Decoding the Twists and Turns of “Andhadhun”: A Masterpiece of Suspense
“Andhadhun,” the Indian film adapted from the acclaimed French short of the same name, stands as a remarkable success. Packed with over fifty plot twists, it demands unwavering attention to catch each subtle nuance. Some are so cleverly woven that even multiple viewings might not reveal them all.
Several recurring metaphors throughout the film are worth exploring.
The Liver: A Grim Reality
The opening line, “Life depends on the liver,” finds its echo in the liver-shaped tree at the film’s conclusion. This subtly hints at the grim reality: the female character’s organ was sold off by the protagonist and the doctor in cahoots. This is implied to be the “real” ending.
The Rabbit: A Fabricated Tale?
However, the protagonist narrates a different ending to his love interest. The close-up of the rabbit’s eye at the beginning, a blind rabbit, mirrors the protagonist’s feigned blindness. The rabbit’s appearance leads to the woman’s accidental death. This is the ending the protagonist shares. The waiter then presents the protagonist with his walking stick, adorned with a rabbit’s head. This suggests that the story might be a fabrication, inspired by the cane’s decoration.
Love and Deceit
In the film’s final moments, the female lead suggests that he should have taken the woman’s cornea. The protagonist remains silent. The only genuine emotion in the film, the love between the protagonist and the female lead, ultimately crumbles under the weight of mistrust and deceit. As the protagonist departs, he precisely strikes a can with his cane, revealing that he is not blind. He continues to feign disability, exploiting the advantages it offers.
A Dark Reflection of Humanity
The film’s numerous twists reveal a world where no one is truly virtuous. It highlights the unpredictability of human nature and the darkness within society. Victims become perpetrators (the protagonist), the marginalized disregard life for financial gain (the doctor and his accomplices), and individuals blindly destroy genuine affection, trapped in a cycle of chaos and regret. Even the police officer abuses his power for personal gain.
“Andhadhun” is rife with metaphors and irony. It suggests that once individuals cross a moral boundary, they risk plunging into an abyss of depravity. It serves as a satire of the selfish individuals who often mask their true nature with a facade of kindness.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch Thriller
Overall, this film is a must-watch. Its plot is thrilling, its ending captivating, and its themes thought-provoking. The exploration of human nature is expansive, making it a truly compelling cinematic experience. Each viewer will likely have a unique interpretation, much like the ever-changing piano score that both disorients and guides us.
I found myself constantly rewinding to catch the details. While some of the earlier plot points are now a bit hazy, I also watched the original short film. The original felt like a tale of greed leading to self-destruction. However, Akash is different; he is more intelligent, and his shift in mindset is more worthy of analysis.