After a gripping trailer that filled us with anticipation, Berlin is finally out on Zee5. Written and directed by Atul Sabharwal, Berlin is a spy thriller set in 1993 Delhi. The movie stars Ishwak Singh, Aparshakti Khurana and Rahul Bose in the lead. The entire film revolves around an assassination plan, but does it keep you on the edge as the plan unfolds? Read our review of Berlin to find out.

Spy thriller with no real spies

Being a spy thriller, Berlin lacks both spies and the thrill. Nowhere in the movie are you on the edge of your seat and biting your nails. The story revolves around the assassination plan of the Russian President who is supposed to visit India soon. A deaf and mute man, Ashok Kumar (Ishwak Singh), is arrested for being a key element in the assassination plan. 

Pushkin Verma (Aparshakti Khurana), a sign language teacher, is brought in to interrogate Ashok. The majority of the movie unfolds in the interrogation room with periodical flashbacks to a cafe where Ashok’s story unfolds. In the mix is Jagdish Sondhi (Rahul Bose), an intelligence officer who is manipulative and wily and controls how the entire interrogation proceeds. 

The actors shine the brightest

Though the plot of the movie isn’t its strength, it does give you fresh character stories. Friendships are formed, sacrifices are made, and blood is spilt. Even though the movie doesn’t give you as much thrill as it promises, the performances by Aparshakti Khurana and Ishwak Singh are top-notch. Pushkin Verma’s struggle as a common man in the world of crime and lies is real. How he navigates through this world is worth watching.

Ishwak Singh, as a deaf and mute man, steals the show with his natural acting. He has the right amount of cunning and innocence to be convincing in his role. Even without any dialogue, Ashok Kumar is the one character you want to see on screen and know more about. Rahul Bose once again proves his talent, shines in his role and is persuasive in his part. The direction and cinematography of the movie are also on point.

The movie gives the 90s vibes with its sepia tones, radio news and the little details of the era. It also gives a little glimpse into the life of a differently-abled person. The movie is worth watching for the stunning performances and the chemistry between Pushkin and Ashok. Overall, Berlin is a good watch. It does not fall absolutely flat, but the trailer promised us more. 

Can you watch it with your family? Definitely, the movie doesn’t have any explicit scenes or use abusive language.

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