‘Dobaaraa’ Review: With Captivating Background Score, Mind Boggling Storyline And Superb Acting, This Thriller Will Keep You Hooked
A thrilling murder mystery with a touch of sci-fi is the perfect content to consume. It keeps one on the edge of the seat wondering what’s coming next. I’ve always had a thing for engrossing storylines that can keep me hooked to the screen. I have never been able to resist the temptation of a good murder mystery thriller and that’s probably why Taapsee Pannu, Pavail Gulati starrer Dobaaraa (also stylised as 2:12) called out to me. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, written by Nihit Bhave and produced by Ekta Kapoor, this film also stars Nassar, Rahul Bhat and Saswata Chatterjee. This film is the remake of the Spanish film Mirage. Dobaaraa is set to hit the theatres across India on August 19.
The Story Of Dobaaraa
Set in the backdrop of Pune’s Hinjewadi area, this film follows the story of Antara, played by Taapsee Pannu. When a geomagnetic storm returns after 26 years, Antara gets an opportunity to save the life of 12-year-old Anay who witnessed the murder of his neighbour during a similar geomagnetic storm that occurred back in 1996. The film switches between 1996 and 2021 and the storm has mysteriously connected Antara and Anay through an old television set. As Antara helps save the life of the boy by communicating with him through the television and then she experiences what is known as the Butterfly Effect of her actions. After saving the life of the boy in 1996, world as Antara knows it in 2021 changes. She then begins her journey to understand the impacts of her actions as she tries to figure out her life and find her daughter from her parallel life, Avanti with the help of a cop. With a series of unanswered questions, mind-bending theories and a murder, comes a timeless mystery and a time loop. Will Antara be able to find Avanti and get her life back? Or will she be stuck in this time loop for forever? Watch this compelling drama to find out.
The Cast And Characters
Taapsee Pannu as Antara Awasthi/Vashisht: Taapsee is in her full form in this film and hits the right emotional notes. Her super smooth punchlines in her neutral tone are hilarious as ever. She eases into the role and looks absolutely natural despite the several shades of her character. Taapsee ensures that Antara does not look like a crazy woman after she wakes up in an alternate reality. She smoothly navigates through her character’s confusion and chaos as she tries to figure out what is going on.
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Pavail Gulati as a Cop: For the better part of the film, Pavail Gulati’s character’s name has not been revealed for a good reason. He beautifully maintains the mystery as he helps Antara navigate through her confusion. While it did seem like his character was missing a character arc, the actor manages to make the most of it as he confidently portrays his role. He makes you love and empathise with his character while disliking him for some questionable decisions which in some sense are human errors TBH. His character has been beautifully written and portrayed despite the missing arc. He really just steals the show!
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Also Read: Thank You, Taapsee Pannu, For Being Your Own Hero And Never The Damsel In Distress In Your Films
Rahul Bhat also puts on a great show with his dependable role and elicits laughter every now and then. Saswata Chatterjee and Nassar would’ve put their acting skills but under-developed characters make it tough to connect with them until the very end. Sukant Goel plays a memorable and light-hearted character and he does it well. Vidushi Mehra, Medini Kelamane and Himanshi Choudhary have little screentime but they managed to make the most of it.
Verdict
I’m going to give Dobaaraa 4.5 out of 5 stars and here’s why. To begin with, the background score was picked very carefully by the makers. It’s not the annoying shrill background music, in fact, every thrilling moment in the film has a completely different background score that just adds to the thrill. It acts as a catalyst to build the intrigue and makes the film more compelling. Speaking of the screenplay, despite the underdeveloped characters, the story is well written and the dialogues aren’t very impactful but they do have a touch of humour every now and then.
Dobaaraa has one of the most gripping plotlines with atmospheric visuals, some romance and an underlying subplot of broken marriages along with a murder mystery and time loop. One thing to note is that the film has scenes that are straight out of Stranger Things. A kid on a cycle with a red hoodie/raincoat will give a total deja vu. Having said that, this thriller is maddening as it switches between 1996 and 2021 as different layers of mystery unfold. This is exactly why this film demands your complete and undivided attention. One can only understand the crux of it if one watches it carefully without missing a single moment.
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Apart from the amazing acting, this film has a lot more to offer. Anurag Kashyap and Ekta Kapoor have managed to string together multiple genres like thriller, murder mystery and sci-fi and seamlessly bind them into a thread. Another thing to note is that throughout the film, there are subtle hints telling the viewers what’s coming next but unless you’re a thriller/mystery pro like me, it will have you guessing till the very end. TBH, it’s a mind-blowing film that is so gripping that it will quite literally have you sitting on the edge of your seat but if you don’t pay attention, you might just have to watch it Dobaaraa to understand.
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Also Read: Taapsee Pannu Gives An Honest Statement On Her Recent Clash With Paps, Says Even Parents Never Scolded Her In That Tone
Despite the series of events and the information overload happening all at the same time, this film is quite understandable. The first half of the film is slow-paced as compared to the second half which may seem cramped with information and it’s only in the final 30 minutes that all the events of the film come together. And let me tell you this, Dobaaraa isn’t the kind of film you want to watch at home on your laptop or tv (unless you have a home theatre). It’s best watched on the big screen especially since the background score is what will put you on the edge.
‘Dobaaraa’ Trailer: Taapsee Pannu Travels Back In Time To Solve A Murder Mystery And Save A Life
