Director: Ribhu Dasgupta
Genre: Thriller, Drama
Runtime: 136 minutes
TMDB Rating: 6.6/10
Plot: A Grandfather’s Relentless Pursuit of Justice
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Kolkata, Te3n (pronounced “teen,” referencing the Hindi word for “three”) follows John Biswas (Amitabh Bachchan), a septuagenarian whose life was upended eight years prior by the unsolved kidnapping and subsequent death of his granddaughter, Angela. Despite the passage of time and the discouragement from law enforcement, John’s unwavering quest for justice leads him to the police station daily, seeking answers that remain elusive. The original investigator, Martin Das (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), has since left the force, haunted by his inability to solve the case, and has taken refuge in the priesthood. When a new kidnapping mirrors the circumstances of Angela’s disappearance, current inspector Sarita Sarkar (Vidya Balan) reopens the investigation. The trio—John, Martin, and Sarita—embark on a tense journey to uncover the truth, blurring the lines between past and present, guilt and redemption.
Visual Style: Kolkata as a Character
Cinematographer Tushar Kanti Ray masterfully captures Kolkata’s essence, portraying it as a city steeped in history and melancholy. The film’s visual narrative is rich with imagery of rain-soaked streets, dilapidated colonial-era buildings, and bustling markets, all of which serve to mirror John’s internal desolation. The muted color palette and dim lighting further accentuate the somber mood, immersing the audience in the protagonist’s world of perpetual grief and relentless determination. However, the film’s pacing is deliberate, unfolding the mystery layer by layer, which may test the patience of viewers accustomed to more briskly paced thrillers.
Cast: A Masterclass in Contrast
Amitabh Bachchan (John Biswas): Bachchan delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man burdened by sorrow yet fueled by an unwavering quest for justice. His depiction captures the fragility of age intertwined with the strength of a grandfather’s love.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Father Martin Das): Siddiqui embodies the transformation from a guilt-ridden cop to a contemplative priest, offering a performance marked by restraint and introspection.
Vidya Balan (Sarita Sarkar): Balan’s portrayal of the determined and pragmatic inspector adds a layer of grounded realism, though her screen time is limited.
Themes: Grief, Guilt, and the Illusion of Closure
The film delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the enduring nature of grief and the lengths to which one will go to seek closure. John’s relentless pursuit of justice becomes a metaphor for the universal struggle against the indifference of bureaucratic systems. Father Martin’s spiritual crisis underscores the moral weight of unresolved guilt, highlighting the complexities of redemption and atonement. The narrative also challenges the notion of closure, suggesting that some wounds remain raw despite the passage of time.
Reception: A Divisive Remake
Te3n received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While Bachchan’s performance and the film’s atmospheric setting were widely praised, the sluggish pacing and predictable plot twists drew criticism. Comparisons to the original Korean film Montage were inevitable, with many noting that Te3n struggled to match the taut narrative and emotional impact of its predecessor. The film’s attempt to balance character study with suspense resulted in a narrative that, for some, felt meandering and lacked the urgency typical of the thriller genre.
The Critic’s Verdict
Te3n is a contemplative thriller that prioritizes character exploration over conventional suspense. Its strength lies in its performances and the richly textured portrayal of Kolkata, offering a narrative that resonates with themes of loss and perseverance. While the measured pacing may not cater to all audiences, those seeking a deep, emotionally charged mystery will find value in this cinematic journey.
Strengths:
Amitabh Bachchan’s haunting, layered performance.
Kolkata’s evocative cinematography.
A morally complex premise that delves into themes of grief and redemption
Weaknesses:
Deliberate pacing that may not appeal to all viewers.
Underutilization of supporting characters, particularly Vidya Balan’s Sarita.
Predictable plot twists that may diminish the film’s suspense for some audiences.
Rating: 6.5/10 — A contemplative thriller that lingers in the mind, even if it never fully grips the heart.
Pair With: Kahaani (2012) for a sharper Kolkata mystery, or Piku (2015) to see Bachchan in a lighter, equally masterful role.
Cultural Footprint:
Despite its flaws, Te3n sparked discussions about India’s handling of cold cases and the need for nuanced portrayals of aging protagonists in Bollywood. Its legacy lies in Bachchan’s reminder that even legends can evolve, one stooped step at a time.