‘Blind’ (2023) Movie Review - A Flawed and Unoriginal Remake

Starring Sonam Kapoor as the lead, Blind is a new suspense thriller that is streaming on JioCinema. It is an adaptation of the 2011 Korean film of the same name, which has been remade in other languages as well. The film tells the story of Gia, a former cop who lost her sight and becomes a witness to a serial killer’s crimes. She tries to help the police nab him with her other senses and skills. The film is helmed by Shome Makhija and backed by Sujoy Ghosh, Avishek Ghosh, Hyunwoo Thomas Kim, Sachin Nahar, Pinkesh Nahar, and Manish W.

The film’s premise is intriguing and promising, as it revolves around a visually impaired protagonist who uses her other senses and skills to solve a crime. The film also has a talented cast, led by Sonam Kapoor, who makes her digital debut with this film. The film was shot in Glasgow, Scotland, which adds to the film’s dark and gritty mood.

However, the film’s execution is not very impressive or exciting, as it fails to live up to its potential. The film’s strength lies in Sonam Kapoor’s performance as Gia, who portrays her character’s courage, vulnerability, and determination with conviction. She manages to convey Gia’s emotions and senses without relying on sight and makes the audience empathize with her plight. For example, in one scene, she uses her sense of smell to identify the killer’s perfume and his location. She also shares good chemistry with Vinay Pathak, who plays Prithvi, the lead officer on the case, with a mix of humor and seriousness. For example, in one scene, they bond over their love for old Hindi songs.

However, the film’s weakness lies in its predictable and uninspired plot, which fails to create any suspense or thrill. The film relies heavily on clichés and tropes of the genre, such as the killer’s voice-over, the red herrings, the chase sequences, and the final confrontation. For example, in one scene, the killer calls Gia and taunts her about her blindness and his next victim. The film also suffers from poor editing, inconsistent pacing, and logical loopholes. For example, in one scene, Gia escapes from a locked car by breaking the window with her cane. The film does not explore the themes of blindness, disability, or feminism in any depth or nuance. For example, Gia’s blindness is treated as a mere obstacle rather than a part of her identity or experience.

Another drawback of the film is that it does not adapt the story to an Indian premise very well. The film still feels like it is a foreign story that has been transplanted into an Indian context without much thought or creativity. The film does not address the cultural or social differences that might affect the characters or the plot. For example, Gia’s adoption by a Scottish couple is never explained or explored. The film also does not use the Glasgow setting to its advantage or create a sense of place or atmosphere. The film could have been set in any city without much difference.

The film’s music by Clinton Cerejo and Brianca Gomes is decent but forgettable, while the cinematography by Gairik Sarkar captures the gloomy and cold atmosphere of Glasgow well. The film’s production values are average, and the film does not offer anything new or original to the viewers.

Blind is a flawed film that does not fully utilize Sonam Kapoor’s talent and potential. The film is not very engaging or entertaining and does not do justice to its source material or its genre. The film might appeal to Sonam Kapoor’s fans or those who enjoy crime thrillers. The film is a case of old wine served in a new bottle, which leaves a bland taste in the mouth.

Final Score – [5/10]
Reviewed by - Arpita Mondal
Follow @ArpitaMond33387 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times