NH10

Director – Navdeep Singh

Cast – Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam, Darshan Kumar

NH10 will provide solace to feminists and activists agitated by the ban on the documentary ‘India’s Daughter’. The film tells the story of a couple who is unnecessarily dragged in a third party war. It should be seen as a solid response to those who consider the fairer sex as weak, meek and antique.

Meera (Anushka), a Corporate Executive decides to go on a holiday with her husband Arjun (Neil). En route they see goons assaulting a couple which later turns into a case of honour killing. Both try to escape their clutches. But, the leader of the pack Satbir (Darshan) is determined to finish them. What follows is a saga of revenge and violence.

Meera is a typical feminist who is put off when her colleague says ‘Women have is easy with their boss’. She gets agitated at the sight of the word ‘Randi’ in a Dhabha toilet. The funny part is that she uses the toilet as her own private space to smoke and upon completion takes the optimum effort to erase it. This word has a major impact in the second half.

Speaking of smoking we’re used to seeing ads which say that ‘None of the actors endorse it’. However, in NH10, smoking is glorified. The protagonist who shies from the act in public is offered a pack by her husband to celebrate the beginning of their vacation. Similarly, she quick puffs one before delivering a mighty blow to her enemy. These scenes were literally not required.

Director Navdeep Singh uses the silent melancholy of night (in a typical ‘Jatland’ setup) to perfection. He uses violence minus the ‘South fight sounds effects’. The plot is good and nerve gripping. It is set in a short span of a few hours. The message is to keep out of others business or be prepared for the consequences.

The film belongs to Anushka Sharma. She transforms from a dependable corporate to an emotionless, revenge thirsty demon with utmost ease. Neil Bhoopalam and Darshan Kumar are valuable supports while Deepti Naval will surprise many with her cameo.

Overall, NH10 has its moments which will send chills down your spine. I am going with three out of five stars. Watch it!!