Night Curfew

Plot: Night Curfew portrays the unprecedented situation in the country caused when the coronavirus crippled people's lives.

Review: Set during the COVID-19 pandemic that gripped the world, the story follows Dr. Durga (Malashree) and Dr. Vedha (Rajini Raghavan), two senior doctors working tirelessly to treat patients. Facing a critical shortage of oxygen and beds, they encounter a heart-wrenching case where a COVID-positive patient doesn't receive immediate medical attention and tragically succumbs to the illness.

The story takes another turn when a new character arrives, demanding a death certificate to confirm that the woman died of COVID-19. However, after further examination, the doctors discover a shocking twist: the woman's death wasn't caused by COVID-19 at all. This revelation forms the core of the narrative.

Meanwhile, to add some humour amidst the seriousness, the film explores the antics of Sadhu (Sadhu Kokila) and Mutha (Manju Pavagada) as they attempt to exploit the bar closures by looting liquor bottles.

There are not many films that touch upon the COVID-19 pandemic in Sandalwood. Director Ravindra Venshi deserves the credit for taking upon this subject. Night Curfew manages to capture the mood and gravity of the situation. The narrative which is filled with fast-paced narration is engaging to a certain extent, but lacks the wow factor. Malashree who is back on the screen after a brief hiatus f plays her character perfectly. Actors Ranjani Raghavan, Pramod Shetty and Ashwin have done a commendable job. Apart from a few flaws, Night Curfew can be a good one-time watch.

-Hamsa Priya