Cast: Sharib Hashmi, Sharad Kelkar, Rasika Dugal, Flora Saini and Harsh Chhaya

Director: Bipin Nadkarni

Rating: ***

Platform: ZEE5

'Darbaan' is a story based on a short story by a Nobel Prize-winning Bengali litterateur. It's an adoption of a 1918 short story 'Khokababur Pratyabartan' written by the legendary Rabindranath Tagore. The tale of this beautiful film is all about the inseparable bond between a caretaker and his master. There are many ups and downs that come in their way but the unthinkable sacrifices can bring tears to your eyes as well.

The story starts back in 1971, where a coal miner, Naren Tripathi (Harsh Chhaya) shared a very trustable bond with his servant, Raicharan (Sharib Hashmi) whom Tripathi never treats like a servant and Raicharan also loves him like a family member. But the purest bond you can see between Naren's son, Anukul aka Anu, and Raicharan aka Raichu, in this flick. But how life can be so fair? And an unfortunate thing happens when all the coal mines got nationalized under the government, and Naren suffers the loss of all his wealth. It was the time when one by one all his domestic helpers has to go except Raicharan but when they have to leave their 'Haweli' too then this pure soul returns to his village and start a peaceful life with his wife, Bhuri (Rasika Dugal). But that moment of separation can be felt by the audience because the world of Raichu used to start and end with Anu but they were separated in such difficult times.

Many years later, Anukul (Sharad Kelkar), now all grown up and with a family of his own, rehires Raicharan to take care of his son, Siddhu. The always-happy-to-help Raicharan is back on duty, which leaves his better half Bhuri (Rasika Dugal) neglected once again. However, an unfortunate incident changes the entire equation: Raicharan is blamed when Anukul and his wife Charul (Flora Saini) lose their son. What was that incident? How they lost them? And then what happens to Raicharan? are some big questions and to know you have to watch this drama film.

While watching the film, you might think that how time repeats itself. First, he served his whole life to raise Anukul and then his son, Siddhu. The story offers us a dewy-eyed tale but some points lack behind. It's like a smooth screenplay in the same way as normally the life goes on.

Following the prevailing National Award for directing Marathi film, Bipin Nadkarni has made his directorial debut in Bollywood with 'Darbaan'. Rakesh Jadhav and Radhika Anand, Nandkarni has co-written this film. Together, they prove that their understanding of the idea of human stain is prominent. The work done by the director and editors is excellent as the screenplay is one of the best things about this film. As every scene is up to the point, no stretching is there, but at a few moments, you might think that the story remains under search. The explanation of a few of his desires shown by the creator, is still not that convincing such as why Raicharan feels this way to endlessly remain in servitude of a family?

Apart from that, Annu Kapoor's voiceover adds worth to this lovable story of a bond that is more like an infatuation between Raicharan with his Chote Babu. And the story remains to keep your interest and to make you think that what will happen next.

Talking about acting, Sharad has done commendable work and in every emotion, he has justified his character, either it's while playing with his master or that breakable moment of separation. Besides him, everyone else has some glimpses in the movie but still, actors like Sharad Kelkar and Rasika Dugal have shown up their emotions very beautifully.

Moreover, the songs (Behti Si', 'Khushmizaaj', and 'Rang Bhariya') are accurate as per the scenes and very pleasing. With all the elements intact, it's merely the pace of the film that is a bit disappointing. Because things just happen one after another, like now there is a time of sorrow and the next moment the whole scene change in village function.

Overall, it's a story of the life that usually brings unfair, and unpredictable things. 'Darbaan' is quite a unique story of loyalty, friendship, caregiving, and the ultimate sacrifice that is shown by excellent actors. Sharib Hashmi has bought life to this tale with his performance and it's a must-watch movie if you're a fan of watching something new.