Sriram Raghavan's 21 is not one of those war films that constantly makes noise to excite the audience. This film is slow, thoughtful, and most importantly, it allows its characters to feel before they speak. Find out how Dharmendra's last film fares...
What is the story of 'Twenty-One'?
The film's story centers on the 1971 India-Pakistan war, but "Ekkis" doesn't limit itself to the battlefield. The bravery of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal is its foundation, but the film's true focus is on the impact war has on people's lives, even years later. The story unfolds across two timelines. On one hand, young Arun Khetarpal is making decisions on the battlefield, while on the other, years later, the same war returns in the form of memories and questions. This structure makes the film more than just a war story, but a human drama.
Image Credit: Film Scene
Sriram Raghavan directs '21'
Sriram Raghavan breaks away from his thriller image here. There are no sharp cuts or forced drama in "21." His direction is very controlled. He understands that every emotion doesn't need to be translated into dialogue. There are many scenes where the camera simply lingers on a character's face, and that becomes the heart of the scene. The war scenes are also restrained. Neither too long nor too stylized. Raghavan's focus is not on the grandeur of war, but on its impact. This restraint prevents the film from becoming heavy, even though the subject is serious.
Image Credit: Film Poster
Star cast acting in '21'
Jaideep Ahlawat is one of the film's strongest pillars. His character doesn't speak aloud, but his weight is felt in every scene. He plays a soldier who has seen a lot and now relies more on silence than words. Jaideep's performance stands out because he doesn't try to prove anything. The calmness on his face, the tiredness in his eyes, and the simple way he speaks make the character feel incredibly real. His scenes with Dharmendra elevate the film to a different emotional level. There are no speeches, no judgments; only memories and shared experiences. Agastya Nanda is genuine in the role of Arun Khetrapal. He doesn't try to make his character a hero, but instead portrays him as a responsible young officer. His passion and confusion are both palpable. Dharmendra's presence adds depth to the film. He speaks little, but each scene he plays leaves an emotional impact. As a father, his pain and pride are palpable. Simar Bhatia's role is small, but it brings a necessary balance to the story. She gives the film a light emotional touch, without taking away from the story.
Image Credit: Film Scene
How is '21' technically?
The film's script is well-crafted. No dialogue here feels like it was written for applause. Conversations feel normal, like they would in real life. Sometimes silence becomes the most powerful dialogue. The screenplay explains that not every question needs to be answered. Leaving some things unfinished enhances the film's impact. The background score of "Ikkis" is used sparingly. The battle scenes are loud, while the emotional parts are silent. The VFX is adequate. The tank scenes feel real, not pretentious. The camerawork and editing maintain the film's slow but strong pace.
Image Credit: Film Scene
Why watch '21'
"21" stands out thanks to Jaideep Ahlawat's quiet performance and Sriram Raghavan's restrained direction. The film is certainly a story of war, but more importantly, it's about the memories that linger even after the battle is over. This film is for audiences who seek impact, not noise.
Image Credit: Asianet News
