23 Years Later: A Deep Dive into Hansal Mehta’s Underrated Crime Thriller, Chhal

The film, ‘Chhal,’ directed by Hansal Mehta, presents a complex exploration of morality within the Mumbai underworld. The story follows Karan Menon, an undercover police informer, as he navigates shifting allegiances and the blurring lines between right and wrong. The film’s dark atmosphere and ambiguous morality set it apart, making it a standout crime thriller in Hindi cinema. The script, crafted by Suparn Verma, is inspired by Hollywood, cleverly portraying a cat-and-mouse game where the hunter and the hunted become indistinguishable. Mehta, working with a limited budget, achieves impressive visual impact, showcasing raw realism in the gang war shootouts, reminiscent of John Woo’s stylish action sequences. The film opens with a violent scene that establishes character dynamics and sets the stage for the moral conflicts to come. The narrative moves in multiple directions, exploring the protagonist’s dilemma between duty and love, and weaving love into the violence. The film’s soundtrack enhances the emotions and sharpens the perspective. The art direction and cinematography contribute to the gritty atmosphere. K.K. Menon delivers a compelling performance as the conflicted undercover cop. The editing, particularly Apurva Asrani’s innovative style, adds to the narrative’s energy. While the film has some shortcomings, its ability to immerse the audience in the protagonist’s inner world makes it effective.