The machine is a crucial asset during health crises like Covid-19
uae1 hour ago
Trance begins with a spiral view of an old ladder leading to the dwelling of its protagonist Viju Prasad, a motivational speaker played by Fahadh Faasil, who plays his character to perfection - a cynic with a passion. It reminds us of a desi Joaquin Phoenix (in Joker). The protagonist, who faces multiple atrocities - death of his family members and financial struggles - falls prey to a conglomerate firm, who then utilises Viju's skills to make profits.
Director Anwar Rasheed's film had claimed austerity, expected to be audacious and exciting. He politely but actively mocks the subject of his choice. While the posters and teasers claimed the film explores psychedelic hallucinations, a scene at the beginning of the movie refutes that 'religion is the biggest drug of all'.
The story takes extended references from viral social media videos of faith healers and the public who believe in them. The use of symbolism with shots of fish becomes repetitive, so are the extras who appear multiple times in different characters, not a credible choice for a movie making tall claims.
Rasheed touches the subject of the corporate exploitation of beliefs, but does not go beyond superficiality as his characters are tied to the projected experience of religion, not to the cinematic experience of spirituality.
Viju travels through an emotional rollercoaster with recurrent memories. He stumbles between his real self and the identity invoked by his decision With his acquired identity as a pastor living moments of ecstasy, spectators are given doses of depression disguised as intelligence. The thin line of living his dreams is intertwined with the fear, imposed by his corporate masters.
The strange exhilaration when Viju meets Esther (Nazriya Nasrin) does not play out well because the heroine is showcased as simply a symbol of sensuality.
Cinematographer Amal Neerad displays a clean card throughout the film, while the editor Praveen Prabhakar, shuffles between mid and close shots for most of the 170-minute act. As the film reaches its climax, the cliched 'good-hearted people win in the end despite being smitten by evil' is well played out. Viju escapes judicial scrutiny and is sent to an asylum. He later travels to Amsterdam - on a surreal flight - after his two-year treatment, in search of Esther.
Rasheed's entire plot tries to portray the duo's experience of survival, holding on fiercely to each moment. The secular intellect of spectators, tapped throughout the movie, strengthens cautiousness against miracle practices.
Trance is ambitious because it tries to place the image of Christ in a much complicated modern world, but fails to address the actual concerns - the desperation of unemployed youth in India.
sameeha@khaleejtimes.com
TRANCE
Director: Anwar Rasheed
Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Nazriya Nazim, Soubin Shahir, Vinayakan, Chemban Vinod Jose, Dileesh Pothan and Gautham Menon
Rating: 3/5
The machine is a crucial asset during health crises like Covid-19
uae1 hour ago
Through this platform, companies can access capital through diverse assets including equity and debt with plans to introduce additional asset classes
markets2 hours ago
Restoring bakeries and ensuring supply of flour, water and fuel will be crucial to stopping famine spreading across the crowded enclave nearly 7 months into the conflict
mena2 hours ago
The HONOR Magic V2 represents the first of many forthcoming breakthroughs in this exciting new market
kt network2 hours ago
This aims to ease transportation to and from Dubai Airport
uae2 hours ago
Pets suffer nosebleeds, severe skin rashes and lapses into unconsciousness in a relentless hot weather over the past week
asia2 hours ago
The airline warned there could be delays due to rain and heavy traffic
uae2 hours ago
As the climate warms due to the burning of fossil fuels, heatwaves are lasting longer and reaching greater peaks as average temperatures rise
world2 hours ago