Cast: Sohum Shah
Director: Girish Kohli
Rating: ***½
Shouldering a film where the protagonist dominates nearly every frame is a formidable challenge for any actor. Yet, Sohum Shah rises to the occasion, delivering a stellar performance in Crazxy. With masterful direction, a tight screenplay, and seamless editing, this 90-minute thriller ensures that viewers remain riveted from start to finish. The sheer tension keeps audiences on edge, making it nearly impossible to take their eyes off the screen.

A Riveting Plot That Keeps You Hooked

The narrative follows Abhimanyu Sood (Sohum Shah), a skilled surgeon who finds himself in a harrowing crisis when a patient dies during surgery. To avoid legal consequences, he plans to settle the matter privately with a hefty compensation of ₹5 crore to the deceased's family. However, his plan takes a sinister turn when he receives an anonymous call informing him that his daughter has been kidnapped. The ransom? The same ₹5 crore.

Initially dismissing the call as a cruel prank, Abhimanyu is shaken when he watches a disturbing video of his daughter bound and unconscious. He is now faced with an excruciating dilemma: secure his own freedom or save his daughter, who lives with his estranged wife. This high-stakes predicament fuels the film's relentless intensity, keeping viewers engaged till the very end.

Sohum Shah’s Commanding Performance

The opening sequence itself establishes Abhimanyu’s character-a man unafraid to confront conflicts. A heated altercation with a biker hints at his aggressive, no-nonsense attitude. Sohum Shah, known for unconventional choices like Ship of Theseus, Talvar, and Tumbbad, continues his streak of bold roles. In Crazxy, he single-handedly carries the film, navigating a complex emotional arc from a detached father to a remorseful man seeking redemption.

Despite being the sole character physically present on-screen, the supporting cast—Shilpa Shukla (as his lover), Tinnu Anand (as the kidnapper), Nimisha Sajayan (as his ex-wife), and Piyush Mishra (as his boss)—leave an impact through their powerful voice performances. Their presence adds depth to the unfolding drama, creating a layered storytelling experience.

Masterful Direction and Cinematic Excellence

Director Girish Kohli expertly crafts a taut, no-frills narrative, ensuring every moment contributes to the escalating tension. With a crisp runtime of just 90 minutes, the film wastes no time on unnecessary subplots, making for a fast-paced, edge-of-the-seat experience.

One of the film’s most commendable aspects is its subtle yet effective portrayal of Down’s syndrome, adding a layer of emotional depth rarely seen in mainstream thrillers. The editing by Sanyukta Kaza and Rythem Lath enhances the film’s gripping pace, ensuring there are no dull moments.

Unforgettable Moments and Stellar Sound Design

The screenplay is packed with standout sequences, but one, in particular, is pure cinematic brilliance—Abhimanyu simultaneously performing a surgery via video call, negotiating with the kidnapper, and changing a flat tire. The scene seamlessly transitions from desperation to confidence, making it a true highlight.

Complementing the narrative is the impeccable sound design. The haunting echoes of Kishore Kumar’s Abhimanyu Chakravuyh Mein Phas Gaya Hai intensify the protagonist’s turmoil, while Vishal Bhardwaj’s evocative compositions provide occasional relief from the relentless suspense. The background score perfectly matches the film’s tense atmosphere, further elevating its impact.

A Few Minor Flaws

While Crazxy excels in storytelling and execution, a minor drawback lies in Sohum Shah’s diction. Some dialogues are unclear, slightly affecting the immersive experience. However, this minor flaw does little to overshadow the film’s overall brilliance.

A New Benchmark for Hindi Cinema

Crazxy draws inspiration from Hollywood classics like Buried (Ryan Reynolds), All Is Lost (Robert Redford), Locke (Tom Hardy), and 127 Hours (James Franco) - films that revolve around a lone protagonist navigating extreme adversity. By bringing this gripping formula to Hindi cinema, Crazxy sets a new benchmark for intense, character-driven storytelling.

Raw, tense, and refreshingly bold, the film proves that a well-crafted script holds more power than extravagant sets or action-packed sequences. Sohum Shah and Girish Kohli deserve accolades for pushing the boundaries of Hindi cinema, delivering a psychological thriller that lingers long after the credits roll.

If you’re a fan of high-stakes thrillers that keep you guessing, Crazxy is a must-watch. It’s not just a film - it’s an experience.