This Hindi movie is a pretty straightforward slice-of-life story that tries to give a modern look at what it's like to be a single, professional gay man. It dives into how he understands who he is, the chances he missed out on, and the personal choices he’s made along the way. The director used three parallel timelines to tell the story, which honestly didn't make much sense to me. While the core idea was actually pretty interesting, I really feel like this would have worked way better as a short film considering the point it was trying to make. Still, it wasn't a bad watch. The plot centers on Rachit, a city professional, and his friend Shikhar as they hang out for an evening. Rachit is a polished, urban guy, while Shikhar has more of a "small-town" rustic vibe, and you can really see the contrast between them when they talk. As the night goes on, Rachit starts thinking back to some old memories from a long time ago. He remembers being an intern after college in ...
50 year old suave businessman Leopold picks up a shy 19 year old boy Franz and brings him back to his house. They both indulge in a verbal game of seduction. Their motive is clear but they play with words. Franz tell Leopold about his girlfriend Anna and how they are going to get married and Leopold tells him about his fiance. Act 1 concludes with Franz lying naked waiting for Leopold. Act 2 shows the 2 men living together, just like a married couple, fighting over every little thing. Franz is in stay home wife mode taking care of Leopold. Meanwhile Leopold is clearly a tyrant in his own place and not about to change for the whims of this young man whom he likes in bed, but nowhere else. After an argument, they switch positions and this time it is Leopold waiting for Franz. Act 3brings more tension when Anna arrives in the apartment. She wants to marry Franz. They have sex but Leopold can't get over the fact of how much he loves Leopold but how Leoplod is over him and he just cries and cries. When Leopold arrives back, Franz wants to leave but this time it is Anna who is completely charmed by Leopold. Last act shows a mystery woman Vera arrive. It turns out that she is Leopold's ex-girlfriend woo was so much in love with Leopold that she got a sex change operation just to please him but Leopold got bored with her an dmade her a whore. Franz sees himself totally trapped in Leopold's love and lust and commits suicide. The film ends showing Anna being his object of seduction and he maybe trying to put her as a prostitute to make quick money.
The movie is a little odd but still holds the attention of the viewer who is just waiting to see what will happen next. The film is very heavy on words but the going ons are kept good by some really good performances. I think Anna's character was not clearly defined, so I think she was not as powerful as the other actors. Leopold acts very well as a mixture of greed, affection, power, selfishness. So does Franz with innocence and as a man completely madly in love with Leopold.
The movie appears to be story of heartlessness and destruction at the core of people and relationships. Interesting fare. (6.5/10)
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