Review: 'Chup' is a soothing love letter to films & Guru Dutt while being a taut psychological thriller

Chup

An ode to films, a tribute to Guru Dutt and references galore! What more can an ardent film buff want from any feature presentation.

From the outset and trailer, Chup appeared to be intriguing but having had the chance to see it beforehand, I was blown away by just how fantastic it actually turned out to be. 

A Love Letter To Films

Only an ardent film buff would have been able to weave a gripping fictional plot around a film that was meant to be a love letter to films and the late great Guru Dutt. But more than anything else, one can see, breathe and live the love for cinema that director R. Balki has and is trying to make you feel from within. Right from frame one to the classic final frame, everything is a tribute to cinema in its purest form.

References & Easter Eggs Galore!

As a sucker for films that have references and Easter eggs, Chup was like the best buffet I can be at. Some obvious while some not; Chup is so self-aware and meta in its treatment that it brings a smile on your face every now and then. From the usage of songs like Yeh Duniya, Jaane Kya Tune Suni and how they play a tool in every beat of the film is sensational.

Apart from this, there is constant meta humor and real life references that just make the experience joyous. 

Relatable Pro Max

As a critic, and the film being about a serial killer on loose to kill critics; the idea was so fascinating. The way it is elevated several notches higher is by actually putting in relatable aspects for us critics. For instance, if you do a corporate job and your coffee conversations are portrayed really well in a film; similarly, the scenes between critics in the film, the dialogues and all other aspects are so relatable, we couldn't help but chuckle and be amazed by the accuracy. It was so much fun to be able to have that experience.

Not Comprising on the Plot

When you make a movie that is so referential, an ode to filmmaking and meta, it can be easy to become indulgent and lose the grip on the actual premise. That doesn't happen with Chup in any manner. From being an engaging whodunit initially to diving into taboo topics and just how any trauma can be impactful on a person and ultimately the influence that films have the power to exhibit, Chup barely has any flaws. The only one factor, as I am nitpicking can be the way the murders are shown and the seamlessness of it with circumstances involved. But again, just nitpicking what I felt organically and not for the sake of it. The plot gives full justice to the actors involved as well.

The Performances

Sunny Deol and Dulquer Salmaan - two names I never thought I will be seeing in one frame - ever! But that happens here. What's so refreshing to see is that Deol is playing a role that is the most non Deol-like. He is restrained, funny and dapper as the investigating cop. Shreya Dhanwanthry continues to bedazzle with the ease in the way she portrays a role. As a budding film critic and a woman in love, the actor is fantastic with every note she hits. Pooja Bhatt also lends apt support to the cast with her abilities. But it is Dulquer Salmaan, who gets the most 'colorful' role to play and he excels in every manner possible. It will be fascinating for his fans to see their lovable real and reel life actor go to a different side with conviction here.

The Verdict

As mentioned earlier, Chup is a love letter to films, a heart-warming tribute to Guru Dutt and a hat tip to everyone associated with this process, ever!

This film cannot be missed.

Rating - (4/5)