Sriram Raghavan’s Andhadhun stands out as a masterfully directed cinematic gem. Andhadhun has an ensemble cast of Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, Zakir Hussain, Radhika Apte, and Anil Dhawan. The film is a finely tuned-thriller that has left audiences both amazed and confused. Andhadhun is available for streaming on Netflix.
The plot of Andhadhun centers around Akash Saraf, a budding musician from Pune. He pretends to be visually impaired as a means to enhance his piano-playing skills. His meeting with Sophie, played by Radhika Apte, leads to an unexpected love story. Impressed by Akash’s musical talent, Sophie secures him a job at her father’s cafe. However, things take a twist when retired actor Pramod Sinha, portrayed by Anil Dhawan, notices Akash. He eventually invites him to perform at his private wedding anniversary celebration.
As Akash arrives at the Sinha residence, he is greeted by Simi, Pramod’s wife, portrayed by the talented Tabu. Simi allows Akash to play the piano to keep him safe from a nosy neighbor. The neighbour noticed that Akash seemed to be visually impaired. But what unfolds next is a series of unexpected events that turn the story into a gripping thriller.
Akash inadvertently stumbles upon Pramod’s lifeless body in the Sinhas’ apartment, and he is forced to conceal his knowledge of the murder while pretending to be visually impaired. He also discovers Simi’s lover, Manohar, hiding in the restroom. As Akash continues to play the piano, Simi and Manohar scramble to cover up the crime and hide the body in a suitcase.
How does Ayushmann Khurrana’s Andhadhun end?
One of the most prevalent theories circulating among the audience suggests Akash, takes revenge on Simi by having her corneas transplanted into his eyes. The sequence in which a doctor arrives to eliminate Simi is a pivotal moment. It seems that Simi overpowers the doctor’s attempt on her life and, in turn, tries to kill Akash. However, just as she is about to strike Akash, the screen goes blank. The subsequent scene depicts Akash performing live.
Soon it becomes apparent that Akash is not the typical hero in this story. He is a morally dark character who pretends to be blind to manipulate those around him. He casts Simi as the antagonist to position himself as the movie’s hero. Akash also tells his ex-girlfriend that he chose to save Simi and that she tried to kill him, but he was miraculously spared, all in an attempt to win her sympathy. This calculated deception leads Sophie to believe that Akash remains blind, further solidifying his façade.
In light of this, viewers can infer that Akash takes matters into his own hands and exacts retribution on Simi. However, what baffles a large part of the audience is the question of why Akash lied to Sophie in the first place. From the beginning, it is evident that Akash deceived Sophie into believing he was blind to gain her sympathy.
The film brilliantly weaves a narrative that leaves the audience in a state of puzzle. It is suggested that Akash made up the entire story, and the presence of a cane with a rabbit-shaped handle was meant to lend authenticity to his lies. As keen observers might notice, the rabbit, symbolizing Akash, is also blind in one eye.
Impact of Andhadhun on viewers
Andhadhun stands as a masterpiece of the details of storytelling in Indian cinema. It challenges audiences to look beyond the surface and delve into the depths of deception and punishment. As fans continue to dissect the film’s enigmatic ending, it only further cements its status as a cinematic masterpiece that keeps viewers captivated long after the credits have rolled.
Within the realm of Bollywood, where predictability frequently holds a dominant position, Andhadhun exemplifies a bold narrative that persists in leaving us wondering and contemplating long after the curtains have rolled.
