Physics Teacher review: This promising psychological thriller deserved a better script and execution

2.5/5

Story:

Badri, a young and affable physics teacher, firmly believes that human existence is governed by rationality and nothing else. He disses the idea of any belief that lacks logic or reasoning, asserting that the entire universe runs in accordance with principles of physics. However, a series of small yet bizarre events begin to complicate his otherwise placid life, thus questioning his sanity and forcing him to ponder the thin line between reality and illusion.

Review:

Actor and former child artist Sumukha's directorial debut arrived in theatres on the back of some genuine praise and promise. Physics Teacher premiered at the recent edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival and many regarded the film as an exciting and refreshing attempt at an under-explored genre in Kannada Cinema, that of a psychological thriller. As evidenced by the trailer, Sumukha plays the titular role of a Physics Teacher named Badri whose contented life begins to feel muddled when his mind gets caught in a threatening "reality vs illusion" dilemma. While Pawan Kumar's 2013 film Lucia dealt with a similar kind of duality, Sumukha attempts at making paranoia and obsession his film's two key facets and even teases his audience with elements of the paranormal. But does he succeed in etching a riveting narrative? Unfortunately, no. 

Psychological thrillers, in essence, have always been about the energies they withhold. There is a perspiring, almost-feverish kind of flow to these films and when it comes to a lot of the plot residing in the protagonist's mind, one also seeks a compelling protagonist who's worth their empathy. In Physics Teacher, Badri is passionate and charming but also, unbeknownst to his own self, deceivingly convoluted in the mind. And yet, the director in Sumukha comes off too reticent about his central character and ends up creating a sense of detachment that lingers throughout the film. What do we know about Badri to care for him or his pursuits? Why do the little, quite innocuous incidents incite his mind to a state of sudden panic and confusion? It is here that Sumukha, and his co-writer Skanda Subramanya, falter, and when they are forced for an explanation, the film turns too verbose with a repeated dose of lectures on rationality and how the science of physics allows no room for beliefs or superstitions. Their characters speak out their thoughts in an unnatural, drawling way, as though they were speaking to the audience and not to one another, and the little traces of Badri's backstory we pick up do not really suffice.

The prime contributor to the success and impact of any psychological thriller is a characteristic atmosphere. Badri's life as a bachelor is dichotomous (again alluding to the duality aspect) and see-saws mostly between his quaint studio house and the school where he is surrounded by several kids. It is Jalaja (played by Prerana Kambam), his colleague, who becomes the main link between the two worlds - also of his metaphysical being - and a lot of the narrative is then unraveled through her objective sense of things. There is endearing chemistry between the two that comes off quite organic and the writers even lend this relationship a slight edge - in one small yet crucial scene, we see Jalaja, clad in a traditional saree and flowers in her hair, volunteer to walk up to a bar and buy booze straight off the counter. Sadly, the writers fail to include more such subversive moments in the story or build any kind of atmosphere that's original. Despite the title, the parts involving Badri's students lack the charm or energy that one sees in films like Taare Zameen Par or Rian Johnson's Brick and the pacing too becomes patchy over the course. 

As far as the rest of the core crew is concerned, Raghu Gyarahalli's cinematography lends the film an interesting visual tone and through his supple camera pans and movements, the film maintains a semblance of that desired mood and atmosphere. Ajay Kumar's editing helps the runtime remain in check but quite often in the film, one sees moments linger beyond the ideal point. 

Verdict:

For a film that required an astute eye for pacing and character study, Sumukha's debut is a tad underwhelming. The film certainly promises an original and interesting take on the subjects of spirituality and science through the lens of a genre like the psychological thriller but it also warranted inherent energy and the skill to build a smacking narrative. Rajesh Nataranga, as the "mystery man", and Mandya Ramesh as the ominous-looking Maths teacher lend their credibility to a few interesting scenes but that isn't enough to save the film. That said, the makers must be lauded for their unique attempt at discussing a rather complex subject and also bringing out a film of this kind in a tough environment. Watch the film if you enjoy cerebral and intelligent content that also falls under an entertaining genre.