Identity Card Ek Lifeline
Director : Rahat Kazmi
Cast : Tia Bajpai, Furqan Merchant, Shoaib Kazmi
Classification: TBA
Running Time: TBA
RATING: **
FIRST-TIME director Rahat Kazmi takes bold strides in exploring the conflict in Kashmir in Identity Card. Kazmi presents the issues against a backdrop of tension, but fails to make a realistic impact.
Plot
Go-getting journalist Nazia Siddiqui (Bajpai) visits her friend Ajay (Merchant) in Kashmir with the intention of making a documentary. While relishing the beauty of Kashmir in the company of guide Raju (Kazmi), the trio are detained by the Special Task Force for not carrying an identity card. During the interrogation, Raju is physically and mentally tortured, while Nazia and Ajay escape from the clutches of the authorities.
Verdict
The narrative forms a theatrical presentation with more emphasis on dialogue. While the screenplay is ineffective at most times, it is the credible actors who carry the most sensitive parts of this issue-based film.
The director is not reluctant to expose the victimisation in an uncompromising manner, but ridicules certain aspects without appropriate research or substantial writing.
However, credit is due for expressing genuine concern for humanity and the hostile reality of Kashmir’s political warfare.
There’s a lack of consistency in the plot that becomes evident when the movie reaches its conclusion without creating any proper stand-out points in its narrative.
The unexceptional score, the incompetent cinematography and the editing do not add up to the type of film Kazmi envisaged making.
The lead stars show promise. Furqan Merchant stands out with a sensible portrayal.
Saurabh Shukla, Vipin Sharma and Brijendra Kala are consistently enjoyable.
Recommendation
For viewers with a liking for factual cinema and historical insights.
• Celebrity journalist and media personality Varshan Sookhun presents the popular lifestyle show The Midday Spice on Lotus FM, 92.5 to 103.8 FM, Monday to Friday, 12pm to 3pm. He also presents Bollywood Billboard from 2pm to 5pm on Lotus FM on Saturdays.
– Identity Card is showing at NuMetro cinemas