Death On The Nile doesn't have a tense narrative that would have made it an edge-of-the-seat affair, observes Joginder Tuteja.
Thrillers are my favorite genre, especially when a murder mystery is thrown in.
Death on the Nile is a screen adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel which was released almost a century ago. It is uncanny how the period affair makes for such an engaging affair even today.
There are some stories which are timeless. In the case of Death on the Nile, it works because of the old world charm which introduces a whole new world from a bygone era.
The cruise setting is truly exciting, with opulence written all over it, right from the sprawling decks to the ballroom floors to the rich costumes to the exquisite jewelry to the flowing champagne that could 'fill up the Nile' (as its lead Gal Gadot says). There is a good interest level generated by Director Kenneth Branagh, who doubles up as Agatha Christie's famous detective Hercule Poirot.
The film is not just about material visuals that make for an eye catching watch. The characters have a definite screen appeal as well which makes one connect to them.
Gorgeous Gal Gadot -- for whom this film is her third release during the pandemic (after Wonder Woman 1984 and the OTT movie Red Notice) -- makes you catch your breath all over again. The heiress angle to this lady who steals away her husband (Armie Hammer) from his former beloved (Emma Mackey) has an uncanny plot resemblance to the week's Hindi release Gehraiyaan.
This one isn't a Karan Johar film though, which means despite the Egyptian setting and the pyramids making for a spectacular backdrop, there is no Suraj Hua Maddham playing on screen.
Instead, it's the call of 'close the doors, no one leaves the room', even as Monsieur Poirot uses his legendary 'grey cells' to figure out the murder that has happened.
Like any good murder mystery, this one too has layer after layer being revealed, with red herrings and clues strewn around.
What keeps your interest alive is the presence of our very own Ali Fazal who has a substantial role as Gal Gadot's cousin and confidante. The credible actor that Ali is, he displays a good presence on screen.
Alas! The film doesn't have a tense narrative that would have made it an edge-of-the-seat affair in its entire playing time.
At places, the story line is flat and the big 'ahaa' moment is missing.
You expect the big reveal to be out of the world and while it is not predictable, I was expecting much more.
Still, the rich setting makes Death on the Nile an eye-pleasing movie.
