Neeyat And Knives Out: A Critical Comparison Between The Movie And Its Inspiration

Neeyat, directed by Anu Menon, is a Hindi film released in 2023 that draws inspiration from Agatha Christie mysteries and Rian Johnson's Knives Out movies. While attempting to capture the confusion and rootlessness of the present era of Hindi cinema, Neeyat falls short in its execution compared to its inspirations.

The Storyline And Characters

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Neeyat revolves around Ashish Kapoor (played by Ram Kapoor), a UK-based billionaire modelled after Vijay Mallya who hosts a birthday party in his mansion located in Scotland. The guest list includes a range of characters, such as his friends, relatives, and CBI officer Mira Rao (played by Vidya Balan), who is tasked with overseeing his extradition to India. When Kapoor is found dead, everyone in the house becomes a suspect, and Mira Rao must unravel the truth.

Comparison To Agatha Christie And Knives Out

Image Courtesy: IMDb

The screenplay of Neeyat, co-written by Menon, Advaita Kala, and Girvani Dhyani, attempts to replicate the anglicised, exotic-sounding names often found in Agatha Christie's books. However, this choice feels forced and lacks authenticity. In terms of performance, Vidya Balan's portrayal of Mira Rao falls short of the character's potential. While Balan is a talented actor, her performance in Neeyat lacks the nuance and authenticity required to fully engage the audience.

Knives Out, directed by Rian Johnson, successfully reinvented the mystery-at-a-gathering genre, and Neeyat falls far behind in comparison. The lack of ambition in Menon's film is evident, as it adheres closely to the established template without offering any unique or clever twists. The film struggles to captivate and entertain the audience, with only Rahul Bose's committed performance momentarily reviving the otherwise dull proceedings.

Don't miss:21 Years Of Devdas: A Flamboyant Masterpiece That Shines Brighter With Time

Casting Choices And Characterization

Image Courtesy: IMDb

One of the strengths of films like Knives Out lies in the effective use of casting to subvert audience expectations. However, Neeyat's ensemble cast fails to inspire. The film seems to aim for broad appeal, with Vidya Balan as the star, supported by talented character actors like Kapoor, Kabi, Goswami, and Bose. Niki Walia's inclusion taps into nostalgia, while Prajakta Koli brings her social media popularity to the big screen. Despite landing capable actors, Neeyat lacks the joy and chemistry that a well-crafted ensemble can bring.

In contrast, movies like Knives Out feature actors like Michael Shannon, Edward Norton, and Toni Collette, who inject fun and irony into their performances. Vidya Balan, despite her perceptiveness as an actor, fails to bring any sense of irony or self-awareness to her role in Neeyat. This lack of depth hampers the overall impact of the film.

Don't miss:What Jhumka: Alia Bhatt And Ranveer Singh Set The Stage On Fire With New Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Song

Neeyat, though claiming to be a Hindi film of 2023, fails to establish a distinct identity. Like many contemporary Hindi films, it seems to belong everywhere and nowhere, with vague allusions to the real world. However, the film does take small steps towards normalising the depiction of drug use and same-sex relationships, which is a positive development in mainstream Hindi cinema. While these efforts are commendable, Neeyat ultimately falls short in its execution, resulting in a film that fails to engage and captivate its audience.