Khamosh

Watch Khamosh

"Classic whodunit"
  • 1985
  • 7.5  (1,121)

Khamosh is a Hindi-language thriller film released in 1986. The movie is directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and stars an ensemble cast including Shabana Azmi, Amol Palekar, and Naseeruddin Shah in lead roles. The film is an adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel And Then There Were None. The plot revolves around a film crew who are shooting on an island hotel. The hotel staff sets about laying a superb dinner, but when the crew arrives one of the members is missing. He is found dead in the hotel, and it is revealed that many of the guests have motives for his murder. As the night progresses, a series of murders occur and everyone becomes a suspect. The film is a classic ‘whodunit’ mystery with many twists and turns.

Shabana Azmi plays the lead role of film actress and ex-police officer, Inspector Jayanti. She is called to the island hotel to investigate the murders. Azmi's character is eccentric and determined, and the actress delivers a stunning performance. She is supported in her investigation by Palekar's character, hotel manager Sudhir. Palekar's performance is subtle and nuanced, contrasting perfectly with Azmi's more energetic character.

The third key figure in the movie is played by Naseeruddin Shah, who plays Tony Braganza, the director of the film crew. Shah portrays a character that's complex, initially appearing to be self-centered, but his character evolves throughout the movie. Shah's performance, as always, is top-notch, and he manages to keep the audience guessing about his character's true intentions and motivations.

The narrative of the film is tight, keeping the audience in suspense from start to finish. The cinematography and editing are also noteworthy, providing good visuals, and sharp pacing. The island setting adds a nice touch, giving an almost claustrophobic feel to the events onscreen.

The movie also explores some essential themes, from the political leanings of the characters to the implications of violence. Khamosh manages to address these subjects indirectly, keeping the audience focused on the plot throughout.

One of the significant strengths of Khamosh is the character development. Each actor gets enough scenes to establish their characters' traits, intensifying the mystery as it progresses. The characters' interactions also add depth to the story and help maintain the suspense until the final reveal.

Another notable aspect of the movie is the use of sound. The title, Khamosh, which in Hindi means 'silence,' plays a big part in the film. The various sounds and music create an intense and chilling setting that enhances the suspense. The music is composed by Chopra himself, and it's a good match to the story beats in the film.

Overall, Khamosh is a must-watch for fans of thriller and mystery movies. The filmmakers did a great job of adapting an Agatha Christie novel while adding their touch of Bollywood flair. Chopra's direction, along with the stellar cast, make for a great viewing experience. Despite its age (over 30 years), the movie still holds up well and remains one of the best crime films in Indian cinema.

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Description
  • Release Date
    1985
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (1,121)
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