In 2011, I was not that much into movies. I was just like watching some commercial cinema once in a while. So, I never knew about 404. Even now, when I look into films everywhere checking all types of lists even the underrated stuff, I never came to know about the film. It just popped on Amazon Prime. So, was this film an underrated gem or is it better left obscure? Have a look at my review of 404: Error Not Found.
404 Error Not Found is a 2011 psychological thriller starring Rajvvir Arora, Imaad Shah and Nishikant Kamat in lead roles. It is directed by Prawaal Raman. The story revolves around Abhimanyu who decides to stay in Room 404 after a very bad ragging session. What transpires next is the story of 404.
Before I talk about the screenplay and acting, I should talk about about the technical aspects of the film. This film is made at a shoestring budget. Yet, it achieves the quality that most films lack. The cinematography is really good. It makes use of some static shots to achieve tension in the audience. Also, we observe some repeated shots which this film uses effectively because we cannot find the similarities just like that. The editing of the film too is very good. The effect of film reels given to the film really gives it the unique feel that separates it from the other films. The BGM of the film is really good. Enhancing the tense environment of the film, it really blends into the film without us noticing. This film uses minimal locations in fact just two. This film is one of the best examples of budget maintenance.
The budget of the film means that the film needs a tighter screenplay. The film delivers us in that matter to give a really good movie. This movie is meant to be a slow burn. It slowly introduces us to the characters. The seniors, the juniors, the lecturers, the dean and the professor. It slowly infuses you into this crazy world. Then, the film does a simply marvellous job at the psychological aspect of the film. If you ever wanted to know about Bipolar Disorder, this film is a 2 hour crash course for it with added entertainment. It explains it with such detail and attention with the film's main focus being on it really captivates you. This film mainly focuses on two things along with Bipolar Disorder i.e., Ragging and Ghosts. See, whatever you say, Ragging is a very bad practice. This film tries to prove it but in the most Over-the-top way possible. Yes, the ragging in the film is sometimes too much to take but after the climax of the film, we get it. The ghosts aspect of the film is an exploration worth your time. The climax of the film really rounds off the whole discussion with a very mind-blowing twist. So, this film is a slow thriller. You have to be patient with the film but when the film's main point comes along, you will be psyched.
The acting of the film is also good. Rajvvir Arora in the film does not get much acting scope. He is just kind and rational. He does well with the role he gets. Tisca Chopra too gives a very nice performance in her limited screen time. All other guys get really good scope to act. First of all, Imaad Khan as Chris. He is given this mysterious role to act with and he really acts well. But, the best performance scope and acting is done by Nishikant Kamat. I know him directed films like Madaari and the Drishyam remake. But, I did not know he acts like this. His acting in the film is fantastic. He is menacing, caring, manic and a complete package. His acting in the climax of the film is one of the best in 2011.
Overall, this film is an underrated gem of a film. It has strong writing and awesome budget management. It is available on Prime Video.
Before I talk about the screenplay and acting, I should talk about about the technical aspects of the film. This film is made at a shoestring budget. Yet, it achieves the quality that most films lack. The cinematography is really good. It makes use of some static shots to achieve tension in the audience. Also, we observe some repeated shots which this film uses effectively because we cannot find the similarities just like that. The editing of the film too is very good. The effect of film reels given to the film really gives it the unique feel that separates it from the other films. The BGM of the film is really good. Enhancing the tense environment of the film, it really blends into the film without us noticing. This film uses minimal locations in fact just two. This film is one of the best examples of budget maintenance.
The budget of the film means that the film needs a tighter screenplay. The film delivers us in that matter to give a really good movie. This movie is meant to be a slow burn. It slowly introduces us to the characters. The seniors, the juniors, the lecturers, the dean and the professor. It slowly infuses you into this crazy world. Then, the film does a simply marvellous job at the psychological aspect of the film. If you ever wanted to know about Bipolar Disorder, this film is a 2 hour crash course for it with added entertainment. It explains it with such detail and attention with the film's main focus being on it really captivates you. This film mainly focuses on two things along with Bipolar Disorder i.e., Ragging and Ghosts. See, whatever you say, Ragging is a very bad practice. This film tries to prove it but in the most Over-the-top way possible. Yes, the ragging in the film is sometimes too much to take but after the climax of the film, we get it. The ghosts aspect of the film is an exploration worth your time. The climax of the film really rounds off the whole discussion with a very mind-blowing twist. So, this film is a slow thriller. You have to be patient with the film but when the film's main point comes along, you will be psyched.
The acting of the film is also good. Rajvvir Arora in the film does not get much acting scope. He is just kind and rational. He does well with the role he gets. Tisca Chopra too gives a very nice performance in her limited screen time. All other guys get really good scope to act. First of all, Imaad Khan as Chris. He is given this mysterious role to act with and he really acts well. But, the best performance scope and acting is done by Nishikant Kamat. I know him directed films like Madaari and the Drishyam remake. But, I did not know he acts like this. His acting in the film is fantastic. He is menacing, caring, manic and a complete package. His acting in the climax of the film is one of the best in 2011.
Overall, this film is an underrated gem of a film. It has strong writing and awesome budget management. It is available on Prime Video.
IMDb Rating : 7.2/10
My Rating : 8/10
No comments:
Post a Comment