NH10
Directed by: Navedeep Singh
Starring: Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam, Deepti Naval, Darshan Kumaar
Three stars
NH10 is a blood-soaked tale of survival and revenge set in the suburbs of Delhi. Its fast-paced screenplay keeps the audience on the edge of their seats as bodies slowly pile up.
The suspense thriller tells the story of Arjun (Neil Bhoopalam) and Meera (Anushka Sharma) who while travelling on National Highway 10 (NH10) happen to witness a murder committed by a gang led by Satbir (Darshan Kumaar). Thus ensues a cat-and-mouse chase for Arjun and Meera as the killers begin to close in on them after they mistake the newly married couple for prying journalists.
All the action takes place in a 24-hour window, and throughout the film the lead actors superbly convey the fear and helplessness of a couple who face certain death unless they stay ahead of their pursuers.
Sharma, who also makes her debut as a producer with NH10, portrays Meera with great finesse, especially in the second half, when she transforms from a fear-stricken woman on the run into a vengeful lead.
The veteran actress Deepti Naval, cast as a village matriarch, has a small but memorable role, and stands out for her calm but calculated performance, epitomising a society that’s cruel to its women and unforgiving to those who dare to revolt.
Navedeep Singh, returning to the director's chair for the first time since 2007's critically acclaimed Manorama Six Feet Under, paints a grim and unapologetic picture of the realities of rural northern India where caste divides run thick – especially heart-wrenching is the juxtaposition of the lives of people in the big city and those in the village.
NH10 is a rare Bollywood film that's simple and remains true to the plot, saving the audiences from any unnecessary melodrama. It's refreshing to see characters who are practical and believable, making for an entertaining watch – but it's definitely not one for the faint-hearted.
artslife@thenational.ae
Company Profile
Company name: Cargoz
Date started: January 2022
Founders: Premlal Pullisserry and Lijo Antony
Based: Dubai
Number of staff: 30
Investment stage: Seed
The five pillars of Islam
Herc's Adventures
Developer: Big Ape Productions
Publisher: LucasArts
Console: PlayStation 1 & 5, Sega Saturn
Rating: 4/5
The bio
Date of Birth: April 25, 1993
Place of Birth: Dubai, UAE
Marital Status: Single
School: Al Sufouh in Jumeirah, Dubai
University: Emirates Airline National Cadet Programme and Hamdan University
Job Title: Pilot, First Officer
Number of hours flying in a Boeing 777: 1,200
Number of flights: Approximately 300
Hobbies: Exercising
Nicest destination: Milan, New Zealand, Seattle for shopping
Least nice destination: Kabul, but someone has to do it. It’s not scary but at least you can tick the box that you’ve been
Favourite place to visit: Dubai, there’s no place like home
'My Son'
Director: Christian Carion
Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis
Rating: 2/5
Types of fraud
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* Nada El Sawy
