Sohum Shah’s latest film, Crazxy, directed by Girish Kohli, has hit theaters, showcasing the actor's unparalleled commitment to his craft as he navigates through intense emotional and physical challenges. The film, which runs slightly over 90 minutes, is centered around Dr. Abhimanyu Sood, portrayed by Shah, who finds himself embroiled in a harrowing race against time when his daughter is kidnapped.
The film begins with Sood, who is not your typical hero. He is portrayed as an estranged father who has faced controversy, having divorced his wife due to their daughter, Vedica’s, diagnosis of Down Syndrome. This emotional backstory sets the stage for the stakes of the narrative as he goes to settle a negligence case when he receives the devastating news of his daughter's kidnapping.
Crazxy is cleverly crafted, pulling viewers immediately with its premise. Dr. Sood's plight escalates quickly as the ransom note demands ₹5 crores—sudden irony hits when this is the same amount he carries to the hospital to hush the family of his deceased patient. It’s this layer of guilt and irony, coupled with the tension surrounding his daughter’s fate, which compels viewers to stay engaged.
The film is unique, showcasing how sound can be utilized effectively to generate suspense. Critics have noted the impactful performances of the supporting cast—by voice only—including Namisha Sajayan as Sood’s distraught wife and Tinu Anand as the sinister kidnapper. The film's tension is consistently amplified, allowing viewers to feel the angst and urgency alongside Sood.
Despite its gripping premise, Crazxy does face criticism. Some reviewers argue the film starts off on clichéd notes, which may dilute the emotional heft intended by its creators. A critic from the Hindustan Times noted, "The screeching background score, if intentionally made to get on our nerves, does its job well. Nevertheless, it makes you feel absolutely nothing." Others felt the connections between characters were underdeveloped, detracting from the potential emotional impact.
The film’s most intense moment occurs when Sood is changing his car’s tire and simultaneously conducting emergency surgery, creating a nail-biting scenario where he is literally trying to fix everything at once: “It is exhilarating and nerve-wracking as he literally tries to fix everything in his life,” noted one reviewer.
The critics have not hesitated to acknowledge Sohum Shah’s extraordinary portrayal of Dr. Sood, emphasizing his ability to carry the film almost single-handedly. Shah transitions from being emotionally detached to engaging fully with his father's guilt as the story progresses; one review stated, “It’s not easy producing and acting at the same time, where you carry the movie on your own shoulders.” Shah’s versatility shines, especially as he manages to evoke sympathy and tension throughout the film.
The film's visuals have received mixed reviews as well. While Shah's performance is deemed excellent, the cinematography by Sunil Borkar and Kuldeep Mamania has been labeled as both smart and limiting, with most scenes set inside the claustrophobic confines of his car. Critics argue this choice enhances the story's tension but also potentially hampers broader storytelling.
Audience reactions have varied significantly, with some praising the film as “a must-watch suspense thriller” and complimenting the originality of its concept. Fans of Sohum Shah have taken to social media to express their excitement, remarking, “Just watched #Crazxy and it’s an extremely well-made film. Sohum Shah carries the entire film on his own shoulders, excelling in every scene.” The frequency of discussions around the film on platforms like Twitter suggests it resonates broadly, albeit with split opinions on its deliverables.
Praising the director’s vision, Sohum remarked, “The person who wrote Crazxy Girish was able to see madness within... I really like people who have madness in them, craziness in them.” This emphasis on creative madness seems to encapsulate the ethos of Crazxy, which, for all its criticism, aims to break traditional molds within the thriller genre.
While some critics argue the film devolves from thriller to melodrama, it manages to entertain and provoke thought through its engagement with complex familial issues. Just when viewers think they have everything figured out, the narrative takes unexpected turns, aligning with what one critic termed “the big reveal.”
Despite the divisive reception, the film has opened to discussions surrounding its themes of guilt, parental responsibility, and the chaos of life, both within and outside of familial bonds. Sohum Shah himself distanced from expectations following his acclaimed film Tumbbad, stating, “There was no pressure... I am just looking for good scripts.” His passion for the project reflects the film’s underlying ambition, positioning it as more than just another thriller.
With mixed reviews, Crazxy has nonetheless managed to leave its mark on audiences, prompting both laughter and tension, engaging viewers throughout its runtime, and provoking questions around morality and personal responsibility. Critics and fans alike may not entirely agree on its merits, but there’s no denying the conversation it has sparked, enough to make it worthwhile viewing for lovers of cinema.
The film continues to screen across theaters, and with its unique take on the thriller genre, it invites viewers to join Dr. Sood on his wild ride.