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U Turn Review: Alaya F Saves This Not-So-Scary Supernatural Thriller Dull Script With Her Performance
Streaming: Zee5
U-Turn Review: A character blaming himself for something wrong that happened in the past, an eerie atmosphere, and people dying in mysterious circumstances are a tried and tested template for any supernatural thriller movie.
But the Hindi remake of the popular 2016 Kannada movie of the same name, U-Turn, fails to impress largely.
Starring Alaya F, U Turn is structured with an almost similar plotline and has all the elements that make it a watchable supernatural thriller. This is the seventh remake of the original Kannada movie, making one wonder about the difference this could bring to the table. But does it stand true to its genre? Let's find out!
U-TURN: Plot
The story of this Hindi remake also follows the same plotline as that of the original. Alaya F plays Radhika Bakshi, a young journalist who is interning at a newspaper in Chandigarh. She is covering a story about the motorists who violate traffic rules on a newly built NTPC flyover in the city by removing the divider blocks and taking a U-Turn without putting them back in their place.
A determined Radhika, with the help of her sources, follows up with those who take a U-Turn on the flyover and ends up being the prime suspect after the bikers die in a strange series of events. To prove her innocence, Radhika, who herself has an inner guilt over being the reason behind the death of her own brother, helps the police get the facts to come to light amid weird supernatural events taking place.
U-Turn: What works and what does not work
Directed by debutant Arif Khan, U-Turn's runtime stands at 1 hour, 40 minutes and actually makes for a decent watch with a few shocking jump scares. But that's it; it merely compels you to think about what would happen next as the screenplay loses track at several places.
While the cinematography done by Anubhav Bansal maintains the visual atmosphere of the movie throughout. However, the direction feels a little scattered, thanks to the weak screenplay. You might even lose interest as the story is so mediocrely arranged.
The background sound nicely blends with a few eye-popping scenes, but nothing that we haven't witnessed before. A few scenes have been added, departing from the original's screenplay. Like the one where Alaya's mother is talking to her son's spirit, adds no value to the story. With run-of-the-mill dialogue, a few weak punchlines by Rajesh Sharma's character make the film just bearable.
U-Turn Actors' Performance
Alaya F's can easily be counted among the most underrated actors of this generation, as her performance is the only saving soul for this movie.
Priyanshu Painyuli, who plays a cop named Arjun Sinha, does well with the limited screen presence he has. Manu Rishi Chadha and the other supporting cast members of U-Turn also did a decent job.
U-Turn: Verdict
U-Turn works in parts. If you are someone who has already watched the original or the other remakes, you can pass on this Hindi version, as the movie has nothing new or unique to offer other than the climax.
As the movie reaches its end, the narration rushes to complete the movie, which again defies the entire genre of the original movie that made it one of the best-made supernatural films.
Moreover, if you haven't seen the original and are someone who enjoys watching thrillers, you can give the Hindi remake a try.
