Haddi Movie Review: Nawazuddin Siddiqui Shines A Turbulent Revenge Story, Shaky Foundations With His Performance
"Haddi," Nawazuddin Siddiqui takes on the role of a transgender woman seeking vengeance in a dark crime drama set in the vicinity of Noida. While the casting of a male actor in a transgender role may raise eyebrows, Siddiqui's portrayal is marked by unbridled passion and dedication, preventing the character from descending into caricature.
The film's narrative components, including its exploration of a transgender community and its references to Hindu epics, offer depth and context within a heteronormative worldview. Additionally, the technical aspects, such as camerawork and music, are commendable.
The initial hour of the Zee5 film is filled with intrigue and tension, maintaining a shroud of mystery around Hari/Harika (Nawazuddin), known as "Haddi" to accomplices. However, the plot eventually succumbs to predictable vengeance saga tropes, especially when the central character's motivations are revealed. The shocking revelations about Haddi's work for the villain lack the chilling impact they should have had.
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Harika/Haddi navigates between their discarded male identity and their female persona, with the Mahabharata serving as a contextual backdrop. They infiltrate a gang led by the ruthless land-grabber Pramod Ahlawat.
The film's strength lies in its exploration of blessings, curses, and retribution in a shadowy world where the perpetrators of atrocities hold sway over those who cannot defend themselves. The repeated lines about the power of blessings and curses set the stage for a tale of justice-seeking within a violent and bloody underworld.
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Notably, "Haddi" introduces a group of individuals who cross-dress to engage in a nocturnal business involving sex and drugs. While the film attempts to shed light on issues related to transgender individuals and advocate for inclusivity, it ultimately offers more style than substance.
In conclusion, "Haddi" boasts strong atmospherics, creative use of music, and an outstanding performance by Nawazuddin Siddiqui. However, its narrative falters with the introduction of familiar vengeance tropes, and it falls short of fully capitalizing on its potential to address important themes related to the transgender community.
