Berlin [Zee5]

Set against the backdrop of Delhi’s winter in 1993, when Europe was emerging from the Cold War’s shadow and India was still under Soviet influence, Berlin explores a time when the American dream was viewed with suspicion, socialism was in vogue, and liberalization was still a distant prospect. This era, marked by mobile libraries selling Alexander Pushkin’s poetry, Delhi’s Russian Culture Centre buzzing with activity, and headlines featuring cryogenic engines and Scud missiles, is rarely depicted in popular culture.

Writer-director Atul Sabharwal’s films are known for their unique titles and internal conflicts, and his latest work continues this tradition. Following Aurangzeb and Class of ‘83, Berlin presents a nuanced portrayal where the protagonists' suffering and silences create a rich psychological tension without overt dramatization. In this high-stakes espionage thriller, the fictional elements feel convincingly real.

Collaborating with cinematographer Shree Namjoshi, Atul meticulously recreates an atmosphere where spies are in disarray. With Russian President Boris Yeltsin's visit imminent, the intelligence community is abuzz. Ashok, a deaf, mute orphan working at Berlin Cafe—a clandestine meeting spot in Connaught Circus—is accused of espionage. Both the Bureau and the Wing, the government’s intelligence agencies, are eager to unravel Ashok’s enigmatic role.

To decode Ashok’s cryptic communication, the Bureau enlists Pushkin Verma (played by Aparshakti Khurana), a sign language teacher. As Pushkin translates Ashok’s messages for the manipulative spymaster Sodhi (Rahul Bose), it becomes clear that the case is more complex than initially thought. The concepts of patriotism and national pride begin to blur with blackmail and deception, challenging Sodhi and his team’s understanding of the situation.

The film’s brutal quest for truth is reflected in its stark production design (by Ashok Lokare and Sandeep Shelar), which becomes integral to the narrative. Unlike mainstream Hindi cinema’s typical embellishments, Berlin relies on subversion and meta-narratives. The mute waiters, like the Berlin Wall, protect the agents' secrets within the café.

As the story unfolds, Ashok emerges as the reluctant voice of truth that Pushkin is determined to protect, while Sodhi seeks to manipulate it for his own ends. For Sodhi, truth is what is recorded and archived, a notion that resonates deeply as maintaining an untainted voice becomes increasingly challenging.

Aparshakti Khurana proves his versatility beyond comedic roles, Ishwak Singh’s expressive eyes stand out, and Rahul Bose delivers a chilling performance as the ruthless officer. The film’s Brutalist architecture and cold color palette enhance its somber tone, with the angular Parikrama Tower adding to the sense of foreboding. A shoe-cleaning machine, a subtle nod to Atul’s documentary on Agra’s shoe industry, symbolizes the desperate effort to cleanse and project a polished image.