t preachy and explains its philosophies through smart writing and conversations. Offering multiple perspectives to the same situation, Tatva keeps the viewers on their toes. A timely twist in the climax adds juice to the narrative and leaves you with a good aftertaste. Poetic justice is delivered but there’s a surprise too.
Though the filmmaking is basic (understandable, given the limitations), the slick-pacing, matter-of-factly narration sans any fluff or melodrama helps its cause. For a film tackling a profound theme, the dialogues are slightly casual (or do we say conversational?). Yet, what Tatva manages to achieve within its compact setup is commendable and likely to inspire many indie filmmakers.
Music and Other Departments?
Composer Sai Teja preserves the soul of the story through his score, aiding the character’s evolution and providing much-needed enthusiasm to the narrative during crucial junctures. Despite the limited backdrops, cinematographer Sai keeps the visual appeal of the film alive. The pacing and sharp edits are among its major strengths.
Highlights?
Smart writing
Slick pacing
Interesting approach to a crime drama
Drawbacks?
Basic filmmaking
Raw performances
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
If you have a taste for unique indie films
Tatva Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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