Amitabh Bachchan's Emotional Journey in 'Te3n': A Reflection on Loss and Justice

Exploring the Depths of Grief in 'Te3n'

Ribhu Dasgupta's debut film presents a compelling narrative centered on John's quest for justice, spanning over 15 years. This journey is not one of revenge, as he emphasizes, but rather a search for closure amidst his profound pain and guilt.

Interestingly, 2016 marked a year where Amitabh Bachchan portrayed characters grappling with loss. Earlier in 'Wazir', he played a patriarch confined to a wheelchair, seeking vengeance for his murdered daughter. In 'Te3n', the focus shifts to his character's wife, who is also in a wheelchair, while he seeks justice for his granddaughter's tragic death.

It's crucial to note that the characters of Omkar Nath Dhar in 'Wazir' and John Biswas in 'Te3n' embody different aspects of grief. Bachchan's ability to convey deep-seated hurt and anger is remarkable, showcasing his talent in portraying complex emotions.

Previously, Bachchan played a Bengali patriarch in 'Piku', but John Biswas is a distinct character. Unlike Bhaskar Banerjee, who often displayed tantrums, John is reserved, reluctant to show his anger and sorrow, despite these emotions dominating his life for over a decade. His determination for justice is unwavering.

The film's most poignant moments depict John struggling against bureaucratic hurdles. In an early scene, Vidya Balan, portraying a straightforward cop, gently reprimands John for his daily visits to the police station regarding his granddaughter's case. John's response, 'I have nothing else in my life,' encapsulates his despair.

'Te3n' effectively captures the essence of existential inertia through well-crafted scenes and dialogues. The characters, flawed yet resilient, often express less than what they truly feel. The film advocates for restrained emotions in the face of overwhelming drama. Aside from a brilliantly executed railway chase, the narrative unfolds without the pressure of dramatic peaks, instead flowing gently through the currents of discontent.

The film's exceptional soundtrack, featuring a subtle background score by Clinton Cerejo, enhances the everyday sounds and disturbances without abrupt shifts in sound design.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a surprising performance as a cop who turns to priesthood after a guilt-laden incident. His portrayal is notably calm and contemplative, diverging from his usual roles.

In this narrative, outbursts are scarce. Vidya Balan's portrayal of an anxious cop reflects this reality. While managing two child abductions, she channels her growing hysteria into a tightly wound anxiety, evident in her expressive eyes. Her performance is more nuanced than it appears.

Alongside Bachchan, Kolkata emerges as a significant character in 'Te3n'. The city's dilapidated yet dignified mansions and functional apartment blocks mirror the protagonist's inner turmoil. Tushar Kanti Ray's cinematography captures spaces often hidden from the camera's gaze.

This film defies conventional cinematic rules, blending human emotions with a sense of calm and poise. Even when facing their deepest fears, the characters refrain from shouting at one another. It's advisable to watch this film in a theater with excellent acoustics to fully appreciate the whispers and murmurs that convey life's regrets and their destructive remedies.

A government office chaprasi, the type who offers help when bureaucrats are unyielding, provides John Biswas with crucial information. He casually inquires if John's old scooter has petrol, and as John parts with his only means of transport, he assists the bureaucratic broker in starting the aging vehicle.

Indeed, the scooter has seen better days, much like John Biswas. Once filled with joy, he now faces the harsh reality of his granddaughter Angela's kidnapping and murder, a fate that has forever altered his life.

Reflecting on his experience filming 'Te3n', Amitabh Bachchan shared, 'Ribhu is an exceptional director with a clear vision. My character, John Biswas, is on a quest to find his granddaughter's killer. Working alongside the talented Vidya Balan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui was a wonderful experience. I'm grateful to have been part of this film.'