Dark Night Review

The name Dark Night somehow reminds us of The Dark Knight, a film few will forget. This movie has no relationship with that whatsoever. And the unbelievable twist the movie reveals on a dark night (hence the name) is enough to push the film into oblivion.

Alex (Vidharth) and Hema (Poorna) are a married couple, but their love life does not go smoothly. Even after marrying Hema, Alex continues his relationship with Sofia (Subhashree Rayaguru). One day, Hema catches Alex and Sofia in the act. Later, by chance, Hema meets Arun (Trighun), and the two develop feelings for each other. Soon after, Alex pleads with Hema and they patch things up. But Arun becomes obsessed with Hema.

You have probably watched countless movies on this theme. This film is however well crafted. The evolving bond between Hema, a married woman feeling emotionally abandoned, and Arun, a single man, is portrayed with remarkable sensitivity. Their growing affection unfolds naturally on screen, making it feel organic and deeply believable. Rarely has a Telugu film depicted such a relationship with this level of nuance and honesty, and this alone makes the movie worth watching despite a WTF kind of a twist at the end.

The best thing about the movie is that it treats events in a way you would expect them to unfold in real life. Cinematic bling takes a back seat. In our current social reality, arranged marriages still happen despite the obvious possibility that the boy and girl may have had earlier relationships. People compromise for societal and economic stability. But despite attempts by both parties to hide their pasts, unpleasant truths eventually surface. Confrontations, quarrels, and even death may follow. The film narrates this reality well.

There is insight, too. Infidelity is real. Monogamy has social benefits, which is why it has almost become a societal norm. Yet, going astray is so common that it often comes down to chance - an opportunity. This movie defines that idea quite well. It also narrates the fatal consequences of slipping away from social norms.

It's not all reality, though. For whatever reason, Indian movies - especially Telugu films - often end with the wife forgiving and embracing the husband while turning against the man who supported her during her husband's chauvinistic shenanigans. This movie follows that pattern too.

The only combat scene between Alex and Arun, near the end of the film, is superbly executed. It shows how a one-on-one fight actually happens in the real world. Neither of the characters suddenly becomes a ninja - something Tollywood often resorts to.

Acting-wise, the film actually shines. Vidharth, Trighun, Poorna and Subhashree Rayaguru have perhaps done the best they could. Poorna has the maximum screen time, followed by Trighun, Vidharth and Subhashree. If anything feels lacking, the blame may lie with the script rather than their performances.

The sound design overall is good. Tollywood might be raving about Devi Sri Prasad, but Myskin is impressive too. He is not just good with songs and background score; he understands overall sound design.

Interestingly, a film about infidelity offers plenty of scope for sleaze. Thankfully, the movie avoids that and still conveys its message.

Watch Dark Night for its craft. Though it is unlikely that the cinematic craft alone can save this one.