Highway: Review

A celebrated director with a story he wanted to tell for a long time, a tantalizing title, a surprise yet interesting cast, the coming together of a successful production house and a commercial producer, a star composer – quite a few reasons for a movie aficionado to walked into the theatre/multiplex to watch ‘Highway’ that released yesterday.  I did too. 

Highway, starring Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda, and directed by Imtiaz Ali tells the tale of a strange relationship (‘Stockholm syndrome’?) between the abducted and the kidnapper as they travel from one hideout to another – unfolding their secrets and pent-up tales of trauma.

The movie kicks off in a hurry – Veera (Alia) who’s about to get married sneaking out of the house in the dead of the night for ‘some fresh air’ with her reluctant fiancé Vinay.  Much against his caution Veera insists he drive further and farther from the city.  At a gas station as Veera steps out even as Vinay implores her not to, gun shots are heard and in the blink of an eye, Veera is kidnapped by a gang led by Mahavir Bhati (Randeep Hooda).  Even as the gang realizes they've picked up someone they can't handle, Hooda refuses to let go of the prize catch.

Veera’s initial efforts to find ways to escape soon give way to her developing a liking for the entire road-trip – and her captors.  Even when provided with opportunities to return to her family and sanity, she stays put resolutely.  As the bond of trust and friendship slowly grows between the two, they share their agonies and seek acceptance and solace from the other.  Alia a victim of child sexual abuse at the hands of a family ‘uncle’ while Hooda’s mother was pimped by his father for lucrative contracts as he watched and cried. 

At the centre of the movie is a great idea.  It is brave of Imtiaz Ali to have chosen a ‘hatke’ story to make the movie. However, the script and direction fail to do any justice to it as situations and characters don’t seem to be fleshed out fully.  Many a moments bring unwitting laughter from the audience at inopportune/serious frames.  The biggest drawback of the movie its excruciatingly slow pace.  The road movie refuses to take off most times.  Mr Tripathi – a seemingly rich and powerful man and Alia’s father – is talked about in great fear by the gang but he doesn’t appear till the end.  Nor does one get to know much on what’s happening beyond the two lead characters.  And, Alia’s turn from the victim to the liberated is too abrupt and pat and hence extremely unconvincing.  The movie’s pace is also hampered by unnecessary songs – Rahman’s music is a great disappointment and offers nothing you’ve not heard before (and he must take a break from singing; he sounds almost besura).  When the folk songs of the Himachal/Manali play in the background the music perks up though.

What though saves the movie from being a complete disappointment are riveting performances by the lead pair.  Randeep Hooda as the ruffian abductor is great. His looks smoulder and his dialogues pack more than a punch but it’s an out-and-out Alia show.  Alia – though looks way too young for her part – is a revelation.  Her maturity and confidence in pulling off the role – including excellent dialogue delivery – are marvellous.  If she displays the same spunk and skills in her choices of roles, I’m certain she will shine brighter than many other stars in the days (and years) to come.

Few mainstream movies are made on child sexual abuse; nor have there been many roadies.  If only Imtiaz had sketched his scenes better and spent more time exploring characters and motives, we’d have had a great time on this ‘Highway’.  I felt waylaid though.