India's KILLING FIELDS!. Review on Red Alert

This year, two thorny disputes of India reared their ugly head full throttle-one, the honour killings and the other, the Naxalite movement. After the CRPF officer’s massacre at Dantewada in April and the Jnaneshwari Express accident, the Red movement has become the most burning issue of our country. Red Alert, dealing with this menace, comes at a perfect time when there is considerable awareness and know-how about the ‘revolution’ among the common man. Exceptionally treated and performed, Red Alert throws light on the stark realities of the people involved in the movement and also offers a ray of hope to all those poor who are unnecessarily engulfed in the battle. One of the finest films of this year, without doubt!

The story of the movie: Narsimha (Suniel Shetty) is a poor farm labourer in a backward district of Andhra Pradesh. One day, when he is assigned the task to deliver food to a Naxalite group in his region, hell breaks loose and before he could realize, he’s sucked into their revolution and movement. He goes with the tide, expecting that whatever he’ll do will result in his family getting two decent meals a day. However, the truth was darker than was expected. On one hand are the Naxalites who are fighting for the poor and for a good cause. On the other hand is the system comprising of government and the police and in other words, the enemies of these Naxals. Narsimha fails to understand-arent the police, the government a part of our country too? How can they be enemies? Finally, after a chance confrontation, Narsimha, instead of being a puppet of Naxalites, decides to take matter in his own hands.

Everything in the film right from the beginning-location, setting, treatment, script and performance makes you forget that you are watching actors on screen. Everything is so realistic that soon they actually seem to be the characters they are playing. The film wins from the first scene itself when Narsimha gets entangled in a cross fire between Naxals and police. The film maintains its flow well and that too right till the end. The intermission point was terrific leaving a painful question with no definite answer.

If the first hour was great, second half was even better. Vinod Khanna’s entry and the attack on a school were wonderfully treated. Narsimha’s confrontation with Velu (Ashish Vidyarthi) gives a solid twist to the tale and takes the film to a high. But from here, the film might seem predictable but lo! The climax turns out to be the most unexpected too! It was good to see that the makers didn’t opt for the beaten path and instead come up with something fresh and new. Also, the film strikes a neat balance and gives a nice overview about both the Naxals and the system. Naxals are not anti-India and as Ashish Vidyarthi says at a point in the film which sums up all-“We are revolutionaries and not terrorists. Terrorists are against the country, we are against the system!” At the same time, the government is also shown in a positive light towards the finale. Maybe this was done to appease them but whatever be the reason; the film turns out to be brilliant, gives a nice message and offers a ray of hope to all the landless and poor.

All those who make fun of Suniel Shetty and his mannerisms, it’s time to watch Red Alert and change your mindset! The actor gives the best performance of his career in Red Alert! The way he slips into his character so effortlessly and comes up with an outstanding performance is truly incredible! This act, undoubtedly, deserves a National Award and also a nomination in other awards (that might not happen though!)! For me, this is one of the most brilliant performances ever!

Sameera Reddy shines in her deglam avatar and was absolutely natural. Here’s another actor who is a great performer and should be taken seriously! Ashish Vidyarthi gives a terrific performance. It was great to see him after a long period of time! Seema Biswas, like everytime, comes up with another intense performance. Makrand Deshpande (as Raghavan the journalist) and Sunil Sinha (Murli) leave considerable mark. Vinod Khanna was a delight as usual while Zakir Hussain was amazing as the Home Minister. Naseeruddin Shah, like Raajneeti, is seen in this film in a miniscule role! Bhagyashree, Ayesha Dharkar and Gulshan Grover play their part well. Others lend able support.

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