Directed by | Anurag Kashyap |
Starring | Taapsee Pannu, Pavail Gulati |
Music by | Gaurav Chatterji, Shor Police |
OTT Platform | Netflix |
IMDb rating | 4.6 |
Dobaaraa Official Trailer
Dobaaraa is a gripping thriller directed by Anurag Kashyap and starring Taapsee Pannu and Pavail Gulati.
The film tells the story of Antara, who, during a thunderstorm in the present, gets connected to a 12-year-old boy named Anay, who died 25 years ago.
As Antara tries to save Anay’s life, a series of reality-bending events unfold, making for an enthralling cinematic experience.
In this review, we will take a closer look at the movie’s plot, performances, technical aspects, and overall impact on the audience.
So, buckle up and get ready for an immersive cinematic experience like no other.
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Plot Summary of the Movie
Dobaaraa is a mind-bending thriller movie that revolves around the story of Antara (Taapsee Pannu), a successful video game programmer. T
he story begins with a flashback to the 1990s, where a 12-year-old boy named Anay dies in a road accident during a thunderstorm night.
Before his death, Anay witnesses his next-door neighbour, Gaurav (Pavail Gulati), covering up his wife’s murder.

Twenty-five years later, in the present, Antara finds herself in a similar situation, during a thunderstorm night, where she gets connected to Anay through a television set.
Antara realizes that Anay’s life can be saved, and she sets out on a mission to change the past. As she delves deeper into the mystery surrounding Anay’s death, she discovers that nothing is what it seems, and the reality around her starts to bend.
Antara’s journey to save Anay’s life sets in motion a series of events that take the audience on a rollercoaster ride of suspense, drama, and unexpected twists.
As Antara tries to solve the puzzle and prevent Anay’s death, she begins to question her own sanity, and the lines between reality and imagination start to blur.
With its intricate storyline and exceptional performances by the lead cast, Dobaaraa is a thrilling and thought-provoking movie that will keep the audience engaged until the very end.
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Music and Soundtrack
The music and soundtrack of Dobaaraa are an integral part of the movie’s overall impact, with music by Gaurav Chatterji and Shor Police.
The soundtrack of the movie features five songs, each bringing a unique flavor to the movie. The first track, “Waqt ke Jungle,” sung by Armaan Malik, is a beautiful melody that captures the mood of the movie perfectly. The song has a haunting quality to it that adds to the overall eerie atmosphere of the movie.

The second track, “Veham,” is a rap song by Fotty Seven, which is high on energy and attitude. It provides an excellent contrast to the more somber tone of the movie and adds a contemporary touch to the soundtrack.
“Dariya Hai” is the third track on the soundtrack, with music by Shor Police and vocals by Clinton Cerejo and Bianca Gomes. It has a more experimental sound to it, blending electronic and acoustic elements to create a unique and memorable sound.
The fourth track, “Pari,” sung by Neeti Mohan, is a beautiful ballad that adds an emotional dimension to the movie. The song has a haunting quality to it, and Mohan’s voice adds a depth of feeling to the lyrics.
Finally, “Pari” (Reprise) is a beautiful instrumental version of the song, with music by Gaurav Chatterji. The track is simple and beautiful, bringing a sense of closure to the movie.
Overall, the music and soundtrack of Dobaaraa add an additional layer of depth and emotion to the movie, complementing the story and the visuals to create a truly immersive cinematic experience.
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Analysis of Performances
Dobaaraa boasts a talented cast, with Taapsee Pannu and Pavail Gulati leading the way. Both actors deliver nuanced and compelling performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their respective characters.
Pannu, who plays the role of Antara, delivers a standout performance, capturing the character’s vulnerability and strength in equal measure.
Antara is a complex character, dealing with past trauma and present danger, and Pannu brings a sense of authenticity and relatability to her portrayal. Her performance is subtle and nuanced, with a depth of feeling that elevates the movie’s emotional impact.
Gulati, who plays the role of Anay, is equally impressive, bringing a sense of innocence and vulnerability to the character.
He portrays Anay’s fear and confusion with a sense of authenticity, making the audience empathize with his character’s plight. His chemistry with Pannu is palpable, creating a believable and compelling on-screen relationship.
The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, with Aditya Srivastava and Vikram Kochhar standing out in their respective roles.
Srivastava portrays Antara’s father, bringing a sense of gravitas to the character and adding depth to the family dynamic.
Kochhar, on the other hand, delivers a chilling performance as the antagonist, capturing the character’s menace and cruelty with aplomb.
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Cinematography and Editing
The cinematography in Dobaaraa, helmed by Sylvester Fonseca, is striking and effective, capturing the moody and atmospheric tone of the film. Fonseca makes excellent use of lighting, framing, and camera movement to create a sense of tension and unease throughout the movie.
The editing, done by Aarti Bajaj, is equally impressive, with a precise and deliberate approach that adds to the film’s tension and pacing. The movie jumps back and forth in time, and Bajaj’s editing seamlessly weaves the past and present timelines together, creating a cohesive and engaging narrative.
The editing also plays a crucial role in building suspense and tension, with cuts and transitions used to great effect to heighten the film’s emotional impact. The climax of the movie, in particular, is a masterclass in editing, with Bajaj building tension and suspense to a crescendo before delivering a satisfying and emotional payoff.
Review of the Film’s Direction and Screenplay
Dobaaraa is directed by Anurag Kashyap and written by Nihit Bhave, based on the Spanish film Mirage by Oriol Paulo. Kashyap’s direction and Bhave’s screenplay are both top-notch, delivering a thrilling and engaging film that keeps audiences hooked from start to finish.
Kashyap’s direction is confident and assured, with a clear vision for the film’s tone and pacing. He expertly balances the movie’s elements of suspense, drama, and sci-fi, seamlessly weaving them together to create a cohesive and emotionally impactful story.
Bhave’s screenplay is equally impressive, with a tight and well-constructed narrative that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The story jumps back and forth in time, and Bhave’s writing ensures that each timeline is engaging and compelling, with each scene building towards a satisfying payoff.
The film’s characters are well-developed and nuanced, with each actor delivering a standout performance. Taapsee Pannu is exceptional as Antara, delivering a nuanced and emotional performance that anchors the film. Pavail Gulati is equally impressive as Anay, delivering a convincing and heartfelt portrayal of a man struggling to understand his place in the world.
Pros and Cons of the Movie
Here’s the pros and cons of Dobaaraa movie.
Pros:
- Strong Performances: Taapsee Pannu and Pavail Gulati deliver powerful performances that anchor the film.
- Intriguing Plot: The film’s time-bending, sci-fi infused plot is well-written and keeps the audience engaged throughout.
- Visuals: The cinematography is stunning, with vivid imagery that enhances the film’s mood and atmosphere.
- Direction: Anurag Kashyap’s confident direction elevates the material and keeps the pacing tight and engaging.
- Music and Soundtrack: The film’s soundtrack, with songs by Armaan Malik, Fotty Seven, and Neeti Mohan, is well-composed and adds to the film’s emotional resonance.
Cons:
- Slow Pacing: The film can feel slow at times, particularly in the first half.
- Confusing Narrative: The time-jumping narrative can be confusing to follow, which may be off-putting to some viewers.
- Lack of Character Development: Some secondary characters could benefit from more fleshed-out development and backstory.
- Predictable Twist: The film’s main twist may be predictable for some viewers, which may reduce the impact of the reveal.
- Dark Tone: The film’s dark and serious tone may not be suitable for all audiences, particularly those looking for a more lighthearted viewing experience.
Conclusion and Dinal Verdict
In conclusion, Dobaaraa is an intriguing, well-crafted film that showcases Anurag Kashyap’s skill as a director and Taapsee Pannu’s talent as an actress. The film’s time-bending plot, stunning visuals, and emotional soundtrack make for an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience. While the film’s slow pacing, confusing narrative, and lack of character development may be drawbacks for some viewers, the overall quality of the film is undeniable.
Ultimately, Dobaaraa is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and thriller genres, as well as those who appreciate strong performances and visual storytelling. Its complex plot and exploration of themes such as trauma, loss, and the consequences of our actions make it a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. Therefore, the final verdict for Dobaaraa is that it is a well-crafted and engaging film that is definitely worth watching.
FAQs: Dobaaraa Movie Review
Is Dobaaraa a hit or flop?
Dobaaraa did not perform well at the box office, with an estimated collection of only 6.77 crores against its budget of 30 crores. As a result, it can be considered a financial flop movie in 2022. However, it’s important to note that the success of a film cannot be determined solely by its box office performance.
Critics generally praised Dobaaraa’s direction, performances, and storyline, but the film failed to attract a large audience. It’s possible that the film’s unique concept and complex plot may not have appealed to a wider audience.
Overall, while Dobaaraa may not have been a commercial success, it still had artistic merit and was appreciated by some viewers and critics.
Is Dobaaraa a good movie?
Whether Dobaaraa is a good movie or not depends on individual opinions and preferences. However, it’s worth noting that the film received generally positive reviews from critics for its direction, performances, and storyline.
The film’s unique concept and complex plot were also praised, as they set it apart from typical Bollywood films. Additionally, the performances by lead actors Taapsee Pannu and Pavail Gulati were highly acclaimed.
That being said, some viewers may not enjoy the film’s slow pacing or nonlinear narrative style. Ultimately, whether someone considers Dobaaraa a good movie or not will depend on their personal tastes and opinions.
Is Dobaaraa a scary movie?
Dobaaraa is not a traditional horror movie, but it does have suspenseful and thrilling elements. The film explores the concept of time loops and features a complex storyline that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. While there are no jump scares or traditional horror movie tropes, the film’s eerie atmosphere and intense moments create a sense of tension and unease. Overall, while Dobaaraa may not be classified as a horror movie, it is certainly a suspenseful and mystery film.
What is the storyline of Dobaara?
Dobaaraa is a Bollywood movie about a successful director who travels back 25 years in time and attempts to change the past to save a young boy’s life. The complex and non-linear storyline explores themes of trauma, regret, and redemption, challenging the audience’s perception of time and reality. The film is suspenseful and thrilling, delving into a dangerous web of lies and deceit as the director navigates the consequences of altering the past.