‘D-Day’ review: Rishi Kapoor, Irrfan Khan steal the show

Gayatri Sankar

If you were wondering ‘D-Day’ is just a film about RAW agents and their mission then you were thoroughly wrong. Directed by Nikhil Advani, ‘D-Day’ gives you an optimistic visual reference to what could indeed be achieved, should one put in all what is needed to get hold of that one man – who tops India’s most wanted list. Featuring top notch actors, the spy thriller comes across as a breath of fresh air. Advani takes the art of story telling to an altogether different high. And yes, succeeds brilliantly. ‘D-Day’ unfolds the stories of 4 RAW agents who are on a mission to trap “the goldman” who has been conveniently seeking refuge in Pakistan. Rudra (Arjun Rampal) a former army officer, Wali (Irrfan Khan) an Indian living in disguise across the border, Zoya (Huma Qureshi) and Aslam ( Aakash Dahiya) a criminal-turned-intelligence agent have a common goal – to bring back Iqbal (Rishi Kapoor) alive to India. While on his tedious yet the most challenging mission on foreign soil, Rudra finds solace in a prostitute (played by Shruti Haasan). An otherwise orphaned Rudra gets emotionally attached to this stranger woman! Unlike Rudra, Wali has a family of his own; a man who is madly in love with his wife and son; a family gifted to him by the years he spent on the foreign land while on a mission for his country. Like Wali, Zoya too has someone who awaits her return – her husband. But, for her too, duty calls louder than the voices of her near and dear ones. Rudra, Wali, Zoya along with Aslam (who works as Iqbal’s driver) wait for the most important moment of their mission – the wedding of Iqbal’s son – a day which could put value and meaning to the sacrifices they have made in their lives. As the most awaited moment arrives, the four Indians are on their toes and their plan is on the verge of a successful execution. But will they succeed in achieving their goal is something for you to watch. As they say wine tastes better with time, Rishi Kapoor is growing ambitious with age and rightfully so, for he has pulled of an incredible performance. As a preposterously nasty gangster, Rishi Kapoor will make you wonder if he is the same lover boy of the 1980s. Irrfan Khan, actor pas excellence is marvelous. His expressions are enough to do all the talking. He has proved time and again that he is a gem that Indian Cinema needs to treasure. ‘D-Day’ could be Arjun Rampal’s best performance till date, for he comes in a never-seen-before avatar. Huma Qureshi is brilliant as always but Akash Dahiya needs special mention. He is a great find and promises a long innings in Bollywood. The supporting cast- Nasser (who plays RAW Chief Ashwini Rao) has delivered an impeccable performance. The dialogues are hard hitting, crisp and befit well into the story. The last few lines mouthed by Rishi Kapoor will certainly tickle your funny bone, for you will be able to relate quite easily with them. Editing is neat and helps the story further smoothly. The director of photography too has helped Advani in his mission- to produce a gripping film like ‘D-Day’. The background score is heart-warming and merges seamlessly with the story. In totality, ‘D-Day’ throws light on those unsung heroes who sacrifice everything, even their identities for the nation. Highly recommended.