Khufiya

The tale is engrossing. No doubt. What I liked about thee film is the time taken to develop the characters. When Tabu comes on screen, she is the meticulous, careful agent who also has her own life. She is not an office goer. Abiding by the rules of the superiors she has a soft spot for her friend, colleague Heena. Also her love interest.

Without shying from it, her ex-husband Atul Kulkarni understands her perfectly. His few scenes are meaningful. Spot on. He is ever supportive. He also tells her to take care. Her head strong nature, plunging in her work, no nonsense attitude is no secret. He knows her from college & it shows. I marveled at their understanding, in spite of the divorce. No hard feelings.

He is taking good care of their son, Vikram. But he doesn’t make it an issue. He knows her work doesn’t allow much time to her. The dinner after their son’s drama or his birthday are important to both, as parents. Yet she can’t stay long. He understands but wishes her to make time for their son.

The teenage son has his own issues. He wants his mother. He is in awe of her. But because of the short time he is able to spend with her, he is furious, sulky. In the end when she calls him, that is a kind of closure that all of us wish for!

The traitor Ravi has a hard life. He has to obey his bosses & listen to his mother, a tough lady. She doesn’t hesitate to shoot at her daughter-in -law. I have seen Nargis shoot her son in ‘Mother India’ but that was because her son was wrong. Here, this mother encourages her son to do wrong to the country & earn money!!

Ravi’s wife is an innocent lady. She is happy with her family. But cannot tolerate his treachery. When she recovers from her wounds, she goes to her husband, mother-in-law & her son. Now, she has vowed to help her country. Her transformation is the best. With Tabu’s help she regains her position in her family, also advises her to call her son.

Her character has more layers than any other. From dancing to old Hindi songs, dropping her son to swimming classes, cleaning & keeping house, managing her mother-in-law & husband to the secret agent that she becomes! All becomes her.

I felt she is the best part of the film. Endowed with a pleasant personality, she has shown great versatility. Hats off to her.

If Irrfan was cast in the film, the film would have had a different texture. His huge eyes would be watching Ravi’s house. If only! A great actor lost forever!!

The film is engrossing & take- aways many.