Radhika Apte Shines in Tisca Chopra’s Directorial Debut "Saali Mohabbat"
Tisca Chopra makes her feature directorial debut with "Saali Mohabbat," a film that delves into the complexities of love, betrayal, and the hidden truths within domesticity. Streaming on Zee5, this domestic noir attempts to transform the essence of Chopra's short film "Chutney" (2016) into a full-length feature. While the film shows promise, some critics note that its predictable plot and familiar themes detract from its overall impact.
"Saali Mohabbat" centers around Smita, played by Radhika Apte, a seemingly demure housewife whose life takes a turn when she suspects her husband, Pankaj (Anshumaan Pushkar), of infidelity. Smita, a botany medal-holder, finds solace in her garden, using plants as metaphors to understand life's lessons. Her world, built on routine and quiet resignation, is shattered by a double murder, thrusting her into the center of suspicion and long-buried resentments.
Radhika Apte's performance is a standout, capturing both the vulnerability and strength of Smita. She embodies the character's transition from an unremarkable, overlooked woman to a figure of quiet determination with seamless nuance. Apte portrays Smita's internal struggles with raw accuracy, highlighting the character's emotional neglect and simmering anger.
Divyenndu plays Ratan, a corrupt cop investigating the murders. His pursuit of the truth, driven by hidden motives, adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative. The film also features Anurag Kashyap, though some critics feel his character's inclusion is abrupt and underdeveloped.
Chopra's direction creates an atmosphere of suspense, gradually revealing the story's layers. The film uses visual cues, such as Smita's interest in gardening, to symbolize deeper meanings, comparing domestic life to a lush garden and infidelity to a weed. However, some critics suggest that the film's feminist perspective and aesthetic production design become overbearing, detracting from the thriller's impact. While the film begins by examining the breakdown of a marriage, it loses steam as it progresses, becoming predictable and lacking in tension.
"Saali Mohabbat" explores themes of loneliness, desire, and the quiet anger simmering beneath the surface of an overlooked housewife. The film attempts to portray the complexities of love and revenge but occasionally slips into melodrama. The cinematography emphasizes warm tones and close-ups, effectively highlighting emotional tension.
Ultimately, "Saali Mohabbat" is a slow-burn thriller that relies on atmosphere and character development rather than jump scares. While it may not reinvent the genre, it offers a sensitive exploration of domestic tension and psychological unease. Radhika Apte's performance and Chopra's direction create a watchable film, though some viewers may find the plot predictable and the pacing uneven.
