In Lord Curzon Ki Haveli, Anshuman Jha, known for his roles as a twisted lover boy, delivers a captivating story set over one intense night, blending mystery, historical echoes, and generous doses of dark humor.
This classic chamber film, with crime at its heart, unfolds within a summer home in the UK. Two couples gather for dinner, and the evening takes an unexpected turn when Rohit (Arjun Mathur) casually tells his wife Sanya’s (Zoha Rahman) guests, Dr. Basuki (Paresh Pahuja) and Ira (Rasika Dugal), that there’s a dead body hidden in a large trunk in the drawing room. What begins as an unsettling joke quickly escalates into a heated exchange, exposing deep fissures in Dr. Basuki and Ira’s relationship. Soon, the audience gets a chilling taste of the true ‘menu’ for their gathering.
Lord Curzon Ki Haveli (Hindi)
Drawing inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock’s knack for intrigue and the intense violence often seen in films like Natural Born Killers, the movie’s initial pacing requires patience. However, as the characters’ true motivations begin to surface, the narrative gains significant momentum and purpose, culminating in a powerful, gut-wrenching impact from Anshuman Jha.
Beyond the central mystery of the Englishman’s body – a name that painfully evokes our colonial past – writer Bikas Mishra deftly explores the complex issue of identity faced by immigrants and the inherent insecurities it can foster. It’s a thoughtful layer to the thriller.
Perhaps the film’s most commendable and challenging aspect is Anshuman’s unwavering commitment to the genre, preventing the social commentary from overshadowing the core narrative. He masterfully guides the audience to uncover the characters’ motivations and insecurities without letting nationality dictate the morality of the crime and passion driving the plot. Whether it’s the plight of Asian squatters in the European countryside or Dr. Basuki’s sexuality, these elements are expertly kept ‘hidden in the trunk,’ revealing themselves subtly.
Rasika Dugal delivers a highly convincing performance as a Bhatinda girl trapped in an unhappy marriage with an NRI doctor, a role ably portrayed by Paresh Pahuja. Arjun Mathur takes on the most challenging part, yet he completely embodies his character, resonating deeply with the audience. His portrayal is remarkably nuanced and devoid of emotional crutches.
Cast as a charming distraction from the plot, Zoha Rahman’s performance doesn’t quite hit the mark. Tanmay Dhaniana, however, makes a strong impression in his small role as the Bangladeshi pizza delivery boy. The use of accent plays a crucial role in revealing the intricate layers of each character, and Anshuman employs this effectively.
Despite these strengths, the broader themes aren’t always fully realized, and there are moments where narrative gaps feel slightly brushed aside. The exposition of social mores and historical elements doesn’t always integrate seamlessly with the mystery. Nevertheless, this Haveli ultimately impresses with its unique cinematic form and compelling emotional architecture.
Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is currently available in theaters.