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 ...
Jae-ha is a successful theatre actor, who always transforms into his characters, both on stage and in his life. His roles consume him. So when the famous idol Young-woo joins him, it frustrates Jae-ha because oh his impatient careless attitude towards theatre. The play "Unchained" is supposed to be the story of a dangerous homosexual love. Of course Jae-ha is straight in a very steady relationship. During a rehearsal when Young-woo feels the raw emotions that Jae-ha portray, something changes in him. An easy seduction leads to both men kissing and taking an impromptu beach trip. The girlfriend feels and is fully aware of this closeness and love but is also aware of Jae-ha's methods. Their pictures are everywhere now and Young-woo tells Jae-ha that he wants to announce their love to the whole world but the latter refuses all the rumors in the press (even though he is falling madly for him). The evening of the play, Young-woo arrives late but thhe performance starts and they are both very passionate and into the theme of the play, especially since the play's theme is almost mirroring their real life. Young-woo takes his suicidal scene to the level of being very realistic which scares Jae-ha. Backstage Young-woo tells Jae-ha that now he is the perfect Singer, while Jae-ha is only a mediocre Walter. Young-woo moves on with his life accepting that he will never get Jae-ha while leaving Jae-ha very confused about his own sexuality and needs and sudden love for Young-woo.
One thing that is still bothering me about this film is that was Young-woo playing around with Jae-ha from the very beginning since he wanted to become a good method actor or was it a change in heart towards the end when he realizes that Jae-ha will never accept their love publicly. I want to believe that its the latter but I cant comprehend, how suddenly someone can totally lose their love for someone if they really truly loved that person. Both the actors did do a good job. As I mentioned before, they have to represent 2 layers of acting because it's a play within a movie and as an audience it reached out to me. The storyline is mature and the theme is handled with sensitivity. I wish there was more in depth on Jae-ha and his girlfriend's relationship. She seemed to be getting a very raw deal in all this. The ending is something which will leave people with mixed reactions. Its unconventional but I think it's the right thing. Something as if a novice new actor sort of played with the senior actor's emotions using tricks from the senior's own practices. It is a bit discussion worthy.
Overall an easy straight forward film, with no random side stories to distract you, but it still leaves a bit to be desired. Not bad by any means. (6.5/10)
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