Devang Shashin Bhavsar’s “Blackout” is an ambitious yet flawed attempt at a screwball comedy-thriller. The film stars Vikrant Massey as Lenny D’Souza, a young crime reporter embroiled in a night of mayhem during a citywide blackout in Pune. Despite a talented cast including Sunil Grover and Mouni Roy, the movie struggles with coherence and narrative focus.
Plot and Characters
Lenny, a yuppie with a knack for sting operations, finds himself in a series of misadventures involving a diverse cast of characters. These range from a drunken poet to a thieving duo obsessed with social media fame. The film’s premise echoes the 1985 classic “After Hours,” focusing on Lenny’s chaotic night.
Strengths and Weaknesses
While “Blackout” delivers some genuinely funny moments, largely due to the comedic duo Karan Sonawane and Saurabh Ghadge, it falters in its overall execution. The film is laden with contrivances and gags that, although entertaining in isolation, fail to coalesce into a coherent narrative. The introduction of new characters, despite their potential, often feels extraneous and underdeveloped.
Performance Highlights
Vikrant Massey, known for his versatility, appears underutilized in this role, with his character lacking depth and emotional grounding. In contrast, Sunil Grover shines as the alcoholic poet, bringing vibrancy and depth to the film. His performance stands out, especially in the film’s otherwise disjointed second half.
Technical Aspects
The film’s technical elements, including cinematography by Anubhav Bansal and a score by Vishal Mishra and John Stewart Eduri, are commendable. However, these strengths are overshadowed by the film’s inconsistent tone and pacing issues.
Conclusion
“Blackout” is a mixed bag, offering sporadic laughs and an engaging cast but ultimately failing to deliver a cohesive story. It’s a light watch that doesn’t demand much investment but might not meet high expectations. Streaming on Jio Cinema, it’s best approached with moderate expectations.