The problem with films based on real life events is that one is already aware of how things will pan out. And so, the challenge lies in keeping us invested in the story.

In this respect, Hotel Mumbai excels. We plunge headlong into the events that led to the dastardly terrorist attacks on Mumbai in 2008, and director Anthony Maras – who has also written the screenplay along with John Collee – keeps his hold on the narrative steady and focused.

The cold efficiency with which violence is depicted and how it disrupts the rhythm of everyday life in the busy lanes of Mumbai has an accompanying foreboding tone that is hard to ignore.

Even as the background music is kept to the minimum, the unmissable sound of ricocheting bullets keeps us at the edge of our seats. A casual conversation between two people is suddenly disrupted as one of them drops dead.

For most of us, the memories of 26/11 are still fresh in our minds even 11 years on. We were glued to our TV sets as we followed the tense moments of the crisis; and so the use of real-time footage is both clever and hugely impactful.

In fact, the film even manages to astutely show the many lapses in security that happened due to the live coverage of the attack by media. The gaze is democratic.

Listen to the podcast for the full review.

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