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Amit Jadhav

Dawshom Awbotaar (2023) Movie Review: Ten incarnations of entertainment, with a dash of "hmm… maybe eight?"



Srijit Mukherji's latest, Dawshom Awbotaar, isn't just a crime thriller, it's a prequel and a mythology mashup set in the gritty streets of Kolkata.  It's a trip down Kolkata's grimy alleys, a dive into the twisted psyche of a serial killer, and a reunion with the iconic duo of Bijoy Poddar and Probir Roy Chowdhury (played by the ever-reliable Anirban Bhattacharya and Prosenjit Chatterjee) – the OG cops of Mukherji's cinematic universe.


The film throws you headfirst into a macabre game of cat and mouse. A killer, obsessed with the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, is leaving a trail of bodies, each murder mirroring a different avatar's divine act. Enter Poddar and Roy Chowdhury, two cops as different as chalk and cheese – one meticulous and cerebral, the other impulsive and street-smart. Their initial bickering and clashing styles soon give way to a grudging respect and a shared determination to catch the elusive killer.


Mukherji's writing weaves a complex web of suspense, seamlessly blending mythology, psychological intrigue, and gritty police drama. The film takes you on a roller coaster ride, constantly keeping you guessing. Is the killer a religious fanatic, a copycat, or something more sinister? The clues are there, scattered like offerings in a temple, waiting to be deciphered.


Jaya Ahsan as Maitreyi, the psychiatrist brought in to profile the killer, adds another layer of depth to the narrative. Her sharp insights and unconventional methods challenge the cops' assumptions and force them to confront their own biases.



But it's the performances that truly elevate the film. Bhattacharya's Poddar is a revelation, a man haunted by the ghosts of past cases and struggling with his own demons. Chatterjee's Roy Chowdhury is the charismatic counterpoint, a seasoned cop with a twinkle in his eye and a knack for cracking wise even in the face of danger. Their on-screen chemistry crackles, making their partnership one of the film's greatest strengths.


Dawshom Awbotaar is not without its flaws. The pacing can feel uneven at times, and some of the twists are predictable. But the film's strengths far outweigh its shortcomings. The compelling mystery, the nuanced characters, and the atmospheric Kolkata setting make for a truly captivating experience.


Dawshom Awbotaar is a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers, psychological dramas, and Srijit Mukherji's cinematic universe. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, leaving you pondering the fine line between faith and fanaticism, good and evil, and the depths of the human psyche.


Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars


So, tell me, readers, are you ready to play Vishnu's deadly game? Share your thoughts and interpretations in the comments below!

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