Road Less Travelled: Why This 2002 Bollywood Thriller Deserves More Love

A deserted highway. A mysterious hitchhiker. And a young couple caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Road, a 2002 road movie directed by Rajat Mukherjee, delivers edge-of-the-seat thrills that showcase the darker side of Bollywood cinema.

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Plot: A Twisted Tale

Road follows Arvind (Vivek Oberoi) and Lakshmi (Antara Mali), a couple on a road trip from Mumbai to Jodhpur. Their journey takes a sinister turn when they pick up a hitchhiker (Manoj Bajpayee) who turns out to be a serial killer.

• The film’s non-linear narrative keeps viewers guessing as it slowly unravels the killer’s backstory and motives.

• Mukherjee skillfully builds tension through eerie silences and sudden bursts of violence.

• The desolate, arid landscapes of Rajasthan add to the sense of isolation and helplessness.

Characters: A Killer Cast

The road movie cast delivers powerhouse performances that elevate the film:

1. Vivek Oberoi shines as the resourceful Arvind, a man pushed to his limits to protect his wife.

2. Antara Mali brings depth to Lakshmi, portraying her fear and resilience with equal conviction.

3. Manoj Bajpayee is chilling as the nameless killer, imbuing him with a quiet menace that’s deeply unsettling.

4. Vijay Raaz and Abhimanyu Singh have memorable cameos as a truck driver and a cop.

Music: Songs of Suspense

Road movie songs, composed by Sandesh Shandilya and Vishal Bhardwaj, add to the film’s tense atmosphere:

• ‘Khallas’, a pulsating track sung by Sunidhi Chauhan, perfectly captures the couple’s mounting dread.

• ‘Musafir’, a mournful ballad by Sonu Nigam, reflects the characters’ emotional turmoil.

• The background score, with its discordant notes and ominous undertones, ratchets up the suspense.

Reception: A Hidden Gem

Despite critical acclaim, Road remains an underrated film in Bollywood’s thriller genre:

• It won Filmfare Awards for Best Villain (Bajpayee) and Best Editing (Aarti Bajaj).

• The film was praised for its tight script, deft direction, and strong performances.

• However, it had a limited theatrical release and didn’t get the wide audience it deserved.

Legacy: Paving the Way

Road was ahead of its time in many ways:

• It subverted the cliched ‘hero-saves-heroine’ trope by showing Lakshmi as an equal participant in the couple’s fight for survival.

• The film’s gritty realism and moral ambiguity paved the way for future Bollywood thrillers like Ek Hasina Thi and NH10.

• Road proved that Bollywood could deliver edge-of-the-seat thrills without relying on big stars or lavish budgets.

In today’s streaming era, Road is ripe for rediscovery. Thrill-seekers can watch it on demand with Airtel Broadband, which offers lightning-fast speeds and unlimited data to enjoy this hidden gem in all its glory.

So rev up your engines and take a trip down this Road less travelled. It’s a journey you won’t soon forget.

FAQ:

1. Is Road based on a true story?
   No, Road is a work of fiction scripted by Rajat Mukherjee himself.

2. Where can I watch Road online?
   You can road movie download it from YouTube, iTunes, or Google Play Movies.

3. Was Road a box office hit?
   Road had a limited release and didn’t make a big splash at the box office.

4. How many awards did Road win?
   Road won 2 Filmfare Awards – Best Villain and Best Editing.

5. Is Road suitable for family viewing?
   No, Road has intense violence and mature themes, so it’s not family-friendly.

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