Birbal

Directed by M.G. Srinivas, the 2019 thriller, Birbal, is an enthralling tale of mystery, suspense, and justice. Revolving around a brilliant young lawyer named Mahesh Das, played by M.G. Srinivas himself, Birbal showcases a gripping investigation of a criminal cold case in the bustling city of Bangalore.

Birbal begins with showcasing Mahesh Das as a successful corporate lawyer, who leaves his high-paying job to pursue his passion for criminal law. Having an uncanny knack for solving complex mysteries, Mahesh, who is commonly referred to as Birbal, an historical character known for his wit and intelligence, becomes embroiled in an unconventional murder case that requires all his skills and wit to unpack.

Rukmini Vasanth plays Janvi, a mysterious and intriguing character that adds an element of enigma to the plot. Sujay Shastry brilliantly portrays the character of a charismatic prosecution attorney who is Birbal's courtroom antagonist and serves as the ideal foil for Mahesh Das in the story.

The narrative of Birbal is primarily a mix of flashbacks and present-day revelations, which are expertly interwoven to keep the audience engaged. The character of Mahesh Das (Birbal) unravels the layers of the mystery through well-executed sequences of investigation, evidence collection, and conversation. M.G. Srinivas uses these multiple narrative threads to craft a layered and complex tale that explores questions of morality, justice, and truth.

Birbal's charm lies in its tight plot, intricate detailing and intelligent storytelling. The director successfully builds tension and suspense, transforming a simple courtroom drama into a fascinating tale of crime and justice, with a dash of psychological intrigue. The screenplay flows smoothly, revealing critical plot elements at unexpected moments, arresting and enthralling viewers throughout.

An emotional undercurrent runs throughout Birbal as Mahesh Das, still grieving over his father's mysterious death, obsessively pursues the truth. This personal narrative provides the character with depth and makes him more relatable to the audience.

The cinematography of Birbal is noteworthy, as the cityscape of Bangalore is captured with all its vibrancy and dynamism. From the corporate offices where Birbal begins his journey to the grimy back-alleys where he pieces together the truth of his case, every single frame is meticulously composed to accentuate the story's mood and tone. The colour palettes chosen for different scenes subtly reverberate the emotions of the characters, making the audience more invested in the plot.

Furthermore, the music and background score composed by Saurabh Vaibhav and Saurabh Lokhande respectively, heightens the suspense and adds to the overall drama of this thriller. The music becomes a character of its own, playing a critical role in establishing the movie's suspenseful atmosphere.

Despite Birbal being a crime thriller, the director sprinkles light moments of comedy, mainly through the witty dialogues and the banter between Birbal and his opposition in the courtroom. These comedic moments strike a balance, ensuring the audience is not overwhelmed by the intensity of the plot.

The performances of the lead and supporting cast are all praiseworthy. M.G. Srinivas embodies the role of Birbal to perfection, delivering powerful, enigmatic monologues in the courtroom, as well as portraying the vulnerability of a son who has lost his father. Rukmini Vasanth delivers a magnificent performance, skillfully portraying the multifaceted character of Janvi.

Overall, Birbal is an engaging watch that holds the attention of the audience from the first frame to the last. It's an intellectual thriller that pays an ode to the art of mystery solving in the backdrop of judicial systems. It’s a unique blend of suspense, mystery, character development and drama that will keep you guessing until the very end.