When a movie keeps you guessing with every twist and turn, it’s clear it’s playing the thriller game well. Dhokha: Round D Corner is one such film, directed by Kookie Gulati and starring R. Madhavan, Khushalii Kumar, Aparshakti Khurana, and Darshan Kumar. Set against the urban backdrop of Mumbai, this crime thriller unfolds over the course of a single day, primarily inside a swanky high-rise apartment. The film belongs to the psychological thriller genre, with moments that blend suspense, mind games, and unpredictable revelations, keeping the audience hooked from start to finish.
The plot kicks off with a seemingly happy married couple, Sanchi and Yatharth, whose lives spiral into chaos when a terrorist, Haq Gul, breaks into their apartment and holds Sanchi hostage. However, nothing is as it appears. Sanchi claims to be suffering from a psychological disorder, which blurs her perception of reality, while Yatharth, her husband, has his own secrets to hide. As the police and media gather outside, the film delves into a high-stakes game of deception, with each character having their own version of the truth. The film explores the thin line between what’s real and what’s imagined, and keeps the viewers on edge as the characters’ motivations are revealed one by one.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is the acting. Madhavan, as Yatharth, delivers a solid performance, balancing the complexity of a husband caught between his love for his wife and his own questionable actions. His character shifts from calm and composed to visibly stressed, adding layers of intrigue to his persona. Khushalii, making her debut as Sanchi, holds her own with a performance that oscillates between vulnerability and unpredictability. Her portrayal of a woman on the edge, struggling with both her mental condition and the threat of her captor, is convincing. Aparshakti, as the terrorist Haq Gul, is a revelation. Known primarily for his comic roles, he takes on this darker character with surprising intensity, conveying a mix of desperation and ruthlessness that adds tension to every scene he’s in.
From a directorial standpoint, Kookie Gulati does a commendable job of maintaining the suspense throughout the film. The confined setting of the apartment works in the film’s favor, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere where the tension steadily mounts. The direction keeps the audience invested, as the story unravels through tight, engaging sequences that hint at more than they reveal. The film plays with the idea of perspectives, and the way it shifts between characters’ points of view adds to the uncertainty. The pacing is well-done, with the plot moving quickly while still allowing enough breathing room for the viewer to piece together the clues.
The cinematography, handled by Amit Roy, effectively enhances the film’s tense atmosphere. The apartment is shot with a blend of wide angles and close-ups, emphasizing both the claustrophobia of the confined space and the intense emotional stakes. The use of lighting is particularly noteworthy, with shadowed interiors creating a sense of mystery and foreboding. In scenes involving Sanchi and Haq, the camera often focuses on their facial expressions, allowing the actors’ emotions to drive the tension. The contrast between the chaotic exterior, where the media and police have gathered, and the apartment’s interior adds to the film’s suspense, drawing viewers deeper into the mystery.
Musically, the film opts for a subtle background score rather than loud, distracting tracks. Amar Mohile’s score amplifies the tension in key moments without overpowering the narrative. The music enhances the psychological aspects of the film, blending seamlessly with the unfolding drama. There are moments when the music fades out, letting the actors’ performances take center stage, which works well in heightening the film’s emotional impact. The sound design overall is sharp and well-suited to the genre, with the silences between conversations or moments of suspense being just as powerful as the music.
Another noteworthy element is the film’s exploration of trust, betrayal, and perception. Each character in the film is unreliable, making it difficult to discern who is telling the truth. This creates a layered narrative where the audience, much like the characters, is left questioning everything. The themes of mental illness and manipulation are handled with enough sensitivity to add depth to the characters without veering into melodrama. The psychological thriller aspect is maintained throughout, with the film playing with the viewers’ expectations and delivering unexpected twists at crucial points.
One of the film’s strengths is its ability to balance multiple genres. While it is primarily a thriller, the film touches upon emotional drama, suspense, and even elements of a whodunit. The screenplay, written by Kookie Gulati and Neeraj Singh, makes sure to keep the dialogue sharp and to the point, adding to the film’s tight narrative structure. However, there are moments when the film feels like it could have benefited from more backstory or context, especially regarding the relationship dynamics between Sanchi and Yatharth. A deeper dive into their past might have made the unfolding drama more impactful.
Overall, Dhokha: Round D Corner is an engaging and thrilling watch. It succeeds in keeping the audience on their toes, with solid performances by the lead actors, particularly Aparshakti, who surprises in his new avatar. The film’s tight direction, suspenseful plot, and strong cinematography make it a gripping psychological thriller. Though there are areas where the script could have provided more depth, particularly in exploring character motivations, it doesn’t detract from the overall experience. If you’re a fan of suspenseful narratives with psychological twists, this one is worth your time. The film isn’t just about the external danger lurking in the apartment; it’s about the hidden dangers within relationships and trust, making it an intriguing watch from start to finish.
