 |
| Image Credit X |
Rensil D'Silva’s Dial 100 is a psychological thriller that unfolds over a single stormy night in Mumbai. The film captures the intense drama of a police emergency call center as it spirals into a high-stakes personal crisis. With powerhouse performances from Manoj Bajpayee, Neena Gupta, and Sakshi Tanwar, the movie explores themes of grief, revenge, and family discord while delivering moments of nail-biting suspense.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Senior Police Officer Nikhil Sood (Manoj Bajpayee) starting his night shift at the Mumbai Police Emergency Control Room. The opening scene paints a picture of a man juggling a crumbling personal life: a strained marriage with Prerna (Sakshi Tanwar) and a rebellious teenage son, Dhruv (Svar Kamble).
In the middle of managing calls and personal interruptions, Nikhil receives a cryptic and disturbing call from a distraught woman, Seema Pallav (Neena Gupta), who threatens to end her life. What starts as an attempt to save her soon escalates into a deeply personal and dangerous ordeal. Seema knows Nikhil’s secrets, and her motives seem rooted in a personal tragedy that ties her directly to him. The night turns into a race against time as Nikhil must confront his past while protecting his family from a devastating fallout.
Performances That Shine
Manoj Bajpayee once again proves his mettle as one of Bollywood’s finest actors. He brilliantly portrays Nikhil as a middle-class man failing at home but excelling under professional pressure. His ability to seamlessly transition between vulnerability and quick-thinking determination keeps viewers hooked.
Neena Gupta steals the spotlight as Seema Pallav, a grieving mother driven by revenge. Her unpredictability and emotional depth give the film its tension and gravitas. Gupta’s portrayal of pain and resolve is chilling, making her character unforgettable.
Sakshi Tanwar, though limited in screen time, delivers a compelling performance. Her emotional breakdown scene adds layers of authenticity and human connection to the narrative, grounding the film in relatable struggles.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Rensil D'Silva, known for his work on Kurbaan and the TV series 24, crafts an intriguing revenge drama that relies heavily on its performances. While the premise holds promise, the screenplay takes time to find its rhythm. The first half struggles with pacing, but the intensity picks up once the layers of Seema's past unravel.
The film’s runtime, under two hours, works in its favor, ensuring that the suspense doesn’t overstay its welcome. However, the writing could have been sharper, particularly in establishing the stakes early on. Asif Ali Shaikh’s editing maintains the narrative's urgency, but the movie leans more on the actors’ brilliance than the storytelling.
Final Verdict
Dial 100 is not just a thriller; it’s a gripping emotional drama. While the story may not reinvent the wheel, the performances elevate it to a must-watch. If you’re a fan of Manoj Bajpayee’s nuanced acting or Neena Gupta’s versatility, this film is worth your time.
For those seeking a suspenseful revenge tale driven by strong characters, Dial 100 delivers on its promise. It may not be flawless, but its compelling performances make it an engaging watch.