"Chup: Revenge of the Artist - Movie Review"
Chup:
Revenge of the Artist is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language crime thriller film written and directed by R Balki. Produced by Hope Production, it stars Dulguer Salmaan, Sunny Deol, Shreya Dhanwanthary and Pooja Bhatt. Set in Mumbai, the film focuses on a serial killer targeting corrupt film critics and a police officer assigned to catch the killer. Chup was released on 23 September 2022 to positive reviews from critics.
Moto (Theme):
The key theme of Chup is the damaging power of harsh criticism, particularly in the world of filmmaking. It addresses how an artist's mental state can be impacted by negative reviews and societal pressures. The movie also explores the fine line between genius and madness, questioning the role of critics and their influence on an artist's life.
Starting:
The film opens with a series of grisly murders. Critics in the film industry are being killed one by one in a brutal and artistic manner, with their bodies displayed to make a statement. These killings seem to be driven by the victims' harsh reviews of films. The lead character, Arvind, a police officer, is assigned to investigate these murders.
Middle:
As Arvind investigates, he uncovers that the murders are related to a filmmaker named Danny (played by Dulquer Salmaan). The film delves into Danny’s troubled past, exploring how the harsh judgment of his work by critics led him down a dark path. Danny's growing frustration with the industry, and the toll that criticism has taken on him, is highlighted.
Arvind’s investigation leads him to discover the connection between the killings and the concept of revenge on critics, and it becomes evident that Danny is the one behind the killings.
Ending:
The film’s conclusion reveals that Danny is the killer, driven by his obsession with both his art and the damage caused by destructive criticism. His motive is to retaliate against critics who he believes destroyed his career and reputation. In the final moments, the story reveals the consequences of his actions, and the psychological toll criticism and rejection can have on an artist.
Box Office Revenue:
Chup Box Office Collection: With Opening Weekend Of Rs. 7 CR, Film Recovers Close To Its Budget Of Rs. 10 CR. Despite the theatrical performance of Chup, according to trade analyst Ramesh Bala, the film has recovered all costs through digital and satellite channels.
Shreya Dhanwanthary's Role:
Shreya Dhanwanthary plays Nila Menon, a budding and passionate film critic. Her character is central to the narrative as she represents the new generation of critics, contrasting with the older, harsher ones targeted by the killer. Nila’s relationship with Dulquer Salman's character, Danny, adds an emotional layer to the story. As the plot unfolds, she becomes entangled in the investigation and the chilling events, with her profession putting her at risk. Shreya portrays Nila as an intelligent, empathetic, and relatable figure who provides a grounded perspective amidst the film’s intense psychological and dramatic themes.She is endearing as the woman in love but role as a journalist doesn't give her much scope to perform.
Dulquer Salman's role:
Dulquer Salman's character, Danny, is a complex and intriguing figure. He plays a florist with a mysterious, brooding personality, who harbors a dark side. The movie is a psychological thriller where Danny's character is revealed to be a serial killer targeting film critics. His motive stems from the pain caused by harsh criticism of an artist's work, which connects deeply to his personal history. Dulquer's portrayal of Danny is layered, as he shifts between being charming and deeply menacing, making the character both captivating and chilling.
Sunny Deol's role:
Sunny Deol plays Arvind Mathur, a determined and sharp police officer tasked with investigating the gruesome murders of film critics. His character is central to the film's narrative as he delves into the psyche of the killer and unravels the mystery behind the crimes. Arvind Mathur is portrayed as a seasoned and no-nonsense cop who brings a sense of gravity and grit to the story, balancing the tension created by Dulquer Salman's darker character. Sunny Deol’s commanding screen presence adds depth to the role, especially in the cat-and-mouse dynamic between the investigator and the killer.
Dr. Zenobia Shroff:
Dr. Zenobia Shroff, played by Pooja Bhatt, is a psychiatrist who assists the police in understanding the killer’s psychological motivations. Her role is crucial in piecing together the mind of the murderer, offering insights into his mental state and helping to connect the dots about his obsession with film criticism and artistry. Dr. Zenobia acts as a voice of reason and intellect in the film, providing a deeper psychological perspective on the narrative. Her character contributes significantly to uncovering the layers behind the murders and the trauma driving them.
"Strings of Silence: Amitabh Bachchan’s Musical Tribute to Chup"
Amitabh Bachchan, who turned music composer for the first time in his career for R Balki's film Chup: Revenge of the Artist, has opened up about his composition. The actor revealed that he alone has played all the instruments in the composition, and has also recorded it personally, alone. Hindustan Times
"The Legacy of Guru Dutt in R. Balki's Chup: A Reflection on Art, Criticism, and Creative Vulnerability"
The concept of Guru Dutt in R. Balki's movie Chup revolves around his legacy as a filmmaker, particularly his 1959 classic Kaagaz Ke Phool, and how the harsh criticism it received during its time had a profound effect on him. The movie weaves Guru Dutt's story into its plot to explore the relationship between art, criticism, and creators.
My own view on the movie "Chup":
Bollywood needs more films like this bold, refreshing, and full of artistic depth. Danny's character was portrayed with incredible intensity, leaving a strong impression. The idea of an artist seeking revenge in such a creative yet chilling way killing critics in a manner that mirrored their own reviews was both gripping and thought-provoking. Sunny Deol gave a good performance, but his character felt a bit underwhelming and lacked the strength to stand out. Danny’s act of killing four critics was unsettling and raised ethical questions. Despite this, the film’s heartfelt tribute to the legendary Guru Dutt was a standout, beautifully honoring his legacy and adding a layer of emotional depth to the story.
Comparative Analysis of "Chup: Revenge of the Artist" and "Haseen Dillruba"
1. Themes and Context
Chup - Central Theme:
The movie revolves around artistic criticism and its repercussions. It delves into the psyche of a serial killer targeting film critics who provide shallow or destructive reviews, questioning the ethics of criticism and its impact on creativity.
Panditji's Role:
Panditji is a symbolic reference to Guru Dutt, whose cinematic brilliance in Kaagaz Ke Phool was critically panned during its time, leading to his disillusionment. His presence echoes the struggles of artists who suffer due to misinformed or harsh critiques.
Haseen Dillruba - Central Theme:
The film mixes a love triangle with elements of dark romance and crime. It explores themes of passion, betrayal, and morality, borrowing heavily from pulp fiction styles.
Panditji's Role (Indirect Context):
While Panditji isn’t directly referenced, the film critiques societal narratives about gender roles and morality, often paralleling the treatment of popular art forms like pulp fiction with critical disdain, similar to how Panditji's struggles align with undervalued artistry.
2. Criticism and Its Role
"Chup: Revenge of the Artist"Focus on Criticism:
The film directly confronts the imbalance in film criticism, showcasing how poorly written or shallow reviews can deeply wound artists. R. Balki provides a meta-commentary on the ethics of reviewing art without empathy.
Critique of Critics:
Critics are portrayed as flawed, with a mix of arrogance and ignorance. The movie highlights how personal biases often eclipse objective judgment, leading to the ruination of creative spirits embodied by Panditji's tragic arc in Kaagaz Ke Phool.
"Haseen Dillruba"Focus on Criticism:
The criticism here is subtle and indirect. It tackles the societal tendency to look down upon sensational, pulp genres as "low art." The protagonist Rani’s love for Dinesh Pandit’s pulp novels mirrors the argument that not all popular art deserves intellectual dismissal.
Critique of Societal Morality:
The film critiques the judgmental gaze of society rather than professional critics, offering a more personal take on how narratives are consumed and criticized.
3. Comparative Narrative Approaches
"Chup: Revenge of the Artist"Narrative Approach:
The movie is a psychological thriller, with a layered narrative tying crime and art critique together. The symbolic references to Guru Dutt and Kaagaz Ke Phool add a meta-cinematic quality.
Resolution: It suggests a middle ground criticism is essential but must be constructive and rooted in understanding, not dismissal.
"Haseen Dillruba"Narrative Approach:
It uses a whodunit framework mixed with melodrama and romance. Its layered narrative ties pulp fiction to real-life crime, reflecting the messy entanglement of love, obsession, and morality.
Resolution: The ending showcases the resilience of love and its willingness to break societal and moral boundaries, leaving audiences to reflect on personal biases.
4. Criticism in Both Films
Common Ground:
Both films interrogate the act of criticism Chup directly critiques film reviewers, while Haseen Dillruba critiques societal and artistic judgment.
Key Difference: Chup focuses on the plight of the artist and their response to external judgment, while Haseen Dillruba explores internal conflicts and how narratives are judged based on genre biases.
Conclusion:
Both films are bold experiments in blending art and meta-commentary. Chup addresses criticism in its purest form, reflecting on the ethical duties of critics and audiences alike, while Haseen Dillruba uses the lens of pulp fiction to challenge moral judgments and highlight the biases against popular art.
In the context of Panditji, Chup serves as a homage to his silent suffering, while Haseen Dillruba indirectly channels the undervalued spirit of artistry he represents.
Refrences:
“Amitabh Bachchan says he played all instruments in his composition for Chup, recorded it himself 'alone.'” Hindustan Times, HT Entertainment Desk, 25 September 2022, https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/amitabh-bachchan-says-he-played-all-instruments-in-his-composition-for-chup-101664113373198.html. Accessed 6 March 2025.
Kotecha, Ronak. “Chup: Revenge Of The Artist Movie Review: 'Chup' cannot silence its critics.” Times of India, 22 September 2022, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/chup-revenge-of-the-artist/movie-review/94338433.cms. Accessed 6 March 2025.
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