The Common Man Speaks

Acid Factory Movie Review

Non-Acidic Leakage

Ratings: - * * * ½

A novel concept of group Amnesia, a fast and innovative narrative, sleek presentation, up to the mark technical aspects and some perfect performances make Suparn Verma’s Acid Factory one of the few impressive modern thrillers to have come from Bollywood. The above mentioned factors even manage to overshadow a clear flaw in the climax.

The plot takes place inside a locked acid factory where six people suddenly wake up realizing they can’t remember a thing about themselves or the situation they are thrown into. Soon, they realize they have become temporarily amnesic due to a gas leak in the factory. Thus starts their quest to understand the situation and most importantly, find their own identity.

The narrative, over here, becomes a vital streak where the flashback and the current events are presented in a manner that fixes your attention to the screen throughout. Director Suparn Verma has come a long way since Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena. Not only does he manage to narrate the unusual story with maturity, but he also succeeds in giving opportunity to all the actors to display their abilities. Verma is blessed with a tight and crisp script.

The subject demands high quality cinematography and background score. Sahil Kapoor and Amar Mohile fulfill the demand with perfection coupled with some breathtaking action by the veteran Tinu Verma.

The long line-up of the cast puts you in a dilemma of sorts as to who was the best among them as each one (Fardeen Khan, Aftab Shivdasani Danny Dengzongpa, Irrfan Khan, Manoj Bajpai, Dino Morea and Dia Mirza) plays its part with maturity. It won’t be an understatement to term this as Aftab, Dino and Dia’s one of the best performances till date, if not the best. Though there’s hardly any scope for music, Shamir Tondon’s composition Yeh Jism suits the mood of the movie and has some superb lyrics.

Now what stops Acid Factory from being a truly excellent adventure is a key flaw in the final act. The writers and the director should have thought about it. Also too many car explosion scenes could have been avoided. However, in spite of that, Acid Factory turns out to be an enjoyable experience because of the plus points already mentioned.

From the box-office point of view, the film has had a below average opening, which will make sure it succumbs once the three most awaited Diwali releases (Blue, All The Best and Main Aurr Mrs Khanna) arrive next week. As it is, there’s hardly an audience in India for such dark thrillers.