Since 2013, I'm sure I have seen at least 5 films that are based on the topic of self-righteous crime where the protagonist takes law into his own hands and embarks upon a journey to make peace with a certain crime that has affected his life. Ribhu Dasgupta's middling thriller is just that, plus a little slow.
John (Bachchan) is an aged, grief-stricken man whose granddaughter was kidnapped and subsequently killed by an unknown man 8 years ago. He had done all that he could to save the kid's life, including doing what he was told to do by the police, led by the unskilled detective Martin (Siddiqui). Presently, he has still not gotten over the incident and has resolved to attain justice, if not revenge. So he sets out, rather courageously and convincingly, racing back in time to decode what really happened. He seeks the help of Martin, who is now a padre at a local church after leaving police force and much more skilled at it. But more than he can help John find his granddaughter's killer, he assists Sarita (Balan), a detective who is investigating a kidnap case eerily similar to the one he handled 8 years ago...
The premise is fine and is set in the enigmatic state of Kolkata. But what affects the narrative is the dull execution. John is crestfallen, yes, but the aura that encapsulates him, and for that matter, every other character in the film, is very thin, and made of clouds which make everything look they are superficial. Not to mention the slow pace of the first half. The writers have given more importance and screen time to the lead actor than what was necessary, throwing the narration partially under the bus. This makes the plot look like it is only a pillion rider without a helmet.
What a man can and will do to finally attain peace during testing times is what the primary theme of the film is. Taking the law into his own hands, simultaneously teasing the law-enforcers about their incapability and callousness, is what John explicitly engages in throughout the film. There are few loopholes in the film, which also raises questions about ethics and rationalism, but that is exactly what Mr. Dasgupta wanted to raise. For that, I'll give him a firm handshake. But it's because of the tepid execution that I will restrict the engagement time of that handshake to half of what I generally would.
Bachchan is terrific, but I must confess that his baritone voice can sometimes become inaudible to follow, no matter the media. Balan's is introduced as a cameo, but she has enough screen space to be a curious cop and to engage in top-layer and superfluous chemistry with Martin, whose celibacy is in question then. Supporting actors are good, especially Sabyasachi Chakrabarty.
A good score and average camera work further makes the film watchable for people who love thriller mysteries. But the predictability of the plot again forces me to remind potential viewers that, overall, the film is mediocre, but better than Wazir (2016).
BOTTOM LINE: Ribhu Dasgupta's Te3n is an average attempt at a crime thriller where the protagonist mocks the police and gets away with crime just because his cause is a good one. Wait for DVD, and then rent it. And then forever lapse into a reverie thinking about the meaning of the title.
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES
