There’s nothing quite like a good thriller with a mix of passion, deceit, and mystery to keep you glued to your seat. Starring Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey, and Harshvardhan Rane, Haseen Dillruba is set in the quaint, sleepy town of Jwalapur in North India, where the calmness of small-town life is shattered by a tragic explosion. Directed by Vinil Mathew and penned by Kanika Dhillon, this film belongs to the romantic thriller genre but dives deeper into the darker side of relationships and the lengths people go to for love—or revenge.
The story revolves around Rani, a vivacious and bold woman who finds herself married to the seemingly gentle and quiet Rishu. Their marriage is far from perfect, leading to a tangled web of unfaithfulness, lies, and secrets. When Rishu is found dead in a mysterious explosion, all eyes turn to Rani, who is suspected of having a hand in his death. The film then unfolds as Rani recounts her tumultuous relationship with her late husband, while the police try to untangle the truth behind the incident. The movie keeps you guessing as layers of the past are revealed, but whether Rani is guilty or innocent remains a question right up until the end.
One of the strongest elements of this film is the acting. Taapsee, who plays the bold and flawed Rani, gives a performance that is both fierce and vulnerable. She masterfully portrays the complexities of her character, showcasing her unapologetic attitude toward love and desire while revealing her internal conflict as the story unfolds. Vikrant as Rishu delivers a stellar performance, transforming from a shy, awkward husband into someone who is darker and far more complex than initially presented. His subtle expressions and gradual change in demeanor keep you invested in his character’s journey. Harshvardhan, as Neel, the irresistible and carefree man who comes into Rani’s life, plays his part with just the right amount of intensity and charm, making the love triangle even more compelling.
Direction-wise, Vinil Mathew manages to keep the suspense alive throughout the film, which is crucial for a thriller. He balances the narrative, moving back and forth between flashbacks and the present investigation with precision. The slow build-up of tension in the relationship between Rani and Rishu is handled deftly, allowing the audience to feel the growing strain and emotional disconnect between the two. What could have been a straightforward whodunit is elevated by the director’s focus on the emotional core of the characters, making their motivations believable, no matter how flawed they may seem.
Cinematography by Jayakrishna Gummadi plays a crucial role in setting the mood. The small-town setting, with its narrow alleys and simple homes, is juxtaposed against the simmering tensions within the household. The lighting choices, particularly during the more intimate or suspenseful scenes, enhance the emotions at play, whether it’s the warmth of early love or the chilling isolation of betrayal. The use of close-up shots during moments of heightened tension effectively conveys the characters’ internal struggles without the need for excessive dialogue.
Music by Amit Trivedi is another highlight of the film. The songs, especially “Dil Melt Karda,” capture the mood of the film—passionate, raw, and slightly offbeat. The background score is subtle but impactful, adding to the suspense without overpowering the narrative. Trivedi’s compositions are perfectly placed within the story, complementing the characters’ emotional journeys and enhancing key moments of the film. The music helps to elevate the tension and drama, creating an immersive experience.
Costume design also deserves a mention. Rani’s outfits reflect her bold and carefree personality, while Rishu’s more conservative clothing aligns with his reserved nature. As the narrative progresses, the subtle changes in their appearances mirror the evolution of their characters. The use of vibrant colors in the initial scenes gives way to a more muted palette as the story darkens, a visual metaphor for the transformation of their relationship.
One of the film’s underlying themes is the dangerous interplay between love and obsession. The characters, driven by their desires, often make irrational decisions that lead them into a spiral of destruction. This theme is woven into every aspect of the film, from Rani’s reckless pursuit of passion to Rishu’s intense need for validation and control. The film explores how love, when mixed with insecurity and mistrust, can become toxic, leading to tragic consequences.
If there’s one aspect where the film falters slightly, it’s the pacing. While the flashbacks add depth to the characters and their relationship, they sometimes slow down the momentum of the present-day investigation. The film could have benefitted from tighter editing, especially in the middle portion, where the focus shifts away from the central mystery. However, the gripping climax more than makes up for these minor lags, delivering a twist that is both shocking and satisfying.
Overall, Haseen Dillruba is a bold and engaging thriller that offers a fresh take on the traditional love triangle. It combines the elements of romance, mystery, and psychological drama in a way that keeps the audience hooked. The performances, especially by Taapsee and Vikrant, elevate the film, making it more than just a murder mystery—it’s a study of flawed characters trapped by their desires and insecurities. The direction, music, and cinematography all work together to create a gripping atmosphere that keeps you guessing until the very end.
For fans of thrillers with a strong emotional undercurrent, this is a must-watch. It’s not just about who committed the crime, but about the why, making it a deeper, more nuanced film than a typical whodunit. If you enjoy films that mix passion with suspense and keep you questioning the characters’ motives, Haseen Dillruba will not disappoint.
