’31st October’ first half movie review: Vir Das is effortless, first half ends on a gripping note

This week’s Friday release ’31st October’ looks like a promising film which narrates a true story of a Sikh couple running for their safety during the anti-Sikh massacre in 1984. Starring Vir Das and Soha Ali Khan in lead roles, the film maintains certain expectations, but is a strictly okay realistic thriller drama.

The first half traces a couple Devendra Singh and Tejinder Kaur leading a normal life with a friendly neighbourhood in Delhi. Until the day of 31st October arrives with the news of Prime minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination by her personal bodyguards which shakes everything around for the Sikh community. Beginning with a slight change in people’s behaviour, the scenario turns violent with riots targeting many innocent Sikh families. So would Devendra and Tejinder be able to survive this with their family? The conclusion is awaited.

Vir Das is good in his performance and carries the role of a Sikh effortlessly. Soha Ali Khan does not have much to do in the first half and she also looks slightly miscast in those few scenes.

Overall, the first half is good but could have been better in terms of detailing the aspects, especially the writing. It ends with a gripping note. Let’s see what is there in the second half. Complete review coming shortly…