Unfolding a darkly comedic thriller, Blackmail brings an eccentric twist to the crime genre with a story rooted in black humor and suspense. Released in 2018, this Indian Hindi-language film stars Irrfan Khan, Kirti Kulhari, Divya Dutta, Arunoday Singh, and Pradhuman Singh Mall, with Abhinay Deo at the director’s helm. Set in the urban sprawl of Mumbai, the movie explores the dreary life of a middle-class man caught in a web of deceit, infidelity, and a relentless desire for revenge. With a genre that sways between dark comedy and crime thriller, it tackles the complexities of everyday life gone awry in unexpected ways.
The story follows Dev, played by Irrfan, a man leading a mundane existence as a toilet paper salesman who spends his work hours in a dimly lit office and his evenings trapped in an unhappy marriage. One day, he returns home early and finds his wife, Reena (Kirti), with another man, Ranjit (Arunoday), in an affair that breaks Dev’s already routine world. Instead of reacting violently or emotionally, Dev chooses a peculiar route – he decides to blackmail Ranjit. What begins as a simple revenge plot spirals into an intricate web of blackmail, involving not just the primary characters but a host of secondary players who bring their own selfish motivations into the mix. As Dev’s scheme grows more twisted, the stakes and the humor escalate, dragging him further into a world where morality is blurred, and desperation drives people to absurd lengths.
Irrfan’s performance as Dev is one of the film’s strongest pillars, showcasing his remarkable range as an actor. With a restrained and subtle approach, he effortlessly captures Dev’s inner turmoil and sense of frustration, making him a relatable yet flawed character. Irrfan’s portrayal is layered with deadpan humor and melancholy, blending seamlessly with the dark undertone of the film. He lets his expressions do the talking, and in scenes where words are few, his eyes convey Dev’s exhaustion, disgust, and quiet determination. Arunoday also stands out as Ranjit, bringing a menacing yet humorous portrayal of a selfish man caught in Dev’s trap. Kirti as Reena plays the role of a conflicted and unfaithful wife with finesse, showing her own mix of guilt and indifference, while Divya as Ranjit’s alcoholic wife Prabha adds a chaotic charm to the narrative.
Cinematography by Jay Oza deserves recognition for effectively capturing the grim, grungy atmosphere of Dev’s life. The film’s color palette, dominated by dark shades and dim lighting, accentuates the movie’s sense of gloom and monotony, mirroring Dev’s internal struggles and the murky world he is drawn into. The contrast between his dull workplace and the bright, garish life of Ranjit is well-executed, creating visual tension between the characters’ realities. Shots of Mumbai’s underbelly, shown through Dev’s night-time escapades, further underline the sense of unease and surrealism. Oza’s use of close-ups emphasizes the characters’ isolation and tension, adding to the unsettling feel without relying on exaggerated effects.
The musical score by Amit Trivedi adds a unique layer to the movie, balancing the tension with doses of quirky and edgy tunes. Songs like “Happy Happy” and “Badla” introduce an unexpected lightness, blending the film’s thriller elements with comedy. The background score complements the film’s pacing, seamlessly blending with the plot’s rhythm, especially in scenes where Dev navigates the delicate dance of his blackmail schemes. Trivedi’s music doesn’t overpower; it sits comfortably with the narrative, enhancing the emotional intensity and the dark humor that runs throughout.
Abhinay Deo’s direction is commendable for balancing the film’s contrasting elements – suspense, humor, and drama – with skill. He keeps the plot tightly woven, not allowing it to deviate into unnecessary subplots, which is crucial in a story with multiple layers of deception and manipulation. Deo’s focus on creating morally gray characters adds depth, as each person operates within their own twisted sense of right and wrong. The editing by Huzefa Lokhandwala also aids the story’s pacing, skillfully switching between tense moments and comedic relief, keeping viewers engaged without feeling rushed. The seamless transitions between Dev’s grim home life and his bizarre blackmail scheme reflect Deo’s knack for blending genres, creating a thriller that doesn’t lose sight of its comedic roots.
One of the more subtle yet impactful elements is the screenplay, co-written by Parveez Sheikh and Deo. The dialogues are sharp and loaded with sarcasm, which infuse the film with a sense of dry humor. Dev’s interactions, whether with his boss or his oblivious wife, carry a level of irony that highlights the absurdity of his life. The writing uses Dev’s plight to underscore broader social themes, such as the monotony of middle-class life, the breakdown of communication in marriages, and the lengths to which people go to maintain a facade. The script does not shy away from portraying the darker sides of human nature, but it does so in a way that feels authentic rather than overdramatic.
Ultimately, Blackmail is a darkly humorous exploration of an ordinary man pushed to extraordinary lengths. The movie’s strength lies in its refusal to adhere to traditional Bollywood tropes, opting instead for a raw, unapologetic look at betrayal, greed, and vengeance. The fusion of humor with the grimness of Dev’s situation makes the narrative unique, though some viewers might find the film’s pace slow at times. It’s not a typical thriller; it requires patience, with a build-up that gradually reveals the depth of Dev’s desperation and the extent of his schemes. The unique combination of Irrfan’s nuanced acting, a moody aesthetic, and a cleverly woven plot makes Blackmail a film that will appeal to fans of unconventional Bollywood cinema.
For those seeking a film that defies Bollywood norms and delves into dark humor with a fresh perspective, this film is worth a watch. It’s a story that finds laughter in pain and triumph in tragedy, making it a thought-provoking experience wrapped in black comedy. With its strong performances, offbeat humor, and clever storytelling, Blackmail is an entertaining ride that’s both gritty and humorous, challenging and rewarding for viewers looking to step away from conventional narratives.
