Review: 'Blind' is a bland crime thriller offering nothing much to see, quite literally

Blind Review

Sonam Kapoor's big comeback to the movies as a lead; a remake in this scenario is set in a new genre for her and here's the outcome. So for all the Sonam Kapoor fans out there, yes she definitely is back to the screens but how satisfied will you be with her performance gets answered below. Having had the chance to watch the film this is what I feel..

The Plot and Narrative

Presented as an official adaptation of a Korean film with the same title, it touts to be a crime thriller. Gia (played by Sonam Kapoor), once a dedicated police officer, tragically loses her eyesight and subsequently her job due to a car accident. However, fate thrusts her into the midst of a perplexing case involving missing girls, where she becomes an eyewitness. Assisted by Inspector (Vinay Pathak), Gia embarks on a quest to unveil the identity of the psychopathic killer (portrayed by Purab Kohli). Despite the killer's early introduction, the film lacks thrills, anticipation, and suspense, somewhat dampening the chase game's intensity.

Everything Moving In a Straight Line

Although there are a few well-executed scenes, such as the killer's visit to Gia's house, the girl's escape attempt from the killer's house, and the climax set in an orphanage; the narrative of this crime thriller falls disappointingly flat. It follows a predictable and basic trajectory, leaving everything else feeling rather bland. Despite some standout moments, the overall execution lacks the captivating elements needed to make it truly engaging.

The Missing

One major flaw in the story is the lack of explanation for the psychopathic killer's motivations. His actions are unjustified, leaving loose ends throughout the plot. The film teases viewers with glimpses of the killer's mother's picture, which is emphasized several times. He even tells one of his kidnapped victims, "Now you look like mom," hinting at a deeper backstory. 

However, the audience is never provided with the necessary information to understand the connection to his mother. On the other hand, Gia's step brother, Adrian, receives a significant amount of background information, including a later sequence that could have been edited for better storytelling coherence.

Sonam Kapoor's Comeback

The film is set in Glasgow, Scotland, where the predominant use of the English language is evident. However, Sonam Kapoor's dialect and accent prove to be a turn-off. While portraying a blind girl, she delivers a decent performance but her inability to convey emotions effectively is apparent. Sympathy or empathy towards her character is lacking, as many sequences feel contrived. Sonam falls short of expectations, especially considering her remarkable performance in the film 'Neerja' being intense as well. It is unfortunate that she fails to fully embody the role and deliver the impact that was anticipated.

Other Performances

The standout aspect of the film is the captivating performance by Purab Kohli, who undeniably steals the show. Playing the role of a psychopathic killer with possible bipolar disorder and other psychological disorders, he flawlessly embodies the character of a deranged individual. 

Whenever he appears on screen, a mix of hatred and fear engulfs the audience, fulfilling the intended effect. On the other hand, Vinay Pathak delivers a dedicated and light-hearted portrayal as the inspector. His cheerful demeanor and constant snacking create a likable character who adds a touch of humor to the narrative. Pathak undoubtedly does justice to his role.

The Verdict

Blind turns out to be a flat crime thriller, which doesn't leave scope for much intrigue and edge of the seat moments; Sonam Kapoor's comeback story doesn't help either. 

Rating: ** (2/5) stars