Summary of “Drishyam” by Nishikant Kamat
One-line summary: “Drishyam” is a gripping thriller directed by Nishikant Kamat that explores the lengths a man will go to protect his family when they become entangled in a murder investigation.
Main Cast and Crew:
- Director: Nishikant Kamat
- Writer: Jeethu Joseph (original story), Upendra Sidhaye (adaptation)
- Key Actors: Ajay Devgn (Vijay Salgaonkar), Tabu (Meera Deshmukh), Shriya Saran (Nandini Salgaonkar), Ishita Dutta (Anju Salgaonkar)
- Music Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
- Director of Photography: Avinash Arun
- Producers: Kumar Mangat Pathak, Ajit Andhare, Abhishek Pathak
Plot:
In the picturesque village of Pondolim, Goa, Vijay Salgaonkar, a cable television operator, lives a simple life with his wife Nandini and their two daughters, Anju and Anu. Vijay is uneducated but highly intelligent. He is obsessed with movies and spends most of his time watching and analyzing them with his family.
Their peaceful life takes a dark turn when Anju is blackmailed by Sam, the son of Inspector General Meera Deshmukh, who accidentally kills him in self-defense. Panicked, Vijay and his family decide to cover up the crime to protect Anju. They meticulously create an alibi and dispose of the body.
However, their carefully constructed plan starts to unravel when Meera Deshmukh takes charge of the investigation. Meera suspects Vijay’s involvement due to his evasive behavior and begins to dig deeper. As the investigation intensifies, Vijay’s intelligence and resourcefulness are put to the test as he tries to outsmart Meera and protect his family.
Themes and Motifs:
“Drishyam” explores themes of family, love, and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones. It delves into the concept of justice and the blurred lines between right and wrong. The film also highlights the power of deception and the consequences of one’s actions.
The motif of movies and their influence on Vijay’s life is prevalent throughout the film. Vijay’s extensive knowledge of movies helps him devise strategies and anticipate the moves of the police. The movie also questions the role of cinema in shaping our perception of reality.
Reception and Legacy:
Upon its release, “Drishyam” received critical acclaim for its gripping narrative, strong performances, and tight screenplay. Ajay Devgn’s portrayal of Vijay Salgaonkar was widely praised, as was Tabu’s performance as Meera Deshmukh. The film was a commercial success and garnered several awards and nominations.
“Drishyam” has had a lasting impact on Indian cinema, inspiring remakes in various languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. The film’s success also led to the creation of a sequel, “Drishyam 2,” which further explored the consequences of Vijay’s actions.
Recommendation:
“Drishyam” is a must-watch for fans of suspenseful thrillers. The film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its clever twists and turns. Ajay Devgn’s brilliant performance, combined with Nishikant Kamat’s direction, makes it a riveting cinematic experience.
Memorable Quote:
“Sometimes, a man has to do wrong to make things right.” – Vijay Salgaonkar
