Reeligion Films’ Dilli Dark (A) is the story of racism, deceit, opportunity and all that makes the world go round. The backdrop is Delhi city. An analogy has been drawn about the circular roads of Delhi which seem to go forward, but, perhaps, don’t take anyone anywhere.
Michael Okeke (Samuel Abiola Robinson) is an African who is trying to make Delhi city his home. He is studying MBA in the city but since he has to sustain himself, he becomes a drug delivery boy too. Even otherwise, he is always looked down upon with suspicion wherever he goes, because of his African roots. He meets Maansi alias Maa (Geetika Vidya Ohlyan), a Godwoman who claims to make pregnancy for women who cannot conceive, simple. Romance develops between Maansi and Michael — or does it? What happens thereafter? Is Delhi fair to Michael or is it unfair, like his skin?
Dibakar Das Roy has written an interesting story about how foreigners find it difficult to find acceptance in Delhi city, often due to preconceived notions of people. Roy’s screenplay is very interesting in parts but does get boring and long-drawn at places. The portion of Maa’s ashram is stretched too much. However, the satirical and humour-laden scenes are definitely well written. Of course, this is not the usual masala film and hence it is more suitable for the festival circuit. It must be mentioned that some characters are beautifully etched out. Examples of such characters are Debu (Shantanu Anam), Tiwari (Dimpy Mishra), TV show host (Rajan Tripathi), scavenger Baba (Vivek Sinha), etc. The climax may be long-drawn but it prompts the audience to think. Dibakar Das Roy’s dialogues are excellent. Of course, there is a very liberal use of English, which would restrict the film’s appeal. Besides, the dialogues are laden with swear words, which also would not go down too well with the family audience.
Samuel Abiola Robinson does a fine job as Michael Okeke. He endears himself to the viewers because of which they root for him in the end. Geetika Vidya Ohlyan makes her mark as Maansi alias Maa. Shantanu Anam is first rate in the role of Debu. He is super-natural. Dimpy Mishra lends brilliant support as Tiwari. Rajan Tripathi makes a wonderful impression as the television show host. Vivek Sinha has his moments as Baba (scavenger). Micheal Igwe (as John Nwakali) and Cynthia Oyo (as Gloria Elenah) make their marks. Stutee Ghosh (as Geeta Handa), Salim Siddique (as Gupta), Animesh Pandey (as Binod), Poonam Mathur (as the professor), Jaspal Sharma (as the electrician), Wasim Saifi (as the electrician’s friend), Raj Sharma (as Gulati), Aman Mohammadi (as Mrs. Gulati), Saumya Jakhmola (as Neha Gulati), Bhaskar Jha (as the guard at Maansi Kunj), Kawalpreet Singh (as Harry), Ashima Prakash (as Shelly), Tarun Bhalla (as the TV news anchor), Ajitabh Singh (as Karan), Raj Singh Rawat (as the policeman), Dibakar Das Roy (as Venkatesh Prasad), Farhad Colabavala (as the customer in the car), Ujjwal Raj (as the printing shop assistant), Priyanka Gautam (as Sheila Dhawan), Arsh Parmindar (as the Fair And Awesome powder shopkeeper), and the others lend able support.
Dibakar Das Roy’s direction is mature. Having said that, it must be added that his narration will appeal to the class audience only. Utkarsh Dhotekar’s music goes well with the mood of the film. Dibakar Das Roy’s lyrics are alright. Utkarsh Dhotekar’s background music is fair. Kartik Parmar’s cinematography is very nice. Production designing (by Rohan Suneja, Dibakar Das Roy and Donna Bose) is of a good standard. Manendra Singh Lodhi’s editing is sharp.
On the whole, Dilli Dark is a well-made film but its appeal is very limited and, therefore, it cannot hope to succeed at the turnstiles. It is meant for the festival circuit.
Released on 30-5-’25 at Metro Inox (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Panorama Studios. Publicity& opening: poor. …….Also released all over. Opening was weak everywhere.
