A solo tour de force by Sohum Shah
Shouldering a film in which the protagonist appears in virtually every frame could be a daunting proposition for any actor. But in this trial by fire, Sohum Shah comes out aces, aided by fine direction, a taut screenplay, and crisp editing. At just 90 minutes, ‘Crazxy’ remains an edge-of-the-seat thriller, ensuring that your popcorn box remains untouched simply because you are glued to the events on the screen.
A high-stakes plot
The story revolves around Abhimanyu Sood (Sohum Shah), a surgeon facing a crisis after a patient dies during surgery. He is en route to settle the matter out-of-court with a payment of ₹5 crore to the deceased’s family. However, his plan is derailed when he receives an anonymous call informing him that his daughter has been kidnapped, and the ransom demand is the same ₹5 crore. Initially dismissing it as a prank, Abhimanyu is forced to confront the terrifying reality when he sees a video of his daughter tied up and unconscious. Now, he faces an agonizing decision—secure his own freedom from an imminent jail term or save his daughter, who lives with his estranged wife.
A one-man show with strong supporting voices
The very first sequence of the film defines Abhimanyu’s character when he chases a biker, makes him stop, and flips him off after receiving the same gesture moments earlier. Sohum Shah has often been defined by his unconventional choices—from ‘Ship of Theseus’ to ‘Talvar’ to ‘Tumbbad,’ he has always walked the road less travelled. ‘Crazxy’ continues that tradition. His gamble pays off once again, and this time, in a gripping solo performance, he carries the weight of the film, delivering a riveting rollercoaster ride. Sohum delivers a spectrum of emotions, transitioning from a detached father to a man who realizes his past mistakes and seeks redemption. He is the only visible character on screen, while the rest—Shilpa Shukla as his lover, Tinnu Anand as the kidnapper, Nimisha Sajayan as his ex-wife, and Piyush Mishra as his boss—appear only as voices. Despite their limited presence, they contribute effectively to the overarching narrative.
Taut direction and technical brilliance
If Sohum breathes life into the film with his pitch-perfect performance, he is ably supported by director Girish Kohli, who keeps the narrative laser-focused, avoiding unnecessary frills. The 90-minute runtime is packed with intensity, ensuring no moment is wasted. Without revealing spoilers, the film also earns full marks for bringing Down’s syndrome into the spotlight. Crisp editing by Sanyukta Kaza and Rythem Lath ensures a tight, no-nonsense storytelling approach. The weight of Abhimanyu’s predicament is underscored further by Kishore Kumar’s ‘Abhimanyu Chakravuyh Mein Phas Gaya Hai,’ while Vishal Bhardwaj’s compositions offer a much-needed respite from the film’s relentless tension.
What works and what doesn’t
Several scenes showcase the brilliance of the screenplay, but one, in particular, stands out - Sohum Shah simultaneously managing a surgery over a video call, negotiating with the kidnapper, and changing a flat tire. The scene is packed with energy, shifting from helplessness to confidence in a heartbeat—an exemplary moment of filmmaking. The film’s music, including its background score, aligns seamlessly with its intense mood. However, a minor drawback is Sohum’s diction—some dialogues are unclear, which slightly affects the viewing experience.
Verdict
‘Crazxy’ is a taut thriller, following in the footsteps of Hollywood films like ‘Buried’ (Ryan Reynolds), ‘All Is Lost’ (Robert Redford), ‘Locke’ (Tom Hardy), and ‘127 Hours’ (James Franco), which centered on the trials of a lone protagonist. These films resonated with audiences due to their brilliant scripts and performances, and ‘Crazxy’ brings that formula to Hindi cinema. Engaging, raw, tense, and bold in its storytelling, it proves that a strong script towers above everything else. Sohum Shah and Girish Kohli deserve accolades for introducing something refreshingly new to Hindi cinema.
Cast: Sohum Shah
Director: Girish Kohli
Rating: 4/5
(‘Crazxy’ is currently running in theatres)
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