Manorama Six Feet Under

Manorama Six Feet Under is a 2007 Indian neo-noir thriller film directed by Navdeep Singh, starring Abhay Deol, Gul Panag, and Raima Sen in the lead roles. The movie is set in the tranquil and picturesque town of Rajasthan, where an aging engineer named Satyaveer (Abhay Deol) is struggling to make ends meet. He is also dealing with writer's block and attempting to pen a novel in his free time.

Satyaveer, usually a man of integrity, is offered a job as a private investigator by a wealthy businessman, Manorama (Sarika). She wants Satyaveer to investigate her husband, who she suspects is having an affair with a young woman named Nimmi (Raima Sen). Satyaveer is desperate for money, agrees to the offer and takes up the case.

As he begins his investigation, Satyaveer finds himself embroiled in a web of lies, deceit, blackmail, and murder. He falls in love with a beautiful woman named Sheetal (Gul Panag) who is living in the same apartment complex as he is. Sheetal soon becomes a key figure in Satyaveer's investigation, and together they uncover a conspiracy that is far more complex than they ever imagined.

The movie is a clever mix of suspense, mystery, and thriller, and Navdeep Singh's direction is simply excellent. The film is paced to perfection, and the storyline keeps the audience hooked from the beginning until the very end. The cinematography is also top-notch, capturing the beauty and serenity of Rajasthan.

Abhay Deol shines as Satyaveer, playing the role with poise and intensity. His character is understated and calm, which makes him all the more relatable. Gul Panag is just as impressive in her role as Sheetal, and her chemistry with Abhay Deol is palpable. Raima Sen also excels in her role as Nimmi, and her performance is both vulnerable and compelling.

The movie is also notable for its use of music, which is subtle yet effective. The background score by Jayesh Gandhi and the song "Dhundhla Jo Sama Bandh Gayi" by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan perfectly complement the tone of the film.

One of the strengths of Manorama Six Feet Under is its writing. The film's screenplay is penned by Devika Bhagat, and it is a nod to the classic films of the 1970s. The movie is filled with references to classic film noir, especially Roman Polanski's Chinatown (1974). The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the characters are well-developed.

Overall, Manorama Six Feet Under is a gripping and engaging thriller that keeps you on edge till the end. The movie is a triumph of storytelling and acting, and is a must-watch for fans of suspense and neo-noir cinema.