In this weekly column, Reel Retake, we compare the original film and its remake. In addition to highlighting similarities, differences and measuring them on the scale of success, we aim to discover the potential in the story that inspired the idea for a new version and the way a remake could possibly provide a different viewing experience. could. And if so, analyze the movie.
In focus this week is the Kannada original U Turn (2016), which is now being remade in Hindi with Alaya F in the lead. This supernatural horror film also has a Telugu version with Samantha Akkineni.
What is U turn about?
U turn emphasizes on the need to follow road safety and traffic rules.
The film begins with Rachna (Shraddha Srinath), a news reporter, following a story on the events at a particular flyover. In her office, she takes a liking to Aditya (Rahul Raveendran), a crime beat reporter, who helps her with the report. Rachna is also giving money to a homeless man living on the flyover, who gives her the number plates of motorists who are removing concrete blocks that are acting as dividers on the road so that they can take a U-turn and avoid traffic. Can you They don’t move past the blocks by making it an accident prone area and endangering people’s lives.
Rachna goes to the house of the person who took a U-turn on the flyover that morning but is unable to meet him. Later, we learn that the man is dead. Police comes in search of Rachna. She becomes the prime suspect as she was around the crime scene. Rachna tries to convince them of her innocence by showing them research for the story and names every person she knows who cleared the odds over the past month. The police dig deeper and find that strangely everyone on the list has died and each case has been declared a suicide. Is this really a coincidence or is there more to it than meets the eye? The mystery deepens after the police probe Rachna, a lawyer, on her last name in the traffic rules violators’ list. As they leave after questioning him, assuring his safety, the lawyer jumps and dies. The police are convinced of Rachna’s innocence but are unable to wrap their minds around the string of death and the real cause. Meanwhile, Rachna is getting more involved in the matter and it is affecting her mentally.
Another morning, Rachna sees two men taking a U turn on the flyover. Knowing what is about to happen, she begs them not to do so. But he is made fun of. Rachna informed the police so that both the people could be saved. After this he was locked in the CCTV room. There, one of them behaves as if a ghost has possessed him, fights with the other and kills him. The other person also shoots himself and dies. All this has been witnessed by Rachna and the police officers on duty.
As she continues her research apart from the police, Rachna learns of an accident on the flyover where a woman and her daughter died in an accident. With no way to find out the real cause of death of the culprits, Rachna herself takes a U turn and waits for something to happen. She dreams of the dead woman and her daughter, who were killed in an accident as concrete barriers were removed. Using her supernatural powers, the woman tries to kill Rachna as well. But Rachna promises to find the person who was responsible for their deaths. A series of unexpected twists take us to a thrilling climax as she tries to uncover the truth.
Where does the potential lie?
The biggest attraction of U Turn is that it takes a simple plot point and weaves layer after layer of mystery towards a satisfying climax. The horror is in the form of scattered jumps, but up to a point, the ‘why’ and ‘who’ continue to confuse the protagonist’s mind and in turn the audience. Writer-director Pawan Kumar has created a complex blend of physical and supernatural horror in his Gol script. There are investments in the story with every turn and there are many till the end. Some are unexpected, some are off the edge, but the adventures never come. The screenplay is very detailed and leaves no loose ends. As far as physical fear is concerned, ghosts are realistic and the experience is provided with lighting and not over-the-top makeup, overly dramatic music and special effects. The film is without songs and even the background score is minimal and only used for the build up. It prevents distractions and sudden terrifying moments that have a lasting effect. Also, the message of traffic rule violations and how selfish behavior can be destructive is sent with subtlety. It is not just about the many twists and turns but the way they are presented that will truly captivate you during this chaotic film.
Sharda’s performance as a news reporter who unintentionally gets caught up in the mystery of the flyover deaths is impressive. She is introduced as a happy-go-lucky woman, but the uncertain fate that awaits her adds dimension to her role. Rachna is desperate and uncomfortable amidst all the work and Sharda does well with every emotion at every turn. All the high points in the film revolve around him. Not for a moment, the camera leaves her and with her tense and invested portrayal as Rachna, Shraddha brings her the A game in acting. His acting is as entertaining as the story. The U turn switches to thriller mode in no time and Shraddha leaves her innocent acting chops at the beginning and matures in the tense moments.
Another factor that elevates the story of U Turn is the great camerawork. The film takes part during the night setting and the contrast lighting by the cinematography unit adds to the suspense.
Two remakes of U turn – Telugu and Hindi
The Telugu remake of U Turn (2018) is mostly frame by frame recreations by Pawan Kumar himself. Samantha Akkineni replaces Shraddha as Rachna and she is equally confident in the role. A few minor changes in treatment aside, there is no difference in the first remake and the film follows the same path. Even the costumes and style of both the leads in the movies are similar. It is very difficult to compare and select Shraddha and Samantha as they reflect each other’s performance. But Shraddha is a notch down in the dramatic parts and thus she seems better and more natural than Samantha. For Samantha, who was playing bubbly characters till the release of this film, U turn is definitely a performance that deserves to be remembered.
The interesting thing comes in the Hindi remake in which Alaya F will be seen in the lead role. She will be the main attraction as the story revolves around her character, so it will be worth seeing if she has the subtlety to make for a subtle performance that oscillates between tense, frightening, desperate and sympathetic. Alaya can definitely play the role but whether she can bring different dimensions to her performance will be up for debate. Similarly, a new director is adapting U turn to Hindi. Will he recreate the film or give it his own style?
U turn is healthy anyway. Is there anything better that can be done with this and will the risk of change be worth it?
success meter
The original Kannada version of U Turn was Shraddha’s first film in the industry and she has done well with the fame that this film has brought her. She is now one of the most sought after actresses in the South having worked across industries with big stars, doing soulful roles and experimenting constantly. U Turn was definitely a hit and gained a wider audience with its Telugu version. Commercially as well both the films performed well at the box office. Pawan also continued his hit streak with both the versions of his script. Furthermore, a female-centric story, U Turn is true to its nature and no male rescuers are involved in the story. This is a film worth making in Hindi.
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