Ever since the trailers came out for Newton, it has intrigued. With smart humor and a seemingly scathing view of our current political scenario, it was one we believed could be the better watches of 2017. Well, if it needed any more bolstering, its now going to be our official entry to the Oscars. While I am not sure of that particular claim, I can confirm that much like its namesake, Newton is a one-of-a-kind which, if it doesn't come up with an astounding discovery and has nothing to do with falling apples, still applies a restrained but critical lens on the state of our country and makes a powerful impact on its audience.
Think of a more subdued version of Peepli LIVE - while vastly different in terms of their subject matter - the treatment given to the movie is quite similar. Things are implied, not stated. There is a lot of speaking through metaphors and analogies, none of which is truly explained. There is a significant amount of symbolism which you can easily miss if you don't dig deeper. You need to see the apple fall from the tree multiple times to truly get all the deeper stuff.
From the outset the movie is slow and measured. Its in no hurry to tell its story and yet, somehow it captures your interest. Some scenes linger and you linger as well, thinking if there's particular significance to these scenes. Some have it, others don't but you don't mind the pacing. There's a particularly telling shot conveying helplessness despite best intentions which could well feel like a fitting end to the movie itself.
A lot of the 'dialogue' actually happens in the background - a mother harping about her son not getting married, a policeman talking about how appearing as a maoist (while not being one) is a sure shot to making money, a flurry of shots of just faces - simple, wearied and clueless - these aren't the focus or spoken by the protagonist - yet are amongst the most revealing in what the director is trying to convey. Its protagonist is far from ideal or a role model - and yet he leaves his mark for at least trying.
Newton didn't really need the prowess of Rajkummar Rao. Now that it has him though, the storyline is uplifted by a wonderful restrained performance. Through the intermittently blinking eyes, the plain manner of speaking and the quiet determination of the not-so-stupid common man - Rao gets well into the skin of his character. He is wonderfully complemented by Pankaj Tripathi, though the characters are adversaries (if you can call them that). The supporting cast notably Raghuvir Yadav and in a short cameo Sanjay Mishra also provide fine touches.
Those who would expect a satire that's easily understood and provides a lot of laughs should best stay away. Newton is one of wry humor, that too only on the surface. Peel the layers and you'll find a movie of substance - that is bound to leave an impact.
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