Celebrating 20 Years of Anubhav Sinha's 'Dus': A Cinematic Journey
A Stylish Action Film
This film is so captivating that you might want to wear sunglasses while watching it. Unlike previous thrillers such as Sanjay Gupta’s 'Kaante', Vikram Bhatt’s 'Elaan', and Rajiv Rai’s 'Asambhav', 'Dus' doesn’t come off as artificially cool. It also avoids feeling like a lesser version of the 'Die Hard' or 'Mission Impossible' franchises.
While the screenplay by Yash and Vinay borrows extensively from various Hollywood action films, the cool demeanor of its characters mirrors the stylish archetype seen in 'Men in Black', which has become a standard for heroism in cinema.
Anubhav Sinha deserves credit for managing a large cast and expansive storyline with impressive flair. The fast-paced narrative keeps viewers engaged, preventing them from focusing on the film's more absurd elements.
As Sinha takes the audience on a journey from Delhi to Calgary to thwart international terrorism (or perhaps just to protect the Indian Prime Minister?), he ensures that the film maintains a light-hearted tone.
'Dus' blends action with satire, desire with tension, and features characters influenced by Western ideals yet driven by local emotions. While they maintain a laid-back attitude throughout, they also find time for relatable moments.
A cleverly crafted engagement song subtly hints at a love triangle involving the bride-to-be (Diya Mirza in a brief role), her fiancé, and Zayed Khan, who plays the brother of Sanjay Dutt’s character.
The film predominantly focuses on male dynamics, showcasing a strong camaraderie among the characters involved in espionage. Abhishek Bachchan and Zayed Khan are perfectly cast against each other, creating a compelling rivalry that adds depth to the narrative.
However, the plot lacks substantial depth. The premise of a group of anti-terrorists preventing a catastrophic event is fleshed out with characters that feel well-developed, even if the overall storyline is somewhat thin.
Filmed in picturesque Calgary, Vijay Arora’s cinematography aligns well with the characters, enhancing the film's appeal. Yet, the editing reveals the director's background in music videos, resulting in some moments of tension being lost in the rush to keep the audience engaged.
Sinha demonstrates a solid understanding of action film dynamics. Although the story draws from various influences, it remains grounded in local culture. A notable cameo by Ninad Kamath as a traitorous patriot leaves a lasting impression.
Ultimately, 'Dus' triumphs through its engaging presentation. Each element is crafted to captivate the viewer, with a well-coordinated structure that keeps the audience invested. While a few female characters, like Esha Deol, are present, the film primarily focuses on the male ensemble.
The performances are consistently strong. Sanjay Dutt shines as the group leader, portraying vulnerability and strength, while Suniel Shetty effectively embodies a cop grappling with personal challenges.
Pankaj Kapoor steals many scenes with his dynamic presence, blending humor and emotion seamlessly into the story. However, the spotlight often falls on the duo of Zayed and Abhishek, with Zayed’s youthful charm winning over the audience and Abhishek showcasing his growth as an actor, particularly in a poignant death scene.
The casting of the young and attractive Raima Sen as Suniel Shetty’s pregnant wife raises some eyebrows, adding an unexpected twist.