This is an experimental art film by Bejoy Nambiar. It is an anthology of 4 unconnected short stories woven together through the four tangible elements of nature – water, air, fire and earth, which can all be destructive. The name of the protagonist in each story is a version of Lord Siva, the destroyer. Each simple story has an unexpected twist, sometimes pushing the boundaries.
WATER – Shankar
This is the story of the tender love between Shankar and a blind dancer Radhika. The strong bond of love between the two Is captured as a beautiful flowing poem of water. This story is narrated in a non-linear fashion with a twist towards the penultimate reels. The last scene in the beach is very tender and poignant.
Water, the element, plays a key role in this story and is ever present. It becomes one of the protagonists.
Dulquer Salmaan as Shankar and Dhansika as the blind dancer have excelled in their roles. This is the only story with a few songs. Music is apt.
AIR – Trilok
This is a story of revenge. There are two accidents – in one the victim is left to die a pathetic death. In the other, the victim is very quickly taken to the hospital, to be saved. The veterinary doctor Trilok – is he the saviour or…?
True to the element in this story, the air, the protagonist is just like air, which is there all around us as an envelope but is not seen. You can only feel the air, if the air wishes! Can air be destructive? Yes, it can, when it picks up speed and becomes the strong gusting winds.
The accident scenes are captured so realistically in this story. Kudos to the cinematography team. Once again Dulquer Salmaan has excelled as Dr. Trilok. Ann Augustine and Aditi Venkatesh have done their parts well, along with the supporting cast. Music is apt.
FIRE – Siva
This is the story of ruthless dons and the underbelly of Mumbai. Siva who works under a local don, is very protective of his younger brother as their mother leaves them and their father when they were young. Though he is a goon, Siva does not want his brother to be one. However, the brother takes up arms. Siva has a wife, Rukku, and a baby. Rukku hates the fact that Siva is becoming a don. Everything goes haywire when Siva goes in search of his father’s killer.
The element fire can be scene and felt in each scene – be it the Sparks that fly between characters or the ruthless killings. Just as how fire destroys everything on its path, there is destruction everywhere – both the physical and the metaphorical- everything is burnt to ashes. The background score of Aigiri Nandini, the Mahisasura Mardhini Stotram) elevates the rage and tension in the story.
The scene where Siva meets his mother in the end is amazing. Once again Dulquer Salmaan excelled as the young and angry Siva. His face speaks volumes in this story (as he does not have much dialogues to deliver). Shruthi Hariharan has provided adequate support as Rukku. Music perpetrated with Aigiri Nandini elevates the mood.
EARTH – Rudra
Rudra and Bhama are the kids of army officers and have grown together since their childhood. Their infatuation blooms into deep, destructive love. Bhama’s father opposes their love and tries to find a groom for Bhama, while Rudra spoils all the wedding plans by Bhama’s father. Bhama leaves for higher studies in Australia and suddenly terminates their relationship. What was the reason? Is there more murky secrets hidden in the closets?
The background of Army is very apt for this story of Earth. When the monster comes out of the closet, it can be deemed earth shattering and it certainly has the potential to stir up all controversies if ignored. Watch out for the bold twist that can destroy everything.
Dulquer Salmaan just fits into the role of the Army officer and also that if the lover boy very easily. Neha Sharma as the bubbly vivacious Bhama is just great. The way she had acted and her lip sync was so good that nobody would believe that she does not know the language. Music is just perfect.
SOLO
The USP of this movie is the anthology of strong stories and the fantastic action by Dulquer Salmaan. Dulquer’s mannerisms, body language and acting shows the variance in each character and one would only see the character, forgetting that it is the same person acting. Each element that is predominant in the story comes to life in every scene. The underlying theme of Siva and destruction is beautifully, poignantly and at the same time subtly brought to life on screen The music becomes one with the story. Though this is an experimental art film, the movie does not lag at any point.
The English title of the movie is also very apt. Solo – our protagonist is unfortunately solo at the end…
My Verdict:
4 / 5
If you are a lover of different (zara hat-ke), artistic movies, rich in characters and story, don’t miss this one.