Review of ‘Level Cross’ Movie: Balancing Act Between the Extraordinary and the Everyday

The intriguing aspect of this psychological thriller is how everyone’s true nature remains a mystery, adding to both its allure and its complexity.

In Arfaz Ayub’s first film, ‘Level Cross,’ we follow Chaithali (played by Amala Paul) as she navigates the vast and diverse Sahara desert. While one might expect a survival thriller, this movie takes a different path. The Sahara’s rugged yet stunning landscape mirrors the film’s intriguing blend of harshness and beauty. The story unfolds in a fictional setting where the boundaries of reality are blurred, adding an element of unpredictability. Initially, the film portrays the expansive, sparsely populated desert as a character in itself. We then meet Reghu (portrayed by Asif Ali), a solitary railway gatekeeper living near the level crossing, whose monotonous life is disrupted when he discovers an unconscious woman, Chaithali. As Chaithali awakens under Reghu’s care, the narrative gains momentum. Reghu, accustomed to solitude, finds himself both thrilled and awkward at the prospect of companionship in this desolate place. Chaithali, distressed and seeking solace, shares her tumultuous past involving a troubled marriage with Zincho (played by Sharaf U Dheen), a union opposed by her parents. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, Chaithali gradually warms up to Reghu’s genuine kindness after an initial wariness.

The film faces a challenge in authentically depicting the evolving emotional bond between Reghu and Chaithali, which appears to stem from their contrasting circumstances. While Amala’s appearance fits the role perfectly, her dialogues, at times outdated, fail to enhance the connection. What makes this psychological thriller intriguing yet somewhat disappointing is the theme of deception woven throughout the narrative. Despite the revelation about Reghu’s character, which builds suspense leading to the midpoint, the film falters in keeping the audience engaged in guessing the truth. As the story progresses, some plot twists become predictable, except for the final revelation, especially for avid followers of the genre.

Appu Prabhakar’s visuals beautifully capture the solitude of the landscape, turning it into a character as intended by the director. However, Arfaz’s writing fluctuates between the extraordinary and the ordinary. Despite this, Arfaz deserves credit for ensuring the film’s technical aspects are well-executed and for extracting a remarkable performance from Asif Ali. As Reghu, Ali skillfully embodies the roughness of a man with a questionable past, aided by impressive prosthetics.

Film: Level Cross

Director: Arfaz Ayub

Cast: Asif Ali, Amala Paul, Sharaf U Dheen

Rating: 2.5/5