Review of ‘Berlin’: Aparshakti Khurana Delivers a Subdued Performance in This Captivating Espionage Thriller

When Jagdish later confronts Pushkin, Pushkin strongly reiterates the importance of truth, prompting Jagdish to share his own interpretation of the concept.

Halfway through Atul Sabharwal’s “Berlin,” there’s a touching moment between sign-language interpreter Pushkin Verma (played by Aparshakti Khurana) and intelligence officer Jagdish Sondhi (portrayed by Rahul Bose) as they discuss the essence of ‘truth.’ During an interrogation of the deaf-and-mute suspect Ashok Kumar (Ishwak Singh), Pushkin subtly communicates with him through discreet signs.

Later, when Jagdish confronts Pushkin, he passionately reiterates the concept of truth, which prompts Jagdish to express his own view. He declares, “Truth is simply what gets recorded, typed, approved by an officer, and ultimately archived,” revealing his frustration. Pushkin, however, is cautious about such distortions of reality.

The film explores these opposing perspectives, drawing profound connections about the inner workings of intelligence agencies, their attempts to manipulate the truth, and how these systems can become authoritarian in nature. This is achieved through a tightly crafted narrative that resembles a sophisticated novel more than a conventional film.

The storytelling unfolds at a deliberate pace, carefully constructing a complex narrative. Set in Delhi in 1993, it features characters in vintage cars, dramatic overcoats, and the dimly lit paths of Lodhi Gardens. The story opens with an eerie prologue that introduces Ashok in a somewhat ambiguous manner, as a doctor examines his ears to verify his claims of being hearing and speech impaired.

The scene shifts quickly to introduce Pushkin as a teacher for hearing and speech-impaired students at a government school. His name carries a peculiar charm, reminiscent of characters from Russian literature, like those created by Chekhov or Tolstoy. “My father admired the poet Pushkin, which is why I was named after him,” he explains during a conversation.

The Russian connection deepens when Pushkin is summoned by the intelligence bureau to interrogate Ashok, who is suspected of being involved in a plot to assassinate the Russian president. The film, penned by Atul, is set during a pivotal moment in global history, highlighting India’s transition towards liberalization and the opening of its markets to privatization.

A mysterious café, named Berlin, serves as a hub for intelligence officers discussing sensitive government matters. The year 1989 was significant for Berlin, marked by the fall of the wall, which symbolized the end of the Cold War in 1991. This café becomes a meeting point for agents from two rival intelligence factions, known as ‘Wing’ and ‘Bureau,’ reflecting the longstanding tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

This rich historical backdrop enhances the film’s narrative, creating a compelling portrayal of a world on the brink of transformation. The historical elements are woven seamlessly into the screenplay, avoiding any need for overly complex storytelling.

This effectiveness is achieved through a consistently introspective editing style. Scenes are carefully arranged to amplify their impact when combined. Ashok’s narrative takes us back to his time at Café Berlin, where he keenly observed the world around him, despite his limitations.

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Rahul excels in portraying the intricate nuances of a cunning intelligence officer, showcasing his arrogance through the firm resonance of his voice and the tense expressions on his face. Ishwak captivates with his blend of mystery and endearing innocence, effectively conveying the emotional turmoil of his character. He carries a Shakespearean essence that ultimately propels the film toward a dramatic climax.

Atul Sabharwal demonstrates exceptional mastery over the film’s structure, skillfully avoiding genre clichés and instead reinventing them within the storyline. Unlike many Indian spy thrillers that feature a self-righteous, overtly patriotic hero as the intelligence officer, he delves into deeper, murkier themes and poses bold questions.

The film presents a poignant, nationalistic message that transforms into a more pragmatic survival instinct, illustrating that battles are not always triumphantly concluded. There’s often little resolution to the sacrifices and suffering endured, and the notion of a ‘happily ever after’ feels elusive—much like the reality we face today.

Streamer: Zee5

Director: Atul Sabharwal

Cast: Aparshakti Khurana, Rahul Bose, Ishwak Singh, Kabir Bedi, Jigar Mehta, and Anupriya Goenka

Rating: 4/5