I Want To Talk Review: Abhishek Bachchan, Ahilya Bamroo Shine In Shoojit Sircar’s Emotional Drama

Image credits: IMDb

We've had our fair share of action-packed blockbusters and mass entertainers this year, but if you're like me and crave a good, story-driven film, you're in for a treat. Sometimes, you just need to watch something that helps you cool off, maybe even shed a tear or two after a heartfelt narrative. Shoojit Sircar, the mastermind behind gems like Piku and October, returns with another emotional drama, I Want To Talk. As someone who loves his unique take on relationships, I had been eagerly waiting for this one.

I Want To Talk explores themes of resilience and the evolving bond between a father and daughter, echoing shades of Piku but with a fresh perspective. Starring Abhishek Bachchan, Ahilya Bamroo, Kristin Goddard, Johnny Lever, and Jayant Kriplani and with a screenplay by Ritesh Shah inspired by Arjun Sen's real-life memoir, the film promises a moving journey of survival, growth, and healing.

Arjun Sen, a successful marketing executive, is diagnosed with multiple malignancies, which disrupts his life and career. As he faces this health crisis, he must also deal with the emotional strain in his relationships, particularly with his daughter Reya, who struggles to cope with the changes in her father. In an attempt to regain control, Arjun uses his marketing skills to navigate his condition while trying to repair his fractured relationships. The story follows his journey of survival, personal growth, and reconciliation, highlighting the challenges of balancing health, family, and emotional healing.

Abhishek Bachchan plays Arjun Sen, a marketing executive whose seemingly perfect life is shattered by a life-altering diagnosis. In this deeply emotional journey, Abhishek delivers a standout performance, capturing the physical and emotional toll of his character with an authenticity that makes you feel every moment. From his walk to his speech, and the way he breathes through the multiple surgeries, Abhishek’s portrayal is truly remarkable, further solidifying his status as a versatile actor. I've always admired his work, but in I Want To Talk, he truly elevates the film. Alongside him, Ahilya Bamroo brings a refreshing energy to the screen as Reya, Arjun’s determined daughter. She starts off as a fiery teenager, but over time, you see her transition into a mature, more understanding young woman who is forced to confront her own fears and emotions in the face of her father’s health struggles. Ahilya perfectly captures this evolution, making Reya a character you can truly empathize with.

The supporting cast also plays a crucial role in adding layers to this emotional story. Johnny Lever brings a touch of warmth with a charming cameo, reminding us that humor can always find its place, even in the most difficult times. Kristin Goddard, as a nurse, strikes a balance between being compassionate and pragmatic, while Jayant Kriplani’s portrayal of a comforting surgeon brings a sense of calm and support amid the chaos.

While the performances are unquestionably strong, I Want To Talk does encounter a few pacing challenges. The first half of the film feels a bit slow, especially with Arjun’s constant back-and-forth hospital visits and the repetitiveness of his surgeries. While the constant focus on Arjun’s hospital visits and surgeries is key to the story, there are times when it feels a bit repetitive, making you wish for something more engaging to happen. Thankfully, the second half of the film picks up the pace, bringing in emotionally powerful moments that will have you reaching for a tissue. The bond between father and daughter is heartwarming, and it's these moments that really highlight the film's strength. That said, I do feel the film could have explored Reya’s relationship with her mother a bit more. A deeper look into their dynamic would have helped us understand Reya's past better, shedding light on the challenges she faced and adding more layers to her character.

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Just like Shoojit Sircar used music in Piku to enhance the film's emotional moments, the background score in I Want To Talk complements the narrative, subtly elevating the scenes without overpowering them. The music flows seamlessly with the story, underscoring the vulnerability, and struggles of the characters. Shoojit's ability to balance emotional intensity with light moments is evident, as he brings out raw, authentic emotions between Arjun and Reya.

Finally, Shoojit Sircar once again proves his mastery in storytelling, weaving together emotional depth, humor, and raw, authentic moments. Abhishek Bachchan gives a career-best performance, bringing Arjun’s struggles to life with incredible sincerity, while Ahilya Bamroo’s portrayal of Reya adds another layer of depth to the father-daughter dynamic. Despite a slow start, the film picks up pace and delivers emotional moments that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It’s a poignant exploration of love, family, and the strength we find within ourselves in the face of life’s toughest challenges. So if you're in the mood for a film that tugs at your heartstrings and takes you on a journey of resilience and healing, I Want To Talk is a must-watch.