Movie Name: Berlin
Directed by: Atul Sabharwal
Starring: Ishwak Singh, Aparshakti Khurana, Rahul Bose, Kabir Bedi, Anupriya Goenka
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Mystery
Running Time: – Minutes
Release Date: 13 September, 2024
Rating:
Production Companies: Zed Studios, Yippie Ki Yay Motion Pictures
Original Network: Zee5
In 1993, a deaf-mute man is detained by Indian intelligence officers for being an alleged spy. The case takes a shocking turn when Pushkin, a sign language expert is asked to help with interrogation.
Berlin: 2024 Hindi Spy Thriller Film
Actors Aparshakti Khurana and Ishwak Singh’s spy thriller ‘Berlin’ is all set for world premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles in October.
‘Berlin’ centres around a deaf-mute man who is detained on suspicion of spying. A government agent is interrogated by a sign language expert. The sign language expert is lured into the dark world of espionage, deception, and corruption as the story unravels.
Aparshakti said “Working on ‘Berlin’ was an incredible experience. It challenges storytelling boundaries, and I’m eager for the audience to unravel the mysteries we’ve woven. We are excited that the film shall be presented at such an eminent global platform.”
Ishwak, shared his excitement, saying, “The opportunity to premiere ‘Berlin’ at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles is a dream come true. It’s a testament to the incredible journey we’ve embarked upon and elevates the level of Indian storytelling. I can’t wait for audiences to witness it on the big screen.”
Director Atul Sabharwal said, “The premiere of ‘Berlin’ at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles is an honour. It reflects the dedication of our team in crafting a suspenseful and intriguing narrative. We can’t wait to share this thrilling journey with the audience.”
Rahul Bose said, “Being part of ‘Berlin’ has been a memorable experience. The film’s narrative is a blend of suspense and emotion that I am pretty sure will have the audience hooked. I am very happy it will premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles.”
Shariq Patel, Chief Business Officer at Zee Studios, aptly describes the film as, “A mesmerizing blend of suspense and deception that will keep you guessing throughout. We are delighted to take Indian cinema to a global audience with back-to-back international premieres.”
The film, written and directed by Atul Sabharwal and produced by Zed Studios and Yippie Ki Yay Motion Pictures, stars Ishwak Singh, Aparshakti Khurana, Rahul Bose, Kabir Bedi, and Anupriya Goenka in major parts.
Movie Trailer:
Movie Review:
Story: Set in 1993 in New Delhi, Berlin is about a deaf-mute young man arrested as a suspected spy and murderer. A sign language expert is called in to help but soon finds himself caught up in a dangerous and complex web of espionage. With rival agencies and other hidden forces at play, a twist turns the case on its head: is the real spy hiding in plain sight?
Review: What makes a good spy? Jagdish Sondhi (Rahul Bose), the head of the Soviet Desk at the intelligence agency called Bureau, believes it’s sharp vision, hearing, and fit body. Yet, a scrawny and deaf-mute Ashok Kumar (Ishwak Singh) is suspected of being a German spy involved in a murder and an assassination conspiracy during Russian President Boris Yeltsin’s Indian visit in 1993. Pushkin Verma (Aparshakti Khurana), a teacher at a school for the deaf and mute, is appointed to interrogate Ashok. However, as the former delves deeper into the case, he discovers the shadowy truth about spies, bureaucracy, and politics as his ideas of nationalism change.
The thriller’s refreshing aspect is its authentic story, departing from the India-neighbourhood rivalry trope. Instead, it opts for a more nuanced exploration of internal politics, one-upmanship between intelligence agencies (Wing and Bureau), and what power dynamics can do to unsuspecting bystanders.
The A-team of writer-director Atul Sabharwal, editor Irene Dhar Malik, cinematographer Shreedutta Namjoshi, composer Krishna Kumar, and sound designer Anthony Ruban crafts a high-stakes game of espionage that will keep you on the edge of your seats throughout. The clever narrative is about the business of information trading and how the hearing and speech impaired are used as ‘walls’ between these ‘businessmen’ at a coffee house called Berlin. The title also alludes to the collapse of the Berlin Wall shortly before the movie’s setting.
Ishwak Singh shines as he conveys emotions through his eyes and body language. Aparshakti Khurana is equally impressive as a simple teacher caught in the crossfire, bringing empathy and a quest for truth to the narrative. As both actors deliver brilliant character arcs, their understated connection is heartwarming and heartbreaking. Rahul Bose is impressive as a suave, wily, and sharp agent — he may not know the sign language, but Pushkin and Ishwak cannot fool him.
The film’s suspenseful reveal is underwhelming, and the plot twist is predictable. Also, the attempts at cat-and-mouse thrills within the Bureau’s office fail to fly effectively. Still, the world-building, visual style, atmospheric tension, and intricate details make up for the minor missteps. The film seamlessly integrates themes of pain and loneliness, adding depth to the narrative without straying from the overarching theme of a spy drama.
Despite some flaws, Berlin is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling and character development. It is a must-watch for fans of spy thrillers and those seeking a film that offers more than just surface-level excitement.