I often wonder about the exaggerated personalities and the charisma particular religious leaders behold. How do people get so easily influenced by these people? How do they achieve a pedestal for themselves? And what is so special about them? Spotlight, one of four films in the recently released anthology called Ray based on the writings of the legendary Satyajit Ray, attempts to answer these questions.

Spotlight is the story of a celebrated actor, Vikram Arora, who is popularly known for his look, which he claims to have invented. His popularity has made him delusional. He is aware that his acting skills are below par. But his one look is enough to woo the masses. The conflict arises when all the spotlight which Vik has become accustomed to turns towards a religious leader known as Didi. Vikram’s insecurities get the better of him. Didi is a goddess among the public. People worship her and yearn for her one look. Their reverence for her is so strong that people consider the water used to wash her feet, holy. Where Vik was used to all the attention and appreciation, it is now hallowed by this woman whose actions are perhaps not known to anyone. This reverence for Didi baffles him. 

First off, I had not seen a film like this before which therefore was quite refreshing. Vasan Bala, who has previously directed the quirky comedy Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, manages to keep the bizarre element alive in Spotlight, which for one has become his trademark for me. His cameo as himself in the film is enjoyable. Apart from that, the character of Didi, played by the wonderful Radhika Madan, who appears only in the last act of the film is well played. Her back story makes you empathise with her actions. 

Not having seen two of the major films in actor Harshvardhan Kapoor’s career, but only the short part he played in AK vs AK and now Spotlight, I believe in his acting capabilities. He is not the best of the lot, but he certainly makes a mark in Spotlight. His vulnerability as an actor who is not known for his art but for his external features in the film is visible. He is insecure, anxious and quite uneasy with the emergence of Didi. Harshvardhan performs Vikram with a distinct ease. His performance also seems to be derived from his real life, which works for the film.

Spotlight is aesthetically pleasing. Some scenes have been shot beautifully. Full credit to the cinematographer. The final act of Spotlight is enthralling. Radhika Madan and Harshvardhan Kapoor’s presence is a key factor in making it look the way it does. 

Lastly, I would like to mention Harshvardhan Kapoor’s costume designer. His outfits caught my eye in a lot of scenes. They are very different from what we generally see people wearing and suit his character well. It is great to see that level of attention to detail given to outfits in an Indian movie. 

The writing by Niren Bhatt could have been a bit better, but I enjoyed the saga of Didi and her devotees on one hand and the antics of the self-absorbed Vikram to satisfy his self-esteem on the other. 

Spotlight is streaming on Netflix.

Movie rating: 3.5/5