Anshuman Jha's directorial debut, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli, has arrived in cinemas, presenting a dark comedy-thriller that unfolds within the confines of a single house over one eventful evening. While the film boasts an intriguing premise and attempts to blend genres, it's Rasika Dugal's compelling performance that truly anchors the narrative.
The film revolves around two couples in London: Ira (Rasika Dugal) and her seemingly emotionless husband, Basuki (Paresh Pahuja), and Sanya (Zoha Rahman), an actress, and her boyfriend, Rohit (Arjun Mathur). The four meet for an unplanned dinner at Rohit and Sanya's cottage, but the evening takes a bizarre turn when Rohit casually mentions a corpse hidden in a trunk, supposedly that of Lord Curzon. Basuki, a man clinging to misplaced loyalty to the British Empire and who sees himself as British, becomes obsessed with the contents of the mysterious trunk. This obsession sets off a chain of events, unearthing secrets and testing the relationships between the characters.
Lord Curzon Ki Haveli attempts to blend elements of black comedy, a whodunnit mystery, and social commentary, subtly reflecting on themes of identity, self-perception, and India's colonial past. The film touches upon the hypocrisy of expatriates and also the issue of illegal immigration, adding layers to its social commentary. The narrative explores how people from small towns are trapped into loveless marriages. However, some reviews suggest that the film's pacing falters at times, and certain thematic threads remain unresolved. The dark humor doesn't consistently land, and the film's notions about the British way of life aren't always rooted in reality.
Despite these shortcomings, Rasika Dugal's performance as Ira stands out. She portrays Ira's transformation from a demure woman to someone more capricious with finesse. Dugal captures the character's inner conflict and suppressed desires, delivering a nuanced and captivating performance. Other cast members also deliver commendable performances. Paresh Pahuja embodies Basuki's obsession and suspicion. Arjun Mathur is compelling as the roguish Rohit, and Zoha Rahman holds her own as the bold Sanya.
Anshuman Jha's direction, while ambitious for a debut, demonstrates his ability to maintain audience attention within the constraints of a chamber film. Jha drew inspiration from the German play Mr. Kolpert, which he directed for theatre, and Hitchcock's Rope.
In conclusion, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli may not appeal to everyone, particularly those seeking a lighthearted entertainer. However, the film's intriguing premise and the strong performances, especially that of Rasika Dugal, make it a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate dark comedies with layers of social commentary. The film is a character study, and Dugal’s portrayal of Ira is the film's strongest asset.
