'If powerless served justice, justice would be different'. This line in Anubhav Sinha's directorial 'Bheed' perfectly sheds the light on the plight of migrant workers who were helpless during the first lockdown. Starring Rajkummar Rao in the lead role, Bheed narrates the story of different characters and their sufferings when the lockdown was first announced during COVID-19.
The Story:
The government announced the first nationwide lockdown on March 24, 2020, to prevent the outbreak of coronavirus. Bheed focuses on several characters including migrant workers, police, doctors, the upper class and politician and how they are stuck in the middle of nowhere during the lockdown.
The Review:
What works for the films:
As the movie starts, Anubhav Sinha hits you with heart-wrenching scenes and makes it clear that Bheed is not an easy watch. He does not shy away from showing the sufferings of the migrant workers who are on the road trying to reach their homes without food and water and any mode of transport.
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From police, journalist and doctor to rich and politicians to poor migrant workers, you see people from different professions, economic backgrounds, castes and religions in the same place. However, their different approach to lockdown is beautifully portrayed. On one side, we see helpless migrant workers requesting and begging the police for food. Whereas, on the other side, we see the rich and powerful trying to bribe the police to pass the barricade. The movie does not shy away from calling out the hypocrisy of those in power.
Hungry kids crying, people walking barefoot, workers trying to go home in cement mixers, and many other heart-wrenching scenes just stay with you. Even though Bheed does not show these gut-wrenching sights through blood, it is more than enough to leave a lasting impact on you.
What does not in the film:
The love story between Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar's characters does not add much to the storyline. Moreover, the intimate scenes between them do not make any sense. Bheed also sometimes shifts its focus from lockdown to caste discrimination and it does not add any depth to the storyline.
Acting:
Rajkummar Rao plays the role of inspector Surya Kumar Singh Tikas, who has been made in charge of a checkpoint. He brilliantly portrays his emotions in the heartbreaking scenes and showcases his vulnerability through his amazing dialogue delivery.
However, Pankaj Kapur's performance as a migrant worker is the highlight of the film. He makes you hate his character but sympathise with him at the same time. The scenes between him and Rajkummar Rao are a treat to watch.
Bhumi Pednekar plays the role of Renu Sharma who is a doctor and is given the duty to treat COVID-19 patients at the checkpost. Even though she shines in certain scenes, she is underutilized in the second half. Kritika Kumra, Kumud Mishra, Aditya Shrivastav, Dia Mirza and Ashutosh Rana put forth brilliant performances as well but are also under-utilized.
Final Thoughts:
Bheed is not an easy film to watch and it does not shy away from showing the gut-wrenching reality of lockdown. Even though it is a difficult watch, Bheed is worth your time. It is a hard-hitting tale of the sufferings of migrant workers and it needs to be told.
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Star cast: Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Dia Mirza, Ashutosh Rana, Pankaj Kapur and Kritika Kamra