Beware all grooms of Bhaiyaa-Land(UP/Bihar) for “Antardwand”, the directorial debut of Sushil Rajpal, could send chills down to your spine. Antardwand is based on the real story of “groom-kidnapping” which was once prevalent in UP/Bihar belt in late 90s.
Rajpal has taken a non-judgmental view of the whole issue and presented the story as simply as possible, which is its strength also. Film is devoid of any kind of melodrama and true to the zeitgeist of the bygone era.
Veer(Raj singh Chaudhary) , an IAS aspirant and only son of a well-to-do middle class family returns his home from Delhi to discuss his marriage with parents. He has been into a Live-in relationship with his GF for last 4 yrs, who is now pregnant and an immediate marriage is the need of the hour. Veer’s father (Vinay Pathak) like a typical 90s father is negotiating dowry with an affluent businessman for his to-be IAS son. On the other hand another could-be bride’s father (Akhilendra Mishra) is pestering Veer’s father since long and is unable to crack the deal.
Story takes a turn and Veer while returning back to Delhi, is kidnapped by the rejected bride’s father , tortured and married to the nubile daughter(debutant Swati sen). This is interesting situation; newlywed couple are locked in a comfortable room of the Bungalow and whole family desperately wait for their marriage to consummate. Somehow Veer manages to escape, leaving bride and her family shocked. Soon bride is declared pregnant and whole family is in deep consternation. Life takes twist and turns for the cast here on and finally it’s the bride who shows courage and takes resolution of her own life.
As i mentioned earlier, its simple but at times looks ordinary too, quite a few frames in the beginning are handled amateurishly. Lack of production value is obvious throughout the movie. But the strength lies in story and its presentation. Film deals with a heavy issue but regular doses of humour make it a wonderful watch and convey the point to audience.
Vinay pathak has a small role ,which he execute with ease. Akhilendra Mishra brings in an authenticity and displays range as an authoritative father. Raj Singh chaudhary looks misfit but enacts his part loyally. Debutant Swati sen looks every bit of rural bihari girl and delivered a tremendous performance as a vulnerable daughter & bride. Last but not the least unknown actor executing the role of a staunch servant cum hooligan is exceptionally awesome, and nothing less than that NATTHA of “Peepli live”.
Antardwand will surely attract Bhaiyya belt for they are closest to relate with the reality ,for others it could be a pleasant watch. Rajpal should be congratulated for taking directors guard and hope he gets better in future.
Rating : ***
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