To be honest, I hadn't heard about the movie 'Newton' until last week. Someone recommended it and upon probing I found that it was a movie about a government clerk trying to run a free and fair election in a conflict area in central India.
The brief seemed singularly lacklustre. Starcast was minus stars. What would it be like, I wondered? Political, trite, edgy, preachy and dark, sans the colour and razzle-dazzle I was clamouring for after a month of gruelling chock-a-block exam schedule of kids? Why not Judwa 2, a definite holiday bonanza, I asked my family but they unanimously voted for Newton and I went in with the least expectations. But as the story unfolded, the magic began.
This low budget, offbeat movie with fine actors and riveting direction has proved that quality can never be the exclusive domain of showbiz's big guns. Devoid of razzmatazz, any gravity-defying action scenes (Isaac Newton would be happy) or romantic escapades, it shines beautifully on its own. The backdrop is Naxalite insurgency but the focus is on the dutiful, stern, living by the rule-book, election officer called Newton, enacted masterfully by Rajkumar Rao. Intense yet funny, it makes you don your thinking cap while enjoying your giggles.
The apple has fallen. But it hasn't bitten the dust. The great scientist won't stir in his grave.
