Level Cross review: A gripping thriller with an intense plot and unusual treatment

Asif Ali’s Level Cross, directed by debutant Arfaz Ayub, has evoked good hopes among movie lovers since the launch of its promotional material. The trailer, released recently, hinted at an unreal theme and different treatment besides thrills and chills.

While the film delivers what it promised, it does not adopt the usual template of a thriller. Further, it moves forward at a slow pace.

Raghu (Asif Ali) works as a railway gatekeeper in a no-man’s land. He lives near the railway level cross.

One fine day, he finds a woman named Chethali (played by Amala Paul) who jumps from a moving train. The real story and the mystery begin from here. As Raghu learns more about Chethali and her past, the mystery gradually unfolds.

Chethali reveals her difficult past to Raghu since she finds him genuine. But then, she also finds that there is a mystery behind him. And then, Chethali’s husband Zinjo (Sharaf U Dheen) enters the picture.

From here, the story moves forward with different versions of stories narrated by these three characters, which intrigues the audience.

Chethali’s version has her husband being brutal to her. Zinjo claims Chethali has mental health issues. Meanwhile, Raghu’s mysterious past keeps haunting the couple. Raghu claims he had a family but had to from his native place after a tragic incident.

How are these three characters intertwined and what happens next is best watched on the big screen.

Also Read: Intriguing trailer of Asif Ali-Amala Paul’s ‘Level Cross’ launched

Intense script & taut screenplay

Level Cross has an intense script penned by Arfaz Ayub. The story is set in a fictitious land, which is a major highlight of the film.

The movie doesn’t follow the usual pattern of a thriller. The first 15-20 minutes present the geographical location, where the story happens. Raghu’s character is presented as naive but his true colours are revealed towards the interval.

Post-interval, the film picks up pace as skeletons tumble out of the closet. However, Raghu is unwilling to accept the truths revealed by Zinjo since he shares a connection with Chethali.

The director doesn’t reveal the true identity of the three characters till the climax, thus keeping the viewers guessing till the end. Despite the slow pace, the tight screenplay keeps the viewers glued to their seats, making the film a riveting watch.

Nevertheless, a few questions remain unanswered and lack clarity. For instance, Raghu has a mysterious past and even commits a crime. However, the director doesn’t give a clear picture of this nor reveal how exactly he ended up as a railway gatekeeper in that no man’s land and what happened to his predecessor.

Raghu does have his version of the former gatekeeper, but it is quite ambiguous, leaving the gatekeeper as a mysterious character.

Location plays a major role

Level Cross has been filmed in Tunisia and the location itself plays a key role in the story. The makers, however, chose it present it as a fictitious land.

Appu Prabhakar’s cinematography adds value to the story, the location and the happenings on screen. His frames elevate the film to the next level.

Vishal Chandrashekhar’s music and background score do justice to the movie.

Level Cross boasts a brilliant performance by Asif Ali, as Raghu. His expressions as a naive person with negative shades are truly impressive. This is certainly one of Aif Ali’s best roles the actor played in recent times, especially after his stellar performance in Thalavan (2024).

Amala Paul plays the meaty role of Chethali, She pulls off the complicated character with ease.

Sharaf U Dheen, as Zinjo, leaves an impact.

Also Read: Amala Paul reacts to criticism over her choice of dress

Final take

Level Cross is an intense thriller with impressive performances by Asif Ali and Amala Paul. The intriguing plot and the unusual treatment make it a must-watch.

(Views expressed here are personal.)

(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)

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