Andhadhun (2018): Sriram Raghavan's Masterful Black Comedy Thriller

Andhadhun is a film that defies genre classification—it's a black comedy, a psychological thriller, and a neo-noir all rolled into one. Sriram Raghavan crafts a narrative where nothing is what it seems, and every twist keeps you guessing until the final frame. Ayushmann Khurrana plays a pianist who pretends to be blind, only to witness a murder that spirals into a web of lies, deceit, and murder. Tabu is phenomenal as the femme fatale Simi, delivering a performance that is both terrifying and mesmerizing. Radhika Apte, Manav Kaul, and Anil Dhawan provide strong support. The film's brilliance lies in its screenplay—the way it subverts expectations, uses sound and silence to create tension, and maintains ambiguity about what's real and what's performance. The climax, set in a European city, is a masterclass in open-ended storytelling. The music is integral to the plot, with songs that advance the narrative. Andhadhun won the National Film Award for Best Hindi Film and was critically acclaimed worldwide. It's a film that rewards repeat viewing. You can stream Andhadhun on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Many telecom providers include these OTT platforms in their premium plans. For a free option, check if any film societies or cultural centers in your area are screening it as part of a retrospective.