Apurva Movie Review: In a bold departure from conventional narratives, Disney+ Hotstar's 'Apurva' aims to weave a feminist anthem into the harrowing tale of a brave yet vulnerable woman facing a band of ruthless men.
The cinematic journey kicks off with a chilling assault by a gang of four on three men navigating a lonely Chambal highway. The predatory plunder sets the stage for the film's dark exploration. Enter Apurva (Tara Sutaria), a spirited traveler en route to surprise her banker boyfriend in Agra. As fate twists, she becomes the prey of the menacing Sukhi (Abhishek Banerjee), and the subsequent scenes unfold with an unsettling intensity.
Woven into the fabric of Apurva's ordeal are glimpses of her life and engagement with Sid (Dhairya Karwa). These flashbacks, interspersed to offer a respite from the prevailing violence, aim to build the characters and their love story. Moments of sweetness emerge, particularly during Apurva and her parents' rendezvous with Sid's family for a prospective arranged match. However, the emotional connection, especially with the titular protagonist, remains elusive.
(Also Read: Nana Patekar Hits A Fan In Varanasi, Watch Shocking Video!)
The relentless pursuit moves to a deserted village, adding a palpable tension to Apurva's nightmarish escape attempt. Gripping moments unfold against the backdrop of vacant houses, but the narrative's predictability dulls the impact.
While the gang of four is intended to be a diverse mix in age, personality, and background, the script overlooks the details. The characters, portrayed by Banerjee and Rajpal Yadav, lack the depth needed to transcend mere archetypes. Despite references to recorded incidents of abuse, the film misses the opportunity to make a profound comment on societal conditioning, misogynistic attitudes, or distorted masculinity.
Tara Sutaria, entrusted with carrying the film, shines in action sequences featuring her distinctive sprinting style and intense expressions. However, she stumbles when the script demands nuanced emotional scenes.
(Also Read: Chiranjeevi Dances To Shah Rukh Khan's Song From Jawan, Watch Video!)