Noblemen Movie Review: Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice Turns Grim in Vandana Kataria’s Hard-Hitting Take On Bullying

Women say that it is difficult living in a man's world. But here's a boy who tells his female friend that she has no idea what it's like to be a boy in a boy's convent school who cannot be good at sports. Noblemen follows the story of a tenth grader who has been severely bullied to the point of him breaking all his inhibitions and doing the exact opposite of what his morals stand for. Pain and fear often give rise to submissiveness. But another side to this coin is how it leads to a breaking point which leads to catastrophe. Directed by Vandana Kataria, the film further delves into various segments of concerns and holds no bars up in doing the same! Did she manage to present a good film worthy of the audience's penny? Read further to know our review. New York Indian Film Festival: Marathi Movie 'Nude' Bags the Best Film Award, 'Noblemen' Receives Warm Response.

The story begins with Shay Sharma (Ali Haji), a tenth-grader being drowned in a boy's convent, Saint Noble High. Of course, he is not new to the whole bullying sphere as he has often fallen weak in the presence of Arjun (Ali Mir), Baadal (Shan Grover) and the other bullies who accompany these seniors. Shay is very passionate about theatre and a staunch believer in not citing violence or revenge as a means to get back at the bullies. Something that his professor and play mentor, Murali (Kunal Kapoor) admires. However, him being a part of the play, The Merchant of Venice, does not go down well with the seniors, who are hellbent on kicking him out of the play.

One thing leads to another as Kataria peels off every layer of the characters that she has brought on the screen. Conflicts, confusion, commotion, cacophony and finally, conniving acts of crime bring forth a tumultuous era for Saint Noble High.

Speaking about the film and its script, Kataria's first attempt is beautiful! For all those theatre enthusiasts, you can probably tell how some of the nuances have been picked up from the art of theatre and fit beautifully on the screen. Many might not notice this but the beginning and the end scenes of the film are so well connected that it actually makes you stand up and applaud! Sadly, I didn't do that but if I could go back in time, I would definitely applaud as the credits roll out. Kataria has given each and every character an essential role. Even the onlooker who has barely a line or two holds a lot of prominence in the script. Kudos to Kataria for making sure all the characters are put to proper use.

The plethora of symbolism used by Kataria cannot or rather shouldn't be missed! If gritty tales and graphic violence makes you uncomfortable, I still suggest you watch it. Because the film is honest and makes us question all the characters. Nobody is a nobleman in this movie. They all are characters with shades of grey. They are all torn into pieces by their own demons and find their means to channel frustration on others. It sheds light on the necessary subjects of homosexuality, homophobia, male toxicity, mental and physical harassment, something that the society has often overlooked. The subjects covered by Kataria are so strong that you're left overwhelmed at every turn the script takes. It's grim and gritty so don't expect humour or flowery execution.

What's extremely impressive about the film is how each and every member of the cast has phenomenally played their parts. Ali Haji as Shay Sharma makes your heart ache. The innocence in his face, the angst in his eyes, the conflict in his soul, Haji, delivers a captivating performance. Many might consider Ali Mir to be the antagonist of the film. But I beg to differ. In just one particular scene, Kataria manages to justify Arjun's personality. I'm not saying he's a good guy or a bad guy. I'm trying to explain how such people also exist and why they become bad in the eyes of the public. Mir's dialogues, his personality, his suaveness has been put out with utmost brilliance! Muskkaan Jaferi, who plays Pia, also delivers a convincing performance. Being the only girl in their class, Pia has boys talk about her private parts and envision her sexually. But she stands her ground as she picks the two friends who see her for a girl and not a toy. She is also broken by the consequences of her words and advice. Jaferi's performance is beautiful! Kunal Kapoor, who plays professor Murali, has done such a fine job. He expresses the conflict that arises from being a teacher, being single and being a pawn in a game that he didn't ask to participate in.

Final Thoughts

Noblemen is a film that should definitely be watched. Right from the start, Noblemen has you hooked as it covers a diversity of problems that prevail but are not spoken of. Even though you can predict what will happen next in the plot, you still want to tug onto your last shred of hope and pray that what you think will happen should not happen!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 27, 2019 08:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).