Director: Anubhav Sinha
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Kapur, Bhumi Pednekar, Dia Mirza, Ashutosh Rana, Aditya Shrivastava, Virendra Saxena, Kritika Kamra
Rating – 3
 
Bheed, directed by Anubhav Sinha, transcends the traditional boundaries of cinema to offer a raw and unfiltered cross-sectional chronicle of India during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The film provides a lens into the lives of those on the road during the first lockdown in 2020, exploring the challenges, struggles, and human stories that unfolded during this tumultuous period.
 
Set in Tejpur, a village on a state border 1200 km from Delhi, "Bheed" focuses on the police check post manned by Surya Kumar Singh (Rajkummar Rao). The film unfolds as hundreds attempt to cross the border during the early days of the pandemic-induced lockdown. The narrative weaves together the stories of an anxious mother (Dia Mirza) desperate to reach her teenage daughter, a bus full of migrants led by a watchman (Pankaj Kapur), and Surya's personal journey dealing with societal norms and love (Bhumi Pednekar).
 
Anubhav Sinha's decision to use a monochrome palette effectively grounds the film in reality. The absence of a colorful spectrum directs the audience's focus to the actors' faces and the stark interplay of light and shadow. This deliberate choice successfully establishes a connection with the characters and adds to the film's authenticity.
 
The film's brevity, with a runtime of 110 minutes, allows the narrative to unfold without unnecessary meandering. Each character is given the opportunity to shine, offering a nuanced portrayal with shades of gray. The storytelling feels authentic, transporting the audience back to the harsh realities of March 2020.
 
Bheed" excels in making the audience uncomfortable, mirroring the discomfort of the times it depicts. The cinematography, background score, and overall gaze contribute to the film's immersive and unsettling atmosphere. The depiction of calluses on the feet of migrant workers adds a necessary layer of harsh reality, reminding viewers of the struggles faced during the lockdown.
 
The film's characters are well-crafted, avoiding stereotypes and presenting them as real, flawed individuals. Rajkummar Rao leads the cast with a performance that captures his character's ambitions, insecurities, and sense of righteousness. Pankaj Kapur shines as the watchman, providing a strong foil to Rao. Ashutosh Rana, Bhumi Pednekar, Dia Mirza, and the supporting cast deliver impactful performances, showcasing their acting prowess.
 
Bheed serves as a poignant reminder of the short-lived nature of human memory. It brings back the grim harshness of the lockdowns, shedding light on the forgotten tragedies that unfolded during that period. The film's success lies in its ability to shift the focus to those who were fighting for their lives, offering a refreshing perspective amidst the plethora of pandemic-related narratives.
 
Bheed is not a film for entertainment; it's a stark reflection of a challenging period in recent history. Anubhav Sinha's directorial approach, coupled with strong performances from the cast, makes Bheed, a thought-provoking and impactful cinematic experience. The film's focus on the human stories behind the headlines sets it apart, emphasizing the resilience and struggles of those who navigated the uncertainties of the early days of the pandemic.