Berlin
Introduction
This film can be summed up by one of the lines of the characters who is reflective of the intelligence state in the country – when the challenge is 2+2, some people deduce it to be 3, some 5 but rarely 4 (which one character cracked in the film, also a metaphor for the representation of spies on celluloid in my books). One of the biggest universes on celluloid in India is the YRF Spy Universe, and each of the films of this universe has a central character who happens to be a spy who is shown to be larger than life. And hence, the perception that the viewers have with respect to the spy character is very different from that in reality. While combat is the primary asset highlighted for a spy in most films that are made in this country, the reality is that most spies are undercover and have a stealthy and cerebral approach in their jobs. So you wouldn’t find them crossing countries and climbing up the tallest building in the world in freestyle. In that regard, the new Hindi film Berlin holds a lot of importance given the representation of spies on celluloid. Instantly, a few films that pop-up in this ‘realistic’ space are Tinker Tailer Soldier Spy or Bridge Of Spies that rely on conversations to communicate a point to the extent that the most crucial details of the screenplay are highlighted through the lines. Hence, Berlin becomes a niche right from the word go while being extremely grounded in reality with the world building and characterization.
Story & Screenplay
Set in 1993, the premise of Berlin is simple – a sign language expert is introduced in the ‘Bureau’ as an interpreter for a deaf and mute young man who has been arrested on grounds of being a spy. This, while the backdrop is of the official visit of the Russian President to India that is the prime focal point with regard to the activity of spies in the vicinity. Straight up, if anyone wishes to understand the term ‘neo-noir’ with respect to films then Berlin becomes an instant case-study. Right from the atmospherics covered with a grim and brooding filter to the characterization of the characters, the drama is in the neo-noir space. And with respect to the world building, the geo-politics between countries also plays an important role in the initial setup, even as the writers slowly begin to invest you in the drama that stands at a runtime of a shade under 2 hours.
While the earliest frames of Berlin showcase an injured man at a hospital, the drama instantly cuts to a different setting wherein a voiceover on the radio sets up the context of the drama with respect to the geo-political situation that India finds itself in. So India and Pakistan were never really friends even in 1993, while the power center of the world was essentially divided between the US and Russia (remember USSR was collapsed in 1991 as a pretty recent phenomena then). So the visit of the Russian President was looked down upon by the US while also inviting trouble from the ISI. Amidst this, you are introduced to a protagonist who works as a sign language teacher at a Government school before being pulled up for duty at the ‘Bureau’ headquarters wherein he is tasked with the interpretion of a deaf and mute man arrested for being a ‘spy’. And the cerebral layer of the writing exposes a can of worms along the way even as deceit and corruption take centerstage while blurring the lines of guilt and betrayal.
The proceedings are engaging in a very grounded manner in which you need to pay attention to the lines to fully grasp the minute nitty-gritties in the drama. And if conversational heavy dramas are your soul food, you will enjoy every bit of the drama here. The leisurely paced screenplay allows you to fully absorb the atmosphere that is simmering with an underlying layer of tension while threatening to explode at any instance. And just like the protagonist, I found myself embroiled in the drama with every passing conversation that strengthens the relationship between the interpreter and the accused while annoying the members of the ‘Bureau’. I also liked how the internal politics between two rival agencies – the ‘Bureau’ and the ‘Wing’ were expertly highlighted almost as a game within a game that had the protagonist at the center of things.
The approach of the writing here is cerebral, and as a result some of the major twists in the drama are presented in a subdued manner that never loses its grounded touch which doubles up as the theme of the drama. Amongst the intriguing setup and the world building, the characterization was an important facet of the screenplay that was stimulating in a rather subtle manner while always holding cards close to the chest. This basically meant that you are slowly acquainted with most characters while being injected in a slow dose of poison, some in the form of a flashback, and otherwise through the lines. The simmering tension that eke out several tense moments that remain unwavered with respect to the tone of the drama, that is consistently stoic and gloomy throughout the narrative. And slowly as the can of worms begins to open up, I couldn’t help but feel infuriated with the actions of the characters that had a stirling impact on me, particularly towards the backend of the drama. At its core, the story is also about an unsaid friendship that fills you up with so many emotions at the end, in what was a brilliantly penned screenplay of the highest order.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
This is a dialogue-heavy film (make no mistake about it) and hence some of the most important details in the drama are actually revealed through the lines. And hence, you need to stay attentive even as the dialogues are brilliant and go well with the gloomy mood of the drama. The BGM is sparingly used with the focus being on the sound design that is natural to the surroundings instead. And so the sounds of shoes squeaking or the doors creaking all add up beautifully to the atmospherics in the drama. The cinematography comprises of frames that are claustrophobic while most of the drama remains crammed in a single room while quietly deviating in every other scenes outside this setting, that creates a rather intimate presence with the viewers. The viewers always act as flies on the wall even as conversations begin to brew. The editing is crisp and sharp while staying true to the bleak and gloomy theme of the drama, and offering no respite to the simmering tension that is prevalent as an undercurrent. Director Atul Sabharwal does a phenomenal job with the immaculate world-building and superb characterization without deviating from its central theme even once. The lack of any commercial tropes in the drama works in the favour of the film that offers zero respite to the viewers. The ability of the director to keep faith in his viewers by serving a cerebral and non-hurried piece of art was fabulous to witness, wherein the direction shines through and through.
Performances
The performances are incredible by the members of the cast. Nitesh Pandey (in probably his final role), Ujwal Chopra, Joy Sengupta and Kabir Bedi are wonderful additions to the screenplay and all of them are impressive to witness here. Anupriya Goenka is a character that is used as a shadow here given that you don’t really know her identity while barely being acquainted to her character motivations. And in a dialogue-heavy film, she isn’t given too many lines either. YET, this is where the prowess of an actor is shown where Anupriya manages to impress with her screen presence while leaving a lasting impression.
Rahul Bose as Sondhi brilliantly underplays his character that has many shades to it than what meets the eye. But his body language always remains unwavered, giving very little away that makes for such a brilliant watch. Ishwak Singh as Ashok Kumar is given such a terrific character arc along with a solid characterization, and he is excellent here in a character that is mute and deaf. I was quite intimidated with his character that did not flinch even once during his interrogation sequences. He is such a talented actor who is absolutely nailing the opportunities provided to him. And I was super impressed by Aparshakti Khurana who is phenomenal as Pushkin. The minimalistic approach to his character coupled with his ability to internalize his pain and his vulneranilities was a sight to watch in a character that was quite naive yet sincere. This has got to be another landmark in his promising filmography wherein he never misses a single beat in his character, while always allowing room for the viewers to invest in his journey.
Conclusion
Despite being niche with its narrative style, Berlin is a tense neo-noir spy drama with cerebral and psychological undertones, and backed by solid performances that makes for such a brilliant watch. This has got to be one of my favourite Hindi Films of 2024 (so far). Available on Zee5 and Highly Recommended!
