Khalid Rahman's Unda (Bullet) has a climax that not only feels hurried (so as to fit into the 2-hour running time) but also deviates from the realistic cap that it was donning since the start where a group of policemen from the Indian state of Kerala are sent, unprepared and without sufficient resources, for election duty to a remote location in another Indian state of Jharkhand, this one known for its high Maoist activity. The film is a stark description of the laxity of the police force in India, general unpreparedness, rivalry between state governments, caste discrimination, and much more. But what comes out as the biggest takeaway from Unda is how the job of a police office is looked at by those who aspire to become one. Mammootty has acted and been directed so well that you get to see that rare acting prowess that he possesses, and when it comes out along with wonderful performances from his other cast members (notably Arjun Asokan in a lovable role and Rony David), it appeals the viewers so much that such a climax can be forgotten and forgiven for. Rahman's crime drama film is authentic, relevant, and one that has been told so objectively you can't disagree with what's happening. I think we have added one more director into the short list that we should take seriously in Malayalam cinema. TN.
