Anek Review: Ayushmann Khurrana delivers a strong performance but Anubhav Sinha’s narration seems chaotic

Film: Anek

Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Andrea Kevichüsa, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, J. D. Chakravarthy

Director: Anubhav Sinha

Bollywood Ratings: 2.5/5 stars

“Does anybody want peace at all? Otherwise, why would no one solve such a small issue in so many years.” This dialogue really hit me when I watched Ayushmann Khurrana starrer Anek. It is true, ‘What is needed to make an Indian feel like an Indian?’ I-N-D-I-A! It is ek Hindustan with Anek religion and race residing. What makes India so unique? It is for its diversity as many different speaking languages people stay together in the country. But it is heartbreaking to see or hear when certain people don’t feel the belongingness, don’t feel like they are a part of the country when they feel ignored or discriminated against despite being an Indian. Racial discrimination has always been a part of our lives since its inception. 

At some point in your childhood days, we have teased people according to their appearances. Calling a plumpy person motu, a dark complexion person kala, a North-easter Chinese. These had become quite common when we were little. Saying all those things really didn’t matter to anyone and it was certainly not a big deal back in the day. Though people understand these sensitive topics way more easily than people used to back then, the thing that surely leaves an impact is when someone is called by a different nationality and that’s when Anek comes into the picture, trying to tell us the untold story of the people of North East who thought they are not a part of India.

Anek tries to tell us the plight of North-East people but in the course, it seems like they have lost the plot. As The Kashmir Files showed the dilemma of the Kashmiri Pandits, Anek showed us the struggle of North-Easterns. The Anubhav Sinha directorial venture tries to give us an idea of it. Read Anek movie review here:

Story: 

Anek is a political action thriller, where Joshua (Ayushmann Khurrana), a fierce undercover agent is on a mission to unite the country and restore peace between the states. The film showcases Joshua’s journey in the conflict-ridden region of the Northeast where he tries to get a peace accord signed by the largest militant group- Tiger Sangha. Joshua tries to infiltrate a separatist group by befriending one of its members’ daughter – Aido (Andrea Kevichüsa). Aido is a fierce boxer who gets discriminated against and aims to bring a gold medal for India which makes her believe that people will consider her to be an Indian. Joshua tries to mend things with the Northeast people at the cost of many lives. However, will Joshua triumph in his mission to unite the country? Will India win against violence and racial discrimination? Will India win at all? The heart-wrenching tale questions what it takes to be an INDIAN above all the divide.

Star Performances:

Ayushmann Khurrana as Aman aka Joshua is a headstrong and clear-minded officer. Even though he loses the track of his mission in between, he still understands that intensity and tries to correct himself. Joshua carries a certain cold and fierce attitude that will make you believe in his mission. Given the fact that Ayushmann never disappoints with his acting prowess, he looks quite promising as an undercover agent. He yet again delivers strong performance with Anek.

Andrea Kevichüsa as Aido is fierce and has a constant urge to prove herself, be it inside the boxing ring or for being called an Indian. She makes her acting as well as Bollywood debut with Anek and does a fair job as a newcomer. Yes, a lot of work needs to be done but she has all the potential to do it. 

Anubhav brings back his previous films’ stars Manoj Pahwa and Kumud Mishra who have played their parts exceedingly well in the film. Satya star J. D. Chakravarthy also makes his strong appearance, bringing out the edginess in the story.

Direction and Screenplay:

Anubhav Sinha brings out his classic intense direction in Anek. If you have seen Mulk, Thappad or even Article 15 before, Anek is no exception. He is absolutely fantastic when it comes to the screenplay, his narration style is absolutely gripping and will make you glued to your screens; however, Anek lacks that charm. Anek could have been a mind-blowing film but the narration not only seems chaotic and all over the place but also needs to be a little more cohesive. To be honest, I don’t even see the connection of sports touch to the political drama. It sort of seems out of place, going by the theme of the film.

Hit or Miss:

Apart from what the Anek movie review says, we would love all of you to watch the film regardless. It gives us an idea of why the North East people feel they are not associated with India. Why do they have so much anger towards the country and why do they feel neglected. It touches upon some sensitive topics; however, it is the narration that was not gripping enough. It lacked attention.

Conclusion: 

Overall, Anek tries to narrate the plight of the Northeast but the story seems vague. Since it is a political drama and is based on the political conflict of the Northeast, it will strike a chord if you know the history of the seven sisters. It tries to show the struggle of the region but the narration was lacklustre. 

Watch the Anek trailer here:

 

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Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Ayushmann Khurrana reveals he had ‘no work for months’ after Vicky Donor