Road, Movie - Review

After creating quite some magic on the festival circuit, Dev Bengal's much awaited Road, Movie finally hits the screens. With Abhay Deol in the driving seat, does this one live up to the expectations?
This is one film meant for those with a penchant for strikingly diverse cinema. If you are going for a paisa-vasool entertainer, DON'T read this review.

The story deals withe life of Vishnu(Abhay Deol) who does not want to enter his fathers hair-oil business. He decides to do a favour to his uncle by transporting his film projector installed antique truck to the required destination.
Vishus journey takes him across the desert along with various other characters, such as a boy working at tea stall(Mohammed Faisal), an animated old mechanic Om(Satish Kaushik) & even a banjaran(Tannishtha Chatterjee) for the latter half of his journey.
The movie also deals with the issue of the water mafia that plagues the villages.

Clocking in at just over 90 minutes, the film is short & to the point. The screenplay is a little loose & the script doesn't hold too strong. The film does slow down drastically at times & leaves you wandering away.
Sometimes, the movie is more of a visual treat than anything else. The locations are stunning & the movie has a beautiful feel to it.

The cinematography by Michel Amathieu is exusisite, as he covers the vast landscapes with great style. Whether is is the sand, or the silhouettes of the villagers, every frame is beautiful.
A special mention for the background score by Micheal Brook.

Of the actors, Satish Kaushik leads the pack. He efforlessly plays the lazy, grungy mechanic & does a brilliant job. Child actor Mohammed Faisal too, pitches in with a thumping performance, as he steals the show from the other actors.
This wouldn't classify as one of Abhay Deol's best acts. He does good but nowhere near Dev.D.

Director Dev Bengal has truly gone & made different cinema. His direction is very interesting & there is unique style to the film. Working in parts & failing it parts, it is an interesting concoction.

At the end of it, Road Movie is a weird yet interesting film. I repeat again that is meant for those with an appetite for the atypical, not all the so-called "Multiplex Janta". At the box office, one doesn't see it working any magic.
So watch it at your own risk, as this abstract adventure might just work for you. It does for me.

Rating: 3/5