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Newton Movie Review: This Rajkummar Rao Starrer Tells You Why Democracy Isn't Just Booth & Buttons!
Is this Rajkummar Rao starrer worth the hype? We watched it and here's our verdict.
Producers: Manish Mundra
Writers: Amit Masurkar, Mayank Tewari
What's Yay: Rock-solid performances
What's Nay: Sluggish pace of the film may not appeal to all
Popcorn Refill: Interval
Iconic Moment: The scenes featuring exchange of words between Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi keep you delighted.
Plot
A young, idealistic Newton aka Nutan Kumar (Rajkummar Rao) believes in doing things by the book. So much so that he is quick enough to turn down a marriage proposal for himself after discovering that the girl is yet to turn 18.
When his rookie government job lands him as a presiding officer in a remote election booth in the conflict-torn region of Chhattisgarh, he seems unperturbed by the Maoists who are determined to dent the elections at any cost.
Instead,
his
cause
of
concern
is
the
registration
of
votes
of
76
locals
living
in
that
village.
His
team
includes
a
local
obesrver/teacher
Malko
(Anjali
Patil)
and
clerk
Loknath
(Raghuvir
Yadav).
Meanwhile, Newton
constantly
finds
himself
at
loggerhands
with
Atma
Singh
(Pankaj
Tripathi),
the
head
of
the
security
team
who
is
entrusted
with
the
task
pf
protecting
Newton
&
Co.
But,
will
it
be
all
easy
for
them?
Direction
Amit Masurkar weaves a compelling plot around the absurdity of vote casting when you are alienated from democracy in every way. Newton narrates a story minus any frills, that has so much relevance in today's times.
There is a strong undercurrent of social commentary as the main protagonist slowly realizes the ridiculousness of his task. Reality hits you but this time, in the subtlest way possible. Newton gives you plenty of laughs along with some food for your grey cells.
Performances
Rajkummar Rao wears the role of Newton like a second skin. One just can't miss the blinking innocence in his eyes! Pankaj Tripathi aka Aatma Singh's dripping sarcasm is engaging. Raghuvir Yadav is at his funny best. Anjali Patil is a natural charmer on screen.
Technical Aspects
The use of authentic locations add value to Swapnil Sonawane. Unfortunately, the sluggish pace of the film might not appeal to everyone.
Music
The background score gels well with the narrative. 'Chal Tu Apna Kaam Kar Le' which plays during the end credits has beautiful lyrics and soul-stirring music.
Verdict
This is not your cup of tea if you are looking out for some escapist cinema. Ignorance may be bliss but Rajkummar Rao's Newton dares to venture into an unfamiliar territory and highlight how a ballot is always stronger than a bullet. It will make you realize that democracy isn't just booth and buttons!
