Haddi: A Transcendent Tale with Noteworthy Performances

Director - Akshat Ajay Sharma

Cast - Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Anurag Kashyap, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Ila Arun, Saurabh Sachdeva, Shridhar Dubey, Rajesh Kumar, Ivanka Das, Vipin Sharma, Saharsh Shukla

Rating – 2.5

Haddi, directed by Akshat Ajay Sharma, is a compelling narrative that delves into the life of Haddi (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a transgender who moves to Delhi and becomes part of a community of transgenders and cross-dressers. The film explores themes of aspiration, revenge, and the challenges faced by the transgender community.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a solid and nuanced performance, capturing the essence of a transgender individual with authenticity and precision. His portrayal is both powerful and evocative, reminiscent of his impactful roles in films like 'Gangs Of Wasseypur.' While his performance is commendable, the film lacks impactful dialogues that could have elevated Nawazuddin's act further.

Anurag Kashyap adds a devilish and sinister touch to his character, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His performance is impactful without appearing forced, contributing to the overall depth of the film. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, in a brief role, leaves a lasting impact, showcasing his ability to make an impact even in limited screen time. However, the character could have been explored more to fully utilize his talent.

Ila Arun brings her characteristic quirkiness to the film, making her role memorable. The ensemble cast, including Saurabh Sachdeva, Shridhar Dubey, Rajesh Kumar, Ivanka Das, Vipin Sharma, and Saharsh Shukla, complements the lead actors effectively.

Akshat Ajay Sharma's direction is nuanced, providing a subtle exploration of the emotions and challenges faced by transgender individuals. The director succeeds in presenting uncomfortable scenes with aesthetic integrity, maintaining the emotional intent without resorting to gratuitous elements. The balance achieved in storytelling reflects the director's skill in handling sensitive subjects.

The writing by Adamya Bhalla and Akshat Ajay Sharma, while effective in conveying the struggles of transgender individuals, falls short in fully exploring certain characters, particularly Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub's role. The loose ends in the story, including unanswered questions, slightly impact the overall coherence of the narrative.

Cinematographers Piyush Puty and Jay Oza capture the real locales effectively, with special mention for their handling of low-lighting sequences. Tanya Chhabria's editing keeps the film engaging, preventing it from feeling unnecessarily prolonged.

The highlight of "Haddi" is undoubtedly the music by Rohan-Rohan, which stands out as serene and cerebral. The songs, especially "Beparda," contribute significantly to the film's overall impact, while the background score enhances the intensity of the narrative.

Despite its shortcomings in storytelling and character development, "Haddi" stands out as a film that addresses the struggles of the transgender community with authenticity. It goes beyond the conventional narrative and offers a unique perspective. While it may be more appreciated by cinephiles, the film's noteworthy performances, especially by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, make it an average watch deserving of recognition.