‘Dear Vikram’ movie review: A socio-political film that bites off more than it can chew

Even earlier than its launch, Expensive Vikram had fuelled curiosity among the many viewers on account of an argument. The Central Board of Movie Certification (CBFC) had objected to the movie’s earlier title Godhra, following which director Nandeesh clarified that the movie is under no circumstances linked to the notorious Godhra riots of Gujarat in 2022 and that he has no intention of injuring anybody’s sentiment. Regardless of the clarification and the altering of the title to Expensive Vikram, the viewers has remained curious, and now, the movie lastly premiered on Voot Choose.

Apart from the truth that streaming platforms provide more room for such socio-political content material, the small, private display makes the problems with the movie’s cinematic language, construction and approach extra obvious. Nandeesh has taken the chance of choosing a hyper-link, multi-narrative construction that connects characters, who’re both victims or beneficiaries of the social local weather in our nation.

He makes use of 4 characters to get his message throughout: Vikram (Satish Ninasam), a proficient Dalit pupil; Nitya (Shraddha Srinath) an upper-caste idealist; Bharat (Vasishta Simha); and Nidhi (Raksha Somashekar). Whereas Vikram represents a revolutionary path, Bharat believes in a robust Hindu Nation. The movie delineates their life and experiences, exposing the futility of romantic idealism that’s believed to be misguiding the youthful technology. Expensive Vikram majorly revolves round Vikram, because the title suggests, and Nitya, who as college students talk about altering society and getting married. Each Vikram and Bharat lastly realise that the system exploits their idealistic minds and makes use of them for his or her beneficial properties.

Nandeesh was trustworthy. As he claimed, Expensive Vikram has no connection to the Godhra communal riots, straight or not directly. It peripherally touches upon the prevailing sectarian environment, the place even our minor variations are being weaponised. However, in his enthusiasm to deal with a number of burning socio-economic, cultural, non secular and political points within the span of 1 movie, the director appears to have misplaced his focus. Consequently, Expensive Vikram seems to be overtly preachy, and to attach the lacking dots and for continuity’s sake, the director takes recourse to a narrator.

However the filmmaker additionally makes an attempt to current the present political situation with out making direct references. Within the melee, the viewers could discover the caricatures of a former chief minister, who launched the “Grama Vastavya” programme and takes an oath within the title of farmers and the slain Maoist Saket Rajan alias Prem. No stones are left unturned. From the farmers’ agitation, the Hindutva agenda, the anti-Feudal Maoist motion, and romantic idealism, to the bonhomie of politicians and the company world and the commercialisation of training, it touches upon each problem plaguing India. Had Nandeesh focussed on one problem and weaved different parts round it, his intention would have yielded the end result. In the meantime, those that count on one thing completely different after watching the trailer and controversy over the change of title, is likely to be left dissatisfied.

With an ensemble forged of skilled actors comparable to Satish Ninasam, Shraddha Srinath, Vasishtha Simha, and Achyut Kumar, the director might have created robust characters that depart an impression on the minds of the viewers. Nonetheless, all of the actors give it their finest to carry the characters to life.

In its exhausting narration, solely songs comparable to Jeevake Jeeva, Beeso Gaali and Yeno Salige handle to supply some reduction to the viewers.

Expensive Vikram is presently streaming on Voot Choose