Main Aur Charles

MAIN AUR CHARLES is stylish, cool and gripping, but a tad implausible!

Providing a self-interpreted sneak-peak into a chapter in the life of the enigmatic infamous conman Charles Sobhraj, director Prawaal Raman serves us with a deliciously Hollywoodized thriller (with no songs) that leaves much to the understanding of the viewers. Only slightly farfetched, the film is otherwise a must-watch gripping account of a “hypnotic” personality portrayed toppingly by Randeep Hooda.

This film is a fabricated thriller, inspired by true events and told from the perspective of respected Indian cop, Amod Kanth (played by Adil Hussain) who handled the notorious case of serial killer, Charles Sobhraj (played by Randeep Hooda). This story, set in the 1980s, revolves around Charles, an enigmatic con man and a vicious killer, and the lives he touched with his inescapable charm and mysterious persona.

The film’s strength lies in its controlled narrative which is always surefooted with its intent and content, much like the calculative man it depicts. It follows Charles as he manipulates innumerable people to facilitate his famous jail break from perhaps India’s most securely guarded prison. The movie shows all this with the panache of a nifty Hollywood thriller, backed by a terrific background score which keeps you on your toes and some great camera work which inspiringly plays with shadows to depict swagger.

The recreation of the 70’s ad 80’s is wonderful to say the least. Right from the atmosphere to sets, vehicles and music, everything is immaculate. The characters are nicely sketched, with almost everyone playing a key role in defining the mysterious aura of Sobhraj. Even the pacing is thoughtful, keeping things slow enough to keep track and swift enough to avoid drag. It’s only the infrequent over-dramatization coupled with a few implausible sequences that keep the film from perfection. That fault apart, the film looks, feels and delivers just the right amount of everything.

Performances play a key role in making this film as good as it is. Needless to say, if Randeep Hooda did not do justice, the whole film could’ve fallen flat, as it’s all basically about Charles. Thankfully, he is impeccable. It’s delightful to see how effortlessly he sinks into the dangerous mind of Charles, how effectively he enacts manipulation, and how marvelously he creates a dark world where right and wrong blend into a charming and mystique grey existence. As the French accent charmer (which many a times sounds like Jacques Clouseau of Pink Panther), Randeeep Hooda gives the performance of his career. Another strong performance is that of the talented Adil Hussain. His character isn’t as well written as Charles’, yet he gives it his best. All others, including those in small roles, are swell.

In all, MAIN AUR CHARLES is an absorbing account of an intriguing man who was not just an effortless lady killer, but also a literal serial killer. Watch it for its director’s level-headed treatment and Hooda’s superb performance. Go for it!