Director: Shadaab Mirza
Cast: Sara Loren, Taaha Shah, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Shweta Pandit, Puneet Issar & Ashiesh Roy
Music: Amjad – Nadeem

Débutante director Shadaab Mirza has tried his directional skill in the romantic genre albeit embroiled in intriguing mystery. Its a decent enough effort  which can be termed as remarkable albeit not outstanding.The plotted scenario of this romantically mysterious film ‘Barkhaa’ opens in an intensive care unit (ICU) in which Akash (Priyanshu Chatterji) is almost on the verge of losing his life and his parents and younger brother Jatin (Taaha Shah) are trying their level best for his survival treatment. While Jatin is tensed up no end, he keeps getting a reminder call about his appointment of being the chief guest at a book launch function of ‘Aks’. Jatin reaches the launch venue in order to fulfill his professional commitment. No doubt he inaugurates the book named ‘Aks’ which means shadow. But the moment he finishes reading out a few pages, he finds out something mysterious about the story and immediately sets off to seek the identity of the publisher leaving the book launch midway. But he gets jolted by shock when the publisher claims to be unaware about the author’s whereabouts and maintains that it was couriered to her office and they decided to publish it due to its intriguing plot. So no wonder that the book launch triggers off a series of flashback events. And to resolve ‘Barkhaa’s further plot, shrouded in mystery one can take a stroll down to their nearest cinema halls. Period!!!

Débutante director Shadaab Mirza’s direction is okay but he really needs to brush up and sharpen his directional as well as penning skills in tandem with Lawrence John. A somewhat passable marks can also be given to Amjad – Nadeem for music & Raju Singh for background music. Yet the devils should be given their due credit, I am referring to Mayuresh Sawant for good editing & Mujahid Raja for his excellent cinematography. He has beautifully captured the scenic locales of Himachal Pradesh.

Performance wise Sara Loren is ok but is certainly a misfit for the title role even though she did try to infuse some life in her author backed role. But of course Shweta Pandit shines in her poorly sketched character. Yet it is Taaha Shah who stands out albeit the full potential of this extremely talented actor has not been tapped by the director. Besides in future he should select roles in a non – female centric films. Asheish Roy is perfect. Sadly enough Both Priyanshu Chatterjii and veteran actor Puneet Issar are highly disappointing.

Tailpiece: ‘Barkhaa’ is clean & wholesome film for family & teenagers alike, if only it had a more careful & attractive musical packaging.