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Sukanya embarks on a cinematic journey of two films, ‘Mission Raniganj, which chronicles real-life heroism, and ‘Saw X’, which revives the horror legacy in a gory sequel, exclusively for Different Truths.
In a time when big-budget blockbusters and CGI-laden spectacles, “Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue” stands out as a gritty, grounded tale of heroism and resilience. Directed by Tinu Suresh Desai and produced by Pooja Entertainment, the film transports audiences back to the heart of a real-life disaster, the Raniganj Coalfields collapse of 1989 in West Bengal. A true story that demands to be told; this cinematic journey showcases the unwavering spirit of humanity in the face of adversity.
Act 1: Setting the Stage
The film opens with an introduction to the protagonist, Jaswant Singh Gill, portrayed with depth and conviction by the ever-reliable Akshay Kumar. Gill is a mining engineer from IIT Dhanbad, a character who will soon be etched into the annals of cinematic heroism. The stage is set in this act, painting a vivid picture of the coalfields and the dangers lurking beneath the earth’s surface.
As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to the supporting characters who play pivotal roles in the rescue mission. Parineeti Chopra as Nirdosh Kaur Gill, Kumud Mishra as R. J. Ujjwal, and a stellar ensemble cast provide the film with a diverse range of characters, each contributing to the emotional depth and diversity of the story.
Act 2: The Descent into Darkness
The heart of “Mission Raniganj” lies in Act 2. The filmmakers take the audience deep into the bowels of the earth, where 65 miners are trapped in a living nightmare. The tension is palpable, and the claustrophobia is almost unbearable. Cinematographer Aseem Mishra deserves special mention for his masterful work in capturing the harrowing conditions faced by the miners and their would-be saviours.
The script, written by Vipul K. Rawal accurately captures the trapped miners’ growing sense of despair and hopelessness.
The script, written by Vipul K. Rawal accurately captures the trapped miners’ growing sense of despair and hopelessness. It is in these moments that the film pays homage to classic Hollywood survival tales like “The Poseidon Adventure” and “The Towering Inferno,” where human perseverance faces off against insurmountable odds.
Act 3: The Great Bharat Rescue
As the title suggests, Act 3 is the climax of the film, where Jaswant Singh Gill, with steely determination, embarks on a daring mission to rescue the miners. This act encapsulates the core of the film’s message: the indomitable spirit of the human soul. The film deftly balances moments of nail-biting tension with heartwarming instances of camaraderie among the miners and their families, emphasizing the power of unity in the face of adversity.
The film’s soundtrack, a collaboration between Satinder Sartaaj, Prem-Hardeep, Arko, Vishal Mishra, and Gaurav Chatterji, adds depth and emotion to the narrative. The soul-stirring ballad “Keemti” and the anthemic “Jeetenge” underscore the triumph of the human spirit, making the audience feel the intensity of the rescue operation.
The Verdict:
“Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue” is a mixed bag for critics, but it’s an essential watch for those who appreciate stories of real-life heroism. Toshiro Agarwal of Times Now lauds the film for its gripping narrative, exceptional performances, and skilful direction, despite some minor visual effects shortcomings, while Bollywood Hungama appreciates the subject, clap-worthy moments, and Akshay Kumar’s performance but finds the first half a bit weak.
The movie’s ability to bring attention to a historical event that might otherwise be forgotten… is where its true value lies…
The movie’s ability to bring attention to a historical event that might otherwise be forgotten, however, is where its true value lies, and this must be understood. The movie pays homage to unsung heroes who put themselves in danger to save others, echoing the sentiment of vintage disaster films from Hollywood’s Golden Age.
In the end, despite its flaws, “Mission Raniganj” serves as a potent reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, a quality that transcends space and time. Just like the classic films it nods to, it leaves its mark by celebrating the triumph of the human will in the face of insurmountable challenges. The portrayal of Jaswant Singh Gill by Akshay Kumar ensures that this brave story of heroism will be remembered for years to come.
***
Saw X: Reviving the Horror Legacy
The second film “Saw” franchise stands as a ghastly titan, reigning supreme with its intricate death traps, moral dilemmas, and the iconic puppeteer of pain, Jigsaw. Now, in 2023, we bear witness to the birth of “Saw X,” a gory sequel that seeks to shed new light on the sadistic saga. Directed by Kevin Greutert and written by Peter Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg, this film takes a dark journey to the roots of terror, balancing past and present to bring back the chills and thrills.
Act I: Setting the Stage: A Frail Jigsaw’s Descent
The film commences with John Kramer (Tobin Bell), the twisted genius behind the Jigsaw killer persona, receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. Bell’s return to the role that immortalized him is a triumph, and this instalment places him centre stage. As John’s health deteriorates, we’re confronted with his vulnerability and yearning for a cure, reminiscent of the tragedy in “The Godfather.” His introduction to a supposed salvation, a Norwegian clinic promising miraculous recoveries, lures us into this web of deception and despair.
Act II: The Clinic of Deception—Where Nightmares Unfold
The setting shifts to Mexico City, where John encounters a cast of characters, each with their secrets and desires. Shawnee Smith’s Amanda Young, a familiar face from previous films, emerges to stir the pot further. Synnøve Macody Lund, Steven Brand, Renata Vaca, and Michael Beach inject life into the narrative, breathing a sense of urgency and realism into their roles.
As John undergoes surgery that miraculously cures him, “Saw X” delves into the ambiguity of redemption.
As John undergoes surgery that miraculously cures him, “Saw X” delves into the ambiguity of redemption. Greutert and his team excel at building tension and suspense, reminiscent of Hitchcock’s masterful touch. The visual effects used to illustrate John’s transformation are subtly woven into the narrative, enhancing the emotional connection to the characters.
Act III: Games of Blood and Consequence
The heart of any “Saw” movie is the gruesome and inventive death traps, and “Saw X” serves them aplenty. Valentina’s bone-chilling ordeal, reminiscent of Poe’s “The Pit and the Pendulum,” showcases the franchise’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of horror. The film then pivots to Cecilia’s visceral rebellion, mirroring the fierce defiance seen in classic cinema, such as Ellen Ripley’s stand against the xenomorph in “Alien.” As tension mounts and alliances shift, we’re reminded of the intense drama in “The Silence of the Lambs.”
Act IV: A Web of Deceit Unraveled
Cecilia’s shocking revelation, a twist to rival the best in “The Sixth Sense,” unveils the true nature of the clinic’s malevolent operation. The intricate narrative threads, woven meticulously by Stolberg and Goldfinger, spiral into a devastating climax. It is here that the true genius of “Saw X” lies, exposing the corrupt and malicious motivations of its characters, much like the revelation of Keyser Söze in “The Usual Suspects.”
Act V: The Endgame: A Lethal Showdown
The film hurtles toward its blood-soaked climax as the diabolical gas chambers fill with dread and desperation. It’s reminiscent of Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest,” with its relentless suspense and chase. Bell’s menacing charisma shines, crafting a riveting final act.
The Verdict:
“Saw X” is a triumphant return to the blood-soaked roots of the franchise.
“Saw X” is a triumphant return to the blood-soaked roots of the franchise. It fearlessly explores new dimensions of horror while staying true to the legacy that has terrified audiences for nearly two decades. The film’s deep character development, intricate plot, and inventive traps weave a tapestry of terror that pays homage to classic cinema while embracing modern horror.
Tobin Bell’s mesmerising performance as John Kramer is the heart and soul of “Saw X,” and the legacy of his character is carried forward with a disturbingly poignant twist. It is a worthy addition to the franchise, both paying homage to the classics and carving out a place for itself in the annals of horror cinema. This latest instalment may be the most shocking yet, offering a fresh perspective on the horrors of Jigsaw’s world. “Saw X” is a dark delight for the true horror aficionado, proving that even after ten instalments, the franchise still has life left in its twisted bones.
Picture design by Anumita Roy
