Asambhav review: A meticulously crafted whodunit thriller that delves into the enigmatic secrets of past life
'Asambhav' commences with Manasi (Mukta Barve) enduring acute physical discomfort, which abruptly dissipates upon her awakening. Manasi has been besieged by harrowing nightmares since childhood, inflicting profound emotional distress. As an architect, she encounters a promising young entrepreneur, Aditya Deshmukh (Sachit Patil). Together, they embark on a journey to Nainital for a significant project, during which Manasi confides in Aditya about a persistent nightmare. What lies at the heart of Manasi's affliction? Is it a psychological ailment or something more extraordinary? Aditya seeks the counsel of his friend, psychiatrist Satyajit (Sandeep Deshmukh), to delve deeper into the matter. They gradually formulate the hypothesis that the source of Manasi's nightmares may be intertwined with her past life. What events transpired in Manasi's previous existence? How can these revelations be unveiled? Does Aditya share any connection to her former life? Even if the past-life incident is disclosed, how can it liberate Manasi from her present anguish? The entirety of the film's narrative revolves around uncovering answers to these compelling questions.
In Indian mainstream cinema, the theme of reincarnation has remained relatively uncharted, with notable exceptions such as Karz (1982), Om Shanti Om (2007), and Magadheera (2009). The concept of reincarnation and the quest for past-life enigmas and their correlation to the present is a refreshing notion for contemporary audiences. When executed with finesse, particularly within the realms of thrillers or whodunits, it can captivate viewers from beginning to end. Sachit Patil's 'Asambhav' accomplishes this feat with aplomb. The film's principal strength lies in its gripping screenplay, which centers around the enigmatic mystery of Manasi's past life, its interrelation with her current existence, and her pursuit of answers to liberate herself from torment. Another commendable facet of the film is the writers' adeptness in striking an impeccable balance between complexity and accessibility, thereby sustaining viewer intrigue, especially as the narrative unfolds from three distinct perspectives. Sachit Patil and co-director Pushkar Shrotri have also ensured that the film remains focused, eschewing superfluous scenes and subplots that could potentially undermine the central narrative.
The movie adeptly portrays the escalating anxiety, trepidation, and paranoia experienced by Manasi and Aditya as they unearth answers that lead to further questions. The visuals are understated and respectful of the film's tone, though a deeper exploration of additional themes, particularly in the latter half, would have enriched the narrative. While it may not present anything revolutionary, especially for those well-acquainted with whodunit suspense thrillers, it successfully engages and piques the curiosity of viewers, which stands as the film's most compelling attribute. At two hours and twenty minutes, the pacing is judiciously calibrated, with no scenes feeling unnecessarily prolonged. Editor Faisal Mahadik merits recognition for ensuring a streamlined narrative.
The performances of Sachit Patil, Mukta Barve, and Priya Bapat are nothing short of exceptional in their respective roles. Mukta Barve is particularly remarkable in scenes where she adeptly conveys the disorientation of a woman gradually reconstructing her past life. I shall refrain from disclosing too much about Priya Bapat's role in this film, as it treads into spoiler territory; however, Priya undeniably makes a substantial impact, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a character that defies conventional expectations. The emotional turmoil experienced by Aditya upon the revelation of Manasi's past life, along with several poignant moments, is especially well-realized.
One of the notable shortcomings of 'Asambhav' lies in its inability to provide a truly cinematic experience in terms of cinematography and direction, which is surprising given Sachit Patil's dual expertise as both an actor and director. The indoor scenes often evoke the atmosphere of weekly crime shows such as Crime Patrol or CID. Furthermore, the film underutilizes the breathtaking landscapes and locations where the outdoor scenes are filmed. Had these locations been employed more effectively, they could have significantly enhanced the sense of dread through suspense and psychological terror. Consequently, this absence of psychological tension may lead some viewers to perceive certain scenes as underwhelming in the first half.
Ultimately, 'Asambhav' is a genuinely well-crafted whodunit thriller that delves into the intricate connections between past and present lives, engaging our intellect and drawing us in as we endeavor to unravel the mystery before it fully unfolds.
Cast: Sachit Patil, Mukta Barve, Priya Bapat, Sandeep Kulkarni
Writers: Kapil Bhopatkar, Vishal Inamdar, Sachit Patil
Directors: Sachit Patil, Pushkar Shrotri
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