Berlin Review: A Gripping Spy Story with a Touch of ’90s Freshness

In the realm of streaming, “Berlin,” the latest thriller featuring Apaarshakti Khurana, Rahul Bose, and Ishwak Singh, has made its debut on ZEE5. Following his impressive performance in “Stree 2,” Apaarshakti shines once again as a sign language expert, while Ishwak Singh captivates audiences without uttering a single word. Before diving into this engaging narrative, here’s a complete review of the film.

Movie Overview

• Title: Berlin
• Rating: ★★★☆☆
• Cast: Apaarshakti Khurana, Ishwak Singh, Rahul Bose, Anupriya Goenka
• Director: Atul Sabharwal
• Release Date: September 13, 2024
• Platform: ZEE5
• Language: Hindi

While Netflix introduced the “Berlin” spin-off from “Money Heist,” the Indian film “Berlin” is an entirely different narrative.

Plot Summary

The film kicks off in 1993 with a news broadcast on All India Radio, announcing the impending visit of the Russian President to India.

The protagonist, Pushkin Verma (played by Apaarshakti), is a sign language expert teaching at a school for the deaf. He suddenly receives a letter confirming his leave, as he is summoned by the Indian Intelligence Bureau for questioning Ashok Kumar (Ishwak Singh), suspected of being involved with a foreign intelligence agency.

As a mute, Pushkin can only communicate through sign language. The Bureau Chief, Jagdish Sondhi (Rahul Bose), provides Pushkin with a list of questions to probe Ashok. Meanwhile, another wing of the intelligence department is on the lookout for two of their officers, who are suspected of being with Ashok. A young woman (Anupriya Goenka) is suspected of being an ISI agent.

The intelligence department soon discovers that there are plots to assassinate the Russian President. Ashok previously worked at a café in Delhi named Berlin, where intelligence officials often traded information.

As the story unfolds, viewers are left questioning Ashok’s true allegiance. Is he truly an ISI agent, or is he caught in a web of espionage? Will Pushkin become embroiled in the dangerous game? The film promises to answer these questions by the end.

A Captivating Viewing Experience

The film establishes early on that it is a fictional narrative. For those confused about the distinctions between the various intelligence agencies portrayed, it’s best to simply enjoy the film as it unfolds. Atul Sabharwal, known for his work on the “Jubilee” web series and the film “Class of ’83,” has crafted a narrative set in the 1990s, successfully creating a fresh atmosphere.

Thanks to its digital release, viewers can enjoy the film from the comfort of their homes without the hassle of heading to the cinema. Many scenes take place in interrogation rooms, where communication through sign language adds a unique layer to the dialogue. Initially, the pace may seem slow, but interest quickly builds as the story progresses. The director skillfully brings the narrative full circle, concluding the film where it began.

However, the film could have taken a more thrilling approach by focusing on the plot to prevent the assassination of the Russian President rather than delving too deeply into the inner workings of the intelligence agency. This internal focus can make the involvement of ISI and other large agencies seem somewhat trivial.

Stellar Performances

With a nostalgic backdrop of vintage tape recorders, typewriters, and iconic cars, cinematographer Shri Datt Namjoshi effectively transports viewers to the ’90s. Apaarshakti Khurana, following his praise for “Jubilee,” continues to make thoughtful choices in his roles.

As Pushkin, he delivers a powerful performance that resonates. Ishwak Singh deserves commendation for his portrayal, skillfully communicating through sign language without relying on dialogue. Rahul Bose excels in his role as a strict officer, while Anupriya Goenka’s limited screen time raises questions about her character’s impact on the film.