Voyeurism and Information Diffusion: a Sober Reflection

Read Time:3 Minute, 4 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Privacy
–

Genre: Crime, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 25m
Director(s): Sudeep Kanwal
Writer(s): Sudeep Kanwal
Cast: Rajshri Deshpande, Nishank Verma, Sandesh Kulkarni, Saurabh Goyal, Chhaya Kadam, Rushad Rana, Sagar Salunke
Language: Hindi with English subtitles
Where To Watch: premieres June 30, 2023, at The Bucheon International Film Festival (BIFAN)

RAVING REVIEW: PRIVACY, a mind-bending journey directed by Sudeep Kanwal, is an incredible confluence of mystery, social commentary, and urgent exploration of a near-future world. Juxtaposing Mumbai's glittering high-rises with its darker slums at their feet, this film provides a nuanced peek into the teeming metropolis while raising alarming queries about our rapidly vanishing personal space.

The central axis of PRIVACY is Roopali, the character masterfully embodied by Rajshri Deshpande. Roopali, a diligent law enforcement officer, finds herself mired in the everyday repetition of dissecting CCTV footage flowing in the city. The lack of appreciation she experiences, despite the gravity of her work, colors her existence with disillusionment.

Roopali's narrative gets an intriguing twist with the entry of characters played by the skilled Chhaya Kadam, Nishank Verma, and Sandesh Kulkarni. As they morph into the landscape of her life, they help carve deeper trenches into the storyline. Amidst the taxing monotony, Roopali finds an unexpected silver lining in the riveting adventures of a wealthy woman who is an intriguing deviation from Roopali's daily grind.

PRIVACY pulls the rug from under them as the audience attests to the rhythm. The mundanity of Roopali's work propels her towards a path of intrigue and unexpected danger as she finds herself entwined with the sketchy dealings of a suspect, Ajay, brought to life by Nishak Verma. But the plot thickens, and behind Roopali's unorthodox actions hides a well of deeper motivations that gradually unfurl as the story evolves.

Painting a vivid picture with its neo-noir strokes, PRIVACY tackles contemporary societal dilemmas such as voyeurism and information diffusion in our digital age. It nudges the viewers to contemplate the fragility of their privacy and the battle between individual freedoms and the collective safety of society.

The narrative skillfully exposes the darker aspects of surveillance technology, causing the audience to look deeper into what this all means in the larger picture. It invites the audience on a guided tour through Mumbai's diverse locales, tracking Roopali's journey as she maneuvers through her moral dilemmas and the pulsating energy of a city perpetually watched.

In an ominous tone, PRIVACY refers to Edward Snowden's warnings about mass surveillance abuse. Its cinematography sketches a vibrant portrait of Mumbai's starkly contrasting terrains, laden with brewing tensions. PRIVACY raises the alarm about our fast-declining personal space and a value steadily eroded in today's fast-paced world. It warns about the looming threat to this fundamental right and nudges us not to disregard the warning signs that might eventually lead to its collapse.

PRIVACY will be released at The Bucheon International Film Festival (BIFAN) this week. Leaving its audience with a lingering question: Are we edging closer to a future where our every step is monitored, our secrets laid bare, and the sanctity of privacy constantly compromised?

For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of FUNDAMENTAL PICTURES, HOUSE OF TALENT STUDIO]