Shiddat (2021) Disney+ Hotstar 480p, 720p & 1080p ~ Veghamovies

Movie Info:

Movie Name: Shiddat
Movie Directed: Kunal Deshmukh
Language: Hindi
Released Year: 2021

Shiddat: A Rollercoaster of Romantic Missteps Review

In the vast landscape of Indian cinema, where romantic tales often weave the magic of love and captivate audiences, 'Shiddat' emerges as a perplexing deviation. Released on Disney+Hotstar, the film takes an unexpected turn away from the enchanting realms of love and instead navigates the treacherous waters of silliness, leaving viewers questioning the very essence of the emotion it attempts to portray.

The narrative begins on a promising note, with a couple deeply in love celebrating their engagement and exchanging heartfelt speeches about destiny, soulmates, and the beauty of love. However, the tone swiftly shifts as a group of young boys, led by the overly enthusiastic Jaggi (Sunny Kaushal), gatecrashes the celebration. What follows is a series of flashbacks and forwards, taking us from Jalandhar to Calais and eventually propelling Jaggi on a quest to reach London, all in the name of love.

Jaggi's character, portrayed by Sunny Kaushal, is introduced as a man on "love steroids" who encountered Kartika (Radhika Madan) at a national sports camp. The film's handling of their relationship, or lack thereof, leaves much to be desired. In its misguided attempt to explore love, romance, and relationships, 'Shiddat' mistakenly confuses stalking and creepiness for genuine attraction and desire. The narrative reflects an unfortunate trend in cinema where problematic behavior by male characters is often rewarded, and 'Shiddat' is no exception.

The inexplicable intertwining of Jaggi's life with that of Gautam (Mohit Raina), an Indian diplomat, adds another layer of complexity to the storyline. Gautam finds himself chasing Jaggi, the very man who disrupted his engagement party. The film attempts to convey something about modern-day love and the need to make relationships work. However, the execution falls flat, with scenes oscillating between Jaggi's seemingly desperate love and moments that border on absurdity, such as a plea to let him go because he needs to answer nature's call.

As the plot unfolds, the film introduces Kartika and Jaggi as deeply flawed characters. While flawed characters often add authenticity and relatability, the poor writing and the film's insistence on making grand statements overshadow any potential for connection with the audience. Radhika Madan and Sunny Kaushal put in commendable efforts, but their characters lack self-awareness, and the film's earnest attempt to take their journey seriously becomes exasperating for the viewer.

The subplot involving Gautam and Ira (Diana Penty), grappling with relationship challenges, introduces a semblance of depth to the narrative. Despite the actors' attempts to salvage their roles from the shoddy writing, the film takes an uncomfortable turn as it seemingly condones guilt-tripping to secure a positive response in romantic relationships.

'Shiddat' ultimately emerges as a film centered around a male protagonist throwing a colossal tantrum, disrupting the lives of everyone around him. The narrative fails to evoke any genuine sentiments of love, leaving viewers questioning the film's portrayal of this complex emotion. However, amidst the shortcomings, there is a glimmer of interest in witnessing more of Mohit Raina and Diana Penty in roles that do justice to their talent.

In conclusion, 'Shiddat' serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of attempting to create a profound romantic narrative without a solid foundation of well-crafted characters and a coherent storyline. While the film may not evoke the intended emotions of love, it does prompt reflection on the need for more thoughtful storytelling in the realm of Indian cinema. As audiences, we can only hope for future endeavors that navigate the intricacies of love with the finesse and depth it truly deserves.