Centered on an exceptional performance by Rajkummar Rao, Trapped is a survival story set against an urban backdrop. Perhaps meant for the discerning viewers, ones likely to appreciate it more, let us see some of its salient points in the Trapped film review.
The Story – Trapped Film Review
Vikramaditya Motwane is back after a gap of four years. This time, assisted by the versatile actor Rajkummar Rao, he sets out to take the audience on a dual journey. On the surface, Trapped is a story of Shaurya, who has to grapple against the odds if he has to stay alive locked in his apartment in an high-rise building. Although, the other aspect of the film is a philosophical one. The protagonist is an ordinary bloke, who leads a mundane life, and only when he is physically trapped that we see him opening up. Also, cut off from the rest of the world, Motwane depicts the plight of city life, as Shaurya tries desperately to make contact with people on the outside.
The Positives and Negatives – Trapped Film Review
The main impetus of the film comes from Rajkummar Rao’s excellent performance as Shaurya, a man who initially is somewhat unsure of himself to one who will do anything it takes to survive when trapped in a high-rise apartment with no help in sight.
There is a scene where Shaurya is talking to a rat, who he was petrified of as established by the preceding scenes. There are some such scenes peppered throughout that are effective in conveying a deeper philosophical core of the movie.
Having said that, the movie is not as dark as I would have liked it to be. For a movie that at least on the surface is a survival film, we need to see the character go through intense mental and physical pain, which is not the case here. Perhaps certification was a consideration as it fails to maintain that intensity throughout.
Although, I liked the way the movie opens, with the audience getting to know the character. Shaurya is an uncertain chap, who is hesitant while talking to a girl and takes time opening up. Although, when that happens, unfortunately, tragedy strikes for him. His desperation to get out of the apartment is even more as he wants to be with her. All of this is perfectly set up in the opening act.
The central part of the movie is where the film doesn’t pick up in intensity sufficiently, and this leads to a somewhat underplayed last act. Therein lies the film’s problem. Although Trapped starts promisingly, it doesn’t go all out and deliver a knockout punch. It stops short of that, and one wonders that with all the talent in front of the camera and behind it, why it didn’t go for the same.
The Final Word
Trapped isn’t the finest survival movie you are going to see. Having said that, it works primarily because of quite an enthralling act by Rajkummar Rao. Also, Motwane is back and firing with Trapped, and although not a must watch for survival movie fans, it is surely a good one time watch for most moviegoers, especially the discerning crowd, who will like to ponder over its philosophical perspectives.
What do you think?