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Amit Jadhav

The Great Indian Suicide (2023) Movie Review: Koneti's Dark Brew Serves Up a Twisted Mystery



Forget love triangles, "The Great Indian Suicide" serves up a coffee-sipping mystery with a side of mass-suicide and reincarnation – a blend as bold as any masala Dabangg number. Director Viplove Koneti, known for his dark social satires, takes a deep dive into unsettling cultural practices and throws in a twist that'll leave you questioning your chai break.


Ram Karthik's Hemanth, a coffee shop owner with a heart of gold (and a craving for Chaitra's cookies), falls head over heels for Hebah Patel's Chaitra. But alas, love takes a sinister turn when Chaitra announces her family's impending mass suicide and her own expiration date, all thanks to a chilling family secret. Enter: a race against time, cryptic clues, and a sprinkle of deja vu as Hemanth tries to unravel the mystery and save the girl of his dreams, or is it a past life?


Koneti's signature dark humor laces the narrative, making even the macabre strangely palatable. Think "Andhadhun" meets "Groundhog Day" with a dash of "The Sixth Sense" – a twisted cocktail that keeps you glued to the screen. Patel shines as the enigmatic Chaitra, effortlessly switching between vulnerability and steely resolve. Karthik plays the wide-eyed hero with charm, while Naresh and Pavitra Lokesh add layers of intrigue as Chaitra's enigmatic family.


The film's strength lies in its exploration of unsettling themes like familial devotion, blind faith, and the cyclical nature of trauma. Koneti doesn't shy away from delving into the dark corners of the human psyche, making you question if some mysteries are better left unsolved. The cinematography is evocative, capturing the sun-drenched streets and claustrophobic interiors with equal skill. The score, a haunting blend of traditional Telugu melodies and electronica, intensifies the atmosphere, making every chai slurp feel like a ticking time bomb.


However, the film isn't without its flaws. The pacing flags in the middle, and some of the flashbacks feel redundant. The ending, while thought-provoking, might leave some viewers wanting more concrete answers. Additionally, the film deals with sensitive themes like child abuse and suicide, which might require viewer discretion.


"The Great Indian Suicide" is not your typical rom-com, nor is it a straightforward thriller. It's a film that challenges you to think, to feel uncomfortable, and to question the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives. It's a film that deserves a conversation, a debate, and perhaps another cup of chai to ponder its many layers.


A bold and unsettling film that is sure to spark conversations, but be prepared for a bumpy ride. Recommended for those who like their chai with a twist of macabre.


Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 out of 5


Join the discussion! What did you think of "The Great Indian Suicide"? Did the ending leave you satisfied? Share your interpretations and cultural perspectives in the comments below!

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