CRD review: Interesting film that tries too hard to be unconventional

There have been innumerable films based on music and dance competitions. But a film based on a drama competition is rare, at least in India. This is the crux of director Kranti Kanade's CRD. To successfully capture theatre scenes on screen can be tricky, but the director and his team do that quite well. Other issues, however, stop the film from rising beyond the mundane level.

CRD is the story of Chetan Ranjit Deshmukh (Saurabh Saraswat), who arrives at Pune's well-known Fergusson college to become a playwright and director. As the college does not give opportunities to inexperienced writers and directors, CRD joins its theatre group, which is preparing to compete in the Purushottam karandak (or trophy), a prestigious theatre competition in Pune, as an actor.

Mayank (Vinay Sharma), a well-known theatre personality, arrives to train the group. But he has unusual, rude ways of teaching which don’t go down well with CRD. So he starts a parallel group and dreams of defeating Mayank’s team, which is actually his own college team. CRD also gets close to the college cultural secretary Persis (Mrunmayee Godbole).

The promo of CRD gave one the feeling that the film is a serious affair. It also seemed like one where dialogue would be used sparingly. However, that is far from the case. Despite the unconventional treatment, the film has a conventional, almost commercial, theme of a newbie pitted against a powerful veteran. 

The presentation is what makes CRD truly unconventional. There are moments that stand out for their creativity. In between, the narrative surprises you with its quirky humour in unexpected situations. It is also rare to see nudity being showcased on Indian screens so artistically. 

Unfortunately, CRD has its downs that can’t be ignored. The point where the protagonist and the antagonist have a falling out is unconvincing. In fact, it is weird. But the biggest issue is that the narrative goes off on a self-indulgent path, especially in the second half. Not only is the simple story narrated in a complicated manner, it is also confusing. In trying to be too creative and contemporary, the writing throws in quite a few moments that are so unusual that you wonder about their relevance.

The character of the drama teacher also deserves mention, though not in a good way. It is understandable that the aim was to make him look like a crazy artist obsessed with winning. But he appears more a psycho. For example, during his first meeting with the students, he just attacks the breasts of a young woman, who is a stranger to him then. You don’t need to be India's attorney general to know that such behaviour could get you jailed for sexual harassment. Even CRD behaves like a weirdo at times. As a result, you don’t feel for him or for his mission.

The climax is another major problem. A character reveals a big secret and the film ends. Abruptly. Just like that. You don’t know what to make of it.

CRD scores highly on technical issues. One is treated to some creative visuals and artistic camerawork. The handheld shots are used only when needed. The background score has various shades, just like the film in totality. 

The performances generally keep you hooked. Saurabh Saraswat playing a difficult and complicated character on debut is commendable. He certainly should go a long way. Despite the problems with the characterization of the drama teacher, Vinay Sharma succeeds in bringing him alive with his dedicated performance. 

Mrunmayee Godbole has been appreciated in the past in Marathi films like Rajwade And Sons (2015) and Chi Va Chi Sau Ka (2017). With her performance in this film, her Hindi debut, she has raised the bar further. Geetika Tyagi and Abhay Mahajan also shine in supporting acts. Mahajan was flawless in this year’s highly acclaimed Marathi film, Ringan. Isha Keskar gets noticed despite the limited screen time. 

CRD certainly had an interesting idea, but the film suffers from trying too hard to be unconventional.