Karthik Calling Karthik
u/a; thriller
Dir: Vijay Lalwani
Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Deepika Padukone, Ram Kapoor
**1/2



WHAT'S IT ABOUT: It's never easy attempting a psychological thriller. But when you do, the cardinal rule is to fill in all the loopholes in the script. When you pose questions to the viewer, you've got to be sure the answers are justifiable enough. First-time director Vijay Lalwani treads a new path but fails to cover his tracks. As a result, Karthik Calling Karthik loses its way even before it reaches its final destination. The protagonist of the film is Karthik (Farhan Akhtar) -- shy, introvert and everyone's favorite punching bag. From his colleagues to his boss to his landlord, everyone bulldozes him. He's in love with Shonali (Deepika Padukone) who works in his office but she never notices him. Karthik reaches a breakdown point when he's fired for no fault of his. And just when he's ready to give it all up, he gets a call -- from Karthik. It's him on the other end of the line -- just a more confident version. After recovering from the initial shock, Karthik starts living his life the way the 'other' Karthik wants him to. And everything begins to change for him -- he's back at work with a promotion; his lifestyle improves dramatically and he even manages to win over Shonali's affections. The twist in the tale happens when Karthik reveals all about his mystery 'phone buddy' to Shonali -- and things start going wrong.

The suspense unfolds when the identity of this other Karthik is revealed -- and that's the crux of this dark thriller.

WHAT'S HOT: For all those who crave something 'different' in Hindi films, KCK is a welcome break. Vijay Lalwani offers a script that's complex as well as multi-layered. As a director, he makes a commendable start. His depiction of both the Karthiks -- the passive and the aggressive one -- is brilliant. The first half of the film is loaded with intensity and edge-of-the-seat drama -- Lalwani maintains the tempo rather well. The integral portions are well-sketched -- right from the conversations between the two Karthiks to the hero's radical metamorphosis to his romance with Shonali -- it's all believable. The important point to be noted is that the director doesn't add any frills to his story -- he isn't afraid to showcase a flawed hero nor does he offer justifications for any of his actions. It's a dark film and the director makes no excuses for it. What works big time for KCK are the performances across the board -- Ram Kapoor is splendid as Karthik's boss. Shefaali Shah as the psychiatrist shines in all the scenes she's in. Deepika Padukone makes Shonali very likeable -- this could be one of her finest portrayals. The film is Farhan Akhtar's show all the way and he gives his best shot.

Farhan's performance stays with you long after the film is over. If Karthik's entire journey -- from an inhibited recluse to a high-flying executive to a man interrupted -- is so effective, it's only thanks to Farhan. If there ever was a truly award-winning performance, this is one.