Star Cast - Neeru Bajwa, Dheeraj Kumar, Prince Kanwaljit Singh, Raghveer Boli
Director - Garinder Sidhu
Ratings - 3.5 Stars
Everyone is waiting for the film ‘Criminal’ to be released in theatres. And finally, the crime thriller has made its way to the big screen. The well-known director Garinder Sidhu, who has proved his skills as an Associate Director in movies like Ik Sandhu Hunda Si and Rocky Mental, has directed Criminal, which was written by Sarvjit Khera and Naveen Jethi.
Now, before jumping into the review, there’s a question for everyone. What does the title ‘Criminal’ depict to you? You will leave the theatres feeling more than happy if it makes you expect excitement, drama, and action in the film. But adding more to that, the film Criminal is not restricted to crime and drama, but love and a message too.
Story & Screenplay
The trailer for Criminal was more than enough to disclose that the film is going to be based on the story of a couple who get house arrest as five dangerous criminals escape from jail. But surprisingly, before the police could arrive at the location, killings and torture had been done there. The film begins with the love story of Mahi Brar (Neeru Bajwa) and Arjan Brar (Dheeraj Kumar). Both are facing some relationship issues and are trying to get divorced. The beginning of the movie is a little slow, but when the most wanted criminals escape from jail and enter their house, the major thrill just turns on. The criminals are introduced in a very spine-chilling manner, and without a doubt, Raghveer Boli, Prince Kanwaljit Singh, and Neeru Bajwa just steal the show.
With a lot of drama, unease, love, anxiety, message, and many more, the film’s story is a unique one. Without giving you a spoiler, we must say, ‘Criminal’, is surely at least a one-time watch movie.
Acting
Starting with an onscreen couple, Dheeraj Kumar and Neeru Bajwa. Neeru Bajwa, the leading lady, is exuding her trademark boss-lady attitude. No other character could more accurately portray who she really was. Without a doubt, she has consistently dazzled us with her characters, and we feel the same way about the courageous woman she portrays in this one. Whereas Dheeraj Kumar proved his skills with films like Qissa Punjab, Rocky Mental, and many more, he has once again made his audience drool over him. However, we believe that such a varied artist is capable of more, so the makers could have fetched more from him. The internal love and chemistry they showed on the big screens teach us a lot.
Prince Kanwaljit Singh (Bhoora) probes his capability in Warning and in Criminal he is just brilliant. The level he sets for other artists is par excellence. He gives goosebumps with his dialogue delivery and expression. He seriously has a dangerous mind in the film. Even though Prince KJ hasn't gotten a great amount of screen time, he has proven himself in what little he has done. He demonstrated his talent not only with his dialogue delivery but also with his facial expressions. Additionally, using scissors is a novel and fascinating idea.
Raghveer Boli (Master) was phenomenal in the movie! He plays one of the criminals out of five. And the versatility he proves in the film is beyond words. Little things in the movie have been polished by Boli amazingly. The performance he gave in the film is brilliant. His character has not only made us scared but tickled our funny bones too. It seems like he was born to be an actor. He gets a lot of applause for his staple expression, which he did with his teeth. We can surely say this scene will be carried by him throughout his whole life.
Without Gurnav Deep Singh (Tunni) and Hrishabh Sharma (Demu), this movie would not have been as endearing, as we must state out loud. Both actors ended up being the best in the movie and were exceptional in their parts. Also, one man who needs hats off in the film is Sanjeev Klair (Kappa). His dead body plays a major role in the film. Hail to the director who put the soul in a dead person. Finally, all the supporting actors like Sukhwinder Chahal, Harbhagwan Singh, Navkiran Bhattal, and many others have been perfectly used in the film. They all impressed us with their performances in Criminal.
Direction & Writing
The story is no doubt unique, which not only sticks to one angle of the film but multiple. It shows heartbreak, emotions, love, crime, thrills, and fun too. But the film feels low at some points, as the first half of the film is comparatively weak and stretched. The film seems to get interesting after the entry of five criminals and hooks the audience at many points. Garinder Sidhu’s direction was good enough, but the film could have been presented in a better way. Though the film was shot in only 15 days, so few mistakes are exempted due to this. It was a great effort, though, as some of the scenes have been presented really well.
There were many scenes in the film, making Garinder Sidhu’s performance as a director a really good one. And what grabbed our attention was when we saw Neeru Bajwa donning subtle colours like green and white. And during the whole crime scene, she was wearing all white attire, which enhanced her bruised look even more. Also, Prince KJ’s attire was also eye-grabbing. The colour palette for him was also perfectly reflected by the director, Sidhu.
Now, coming to the dialogues that have been penned by Vinit Attri and Vishal Singh Deot are very poignant. And hail to the actors who presented them impactfully. And as far as comedy is concerned, Prince KJ’s dialogue is very well written.
Music & Background Score
There are four songs in the film. And hail to the very singer who gave their part. Though Pyar Di Gal and High Jatt started one after another, it seems like the song was imposed on the film. The film's storyline has not been disrupted by the other two. Moreover, the hooking element in the film is the terrific background score. An extra mark for BGM, which has been done by Kevin Roy.
Conclusion
Overall, the film gave us a fun ride with some thrills and drama. It also gives us a very beautiful message that couples should always maintain communication. As miscommunication always destroys a relationship. Not only this, but self-defence is most important these days, so for all the girls and boys out there, play with your mind and be brave in every tricky situation. Also, an extra half-star for the makers who created this commendable piece in 15 days.
Team 5 Dariya News gives 3.5 stars out of 5.
PS - As the film's end and impending conclusion draw to a climax, Prince Kanwaljit Singh's character is once again imprisoned, and the makers have so explicitly hinted at a Criminal sequel.
Haven’t watched the Criminal trailer yet? Here it is. Check it out.