3 Good

'NH10', directed by Navdeep Singh, is about a road trip that goes horribly wrong when a young married couple crosses paths with a gang of ruthless killers on the national highway. It's a standard genre movie on the surface, and Singh does a good job of creating edge-of-the-seat tension. But he also layers the narrative with rich subtext, delivering so much more than your average thriller.I'm going with three-and-a-half out of five for 'NH10'. It's often terrifying on this highway, but you'll be glad you were there for the ride.

It's easy to hate NH10 while watching it because it's one of the most terrifying Hindi films ever - while simultaneously, you love its brilliance. The film's story, apparently inspired by Eden Lake, is truly taut, no moment letting you relax, no layer - like Meera's vulnerability against both Arjun's ego and the vicious gang - comforting. NH10 is a relentless thriller you wish you could see with your eyes closed - because truly, as its song goes, chill gaye naina.

But the suspension of disbelief is difficult when it comes to the leading lady, who, in her zeal to become a Killi Billi, throws the credibility switch. It's not that Sharma, who has also produced the film, is not trying hard. She is, and up to a point, she is in fine fettle. But at the point when she turns from flee to fight, I stopped believing.

NH10 centres on an innocuous road trip that turns into a nightmare for a well-heeled Gurgaon couple.The film, however, holds its path right down to the shocking final moments.NH10 is an adventurous Bollywood film that breaks the shackles of convention and is none the worse for it. Eminently watchable.

On the whole, NH10 is a wonderfully made film with an outstanding performance by Anushka Sharma. It will be well appreciatedby an intelligent audience that's gunning for women safety and empowerment. The sound cinematic credentials and gripping narrative is the high point of the film. But, as mentioned earlier, the glorification of violence isn't easy to stomach. You need to be really motivated to absorb it. This National Highway has its shares of potholes, but, it is a must visit. Do go the NH10 way!