Nail polish is a slowburn courtroom and psychological drama. The story is about a popular social activist, Veer Singh, accused of r*ping and murdering two poor migrant children and suspected of having killed dozens of others.
Veer Singh is a cricket coach and is an ex-undercover agent. He is a generally a man of people due his social activities in the local society but of course that is a cover of the incredibly dangerous person he is. The character is three-dimensional, at some point you could point fingers and say he did it but at some point you'll take a back turn and say "wait! Did he actually do it?" the character is well-drawn in a way that's puzzling to know what's going on in his mind. The twist involving him having a Dissociative Identity Disorder is great, the movie becomes even more engaging from there on. I think it's all a well thought out act by Veer Singh as we are told that he's a highly intelligent man, so to avoid being hanged I think that's why he formulated this facade even though it's going to cost him the rest of his life as Veer Singh but at least he's a alive, that's what he thought. Judging by the last shot of the film, you could see the close-up shot of his face that indicates that "I'm back, it's me Veer Singh". Manav Kaul is absolutely brilliant in his performance. He does justice to a very complex character. I was impressed with Manav Kaul, now I'll look out for more of his films in the future.
Arjun Rampal played a defense lawyer who takes up the case in support of Veer Singh. Like the character called himself; he's an "amoral bast*rd". Despite knowing deep down that Veer is guilty he still go ahead and keeps on defending him. At first he is doing it for himself so as to secure a seat at the table. Which is in a way to show his deceased father he's better than him. But as time goes by Jaisingh takes an interest of his own in the case and he decides not have that fictional competition with this dad. Arjun Rampal played the role well, his body language and line delivery are very good, especially during heated moments in the court. He speaks with decorum and proves his point without ever overreacting and that's what makes Jaisingh a great lawyer and Arjun Rampal a fine actor.
Amit Kumar is the prosecution lawyer that the public and parents of the dead children are counting on. Amit Kumar is the exact opposite of Jaisingh in terms of personality. He's morally conscious, upright and a family man. He just wants justice for the deceased and the society in whole. We all agree with him most of the time. Anand Tiwari's performance is noteworthy, he pulled it off nicely including the whole ashmatic part.
Ajit Kapoor played the judge who has to decide what to do with Veer. He is put in a dilemma, he couldn't afford to make a one wrong move as it'll likely jeopardize the whole situation. I think the decision he makes at the end is the right move. It's satisfying for both sides; if Veer is pretending then he'll spend the rest of his miserable life pretending to be something he's not, I think that only is enough punishment for him. And the chances that he'll get fed up of it sooner rather than later, are big.
Technically, this film is terrific; the cinematography fits the tone and the story of the film. I like the desaturated look of film as it gives it a more sinister and dark feel just like its subject matter. There are parts where the film is visually astonishing; the flashbacks scenes involving Veer and Charu as they fall in love is a good example; The set location, the colorful costumes that matches the background environments is very spectacular to look at. On top of that, is a mind-soothing, soft piano playing in the background. For that part only this movie has won me over! However, the editing could have been more tight, as there are many subplot, perhaps too many. The judge wife's part could have been cut off and nothing would have changed. There are other parts that are superfluous as well.
To put it short, Nail Polish is an engaging, gritty and gripping for the most parts. It touches on themes of sexual violence that is rarely discussed in Hindi cinema, and manages to do it in a pared-down fashion without resorting to melodrama. The acting is fantastic, and all the technical elements are well-done.
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