Kahaani: A story that wasn’t

Everyone knows that terrorism is a complex and dangerous labyrinth of irrational minds. However, can it even be a power-house that involves an unholy nexus between so called well-meaning, socially respected civilised officials, bureaucrats and extremists? Scholars and experts on the subject do not deny the existence of such a possibility. A terrorist will never be able to achieve his ‘lofty’ aims unless he has a clue as to how the government machinery functions from inside.

The theme of the film Kahaani is just that. It brings forth a very complex issue of extremists making the best use of government research through the help of some insiders to carry out their terror acts. While watching the film one cannot but wonder if such could be the case in reality, the film, however, looks a convincing fiction.  The nexus between the underworld and politicians and government officials has long been established. 

Film Director: Sujay Ghosh

Film Clip

Apart from this intriguing issue, what makes the film special is the character Vidya Bagchi played by Vidya Balan. She seems to be in an eternal search for her lost husband. While she finds answers to the mysterious disappearance of her husband, her search for a state of reason in a world ravaged by mindless violence and useless warfare would never end.

Vidya Balan has absolutely personalised the role of a searching spouse. As Inspector Rana (Parambrata Chatterjee) puts it at the end, Vidya Bagchi never existed; she is just an illusion. Indeed Vidya epitomises the illusory character through her seamless expressions.

A good film must stimulate questions rather than giving ready-made answers. Kahaani indeed raises very many compelling questions and leaves the audience into deep thought for long.

- Melwyn Pinto SJ