Director: Pranay Meshram
Cast: Nushrratt Bharuccha, Nishant Dahiya, Tsahi Halevi
 
Akelli, directed by Pranay Meshram, promised a thrilling narrative set against the backdrop of war-torn Mosul, Iraq, featuring Nushrratt Bharuccha in the lead role. However, the film falls short of delivering on its potential, leaving the audience with a sense of unfulfilled anticipation.
 
The story revolves around Jyoti, portrayed by Nushrratt Bharuccha, a young woman from Punjab who finds herself trapped amidst ISIS terrorists in Iraq. The film begins on a strong note, with a gripping scene that sets the stage for what should have been an intense and engaging thriller. However, after an initial burst of excitement, "Akelli" struggles to maintain momentum, succumbing to a poorly constructed script.
 
One of the film's major drawbacks is its inconsistency in maintaining tension and edginess throughout the narrative. The promising elements introduced in the beginning fade away, and the film transforms into a prime example of missed opportunities. Creative liberties taken by the filmmakers, while commendable, result in conspicuous gaps in the storyline, leading to moments of confusion for the audience.
 
Nushrratt Bharuccha delivers a sincere performance, showcasing her acting prowess, but the weak script and underdeveloped characterizations limit the impact of her portrayal. Tsahi Halevi, known for his role in "Fauda," delivers a decent performance, adding a menacing aura to his character. However, the lack of a well-defined characterization hampers the overall effectiveness of the performances.
 
Director Pranay Meshram's honorable intentions to explore unconventional territory are evident, but the film struggles to rise above its weak script. The film excels in enclosed spaces but falters when it ventures beyond them, particularly in comparison to the high standards set by contemporary terrorism-themed series on streaming platforms.
 
In conclusion, "Akelli" had the potential to be a gripping thriller but falls short due to inconsistent pacing, a conveniently constructed script, and underdeveloped elements. While Nushrratt Bharuccha's sincere performance and certain moments of tension provide glimpses of promise, the film ultimately fails to leave a lasting impact.