PopCorn Entertainment Rating – 3.5/5

Nail Polish, directed by Bugs Bhargav Krishna and currently streaming on Zee5, is a unique yet absorbing legal crime thriller which engages you thoroughly at the cerebral level. Its a completely different concept and its not without its flaws, but the execution and performances blend seamlessly to keep you on the edge.

Aptly titled Nail Polish , this legal drama revolves around the trial of Veer Singh ( Manav Kaul), a popular sports coach who is arrested on the abuse and murder case of two immigrant children. Famous lawyer Sid Jaisingh ( Arjun Rampal) takes up the cudgels to defend Veer Singh , while prosecution lawyer Anand Kumar ( Amit Tiwari) is convinced that he has enough ammunition to convict the accused. Judge Bhushan ( Rajat Kapur), presiding over the case tries to keep an open mind, but is flummoxed by the proceedings. Because the case brings out another facet and as it progresses, layers starts to peel off. Under the veil of this heinous crime lies the root of possible redemption and personality conflicts.

Its a brilliant thought, and is executed near to perfection. This courtroom drama has enough twists and turns to outmaneuvre the audience. The canvas of the film too is sensitively handled, displaying the little nuances of each character. Sid is an upmarket lawyer, always in dapper style but disgruntled somewhere inside with angst towards his late father. Bhushan is struggling with his alcoholic wife ( Madhu), Kumar tries hard to make his families end meet , and there is an intense mystery surrounded around Veer Singh which is superbly unfolded as the film reaches its climax. But flaws are glaring – the film is atrociously slow and moves at an agonizing pace. And by the last thread where this mystery ends, you are not sure what exactly happened and are left with an open question .

But if you are willing to overlook the flaws , I am sure you will end up appreciating the concept of the film and the way its presented and enacted. There are several scenes where the actors , especially Manav Kaul, who leaves an indelible impression. He is brilliant, personifying his character with such flawlessness that its difficult to take your eyes away from him. Its a wonderful performance, and I was actually in awe of him throughout. The film is also buoyed by compelling acts from Arjun Rampal, Rajat Kapur and Anand Tiwari , solid actors who bring out the flesh and blood of the characters. And it was pleasing to see Madhu back after aeons. Her inebriated scenes with Kapur are noteworthy.

Made over a runtime of little over 2 hours , Nail Polish is slow and sometimes excruciating , but it needs patience to relish a unique story presented so well. An intriguing thriller that works primarily because of an engrossing performance by Manav Kaul. I am going with 3.5 out of 5 for Nail Polish, currently streaming on Zee 5. Give it a shot with some patience, you wont be disappointed.