By A Staff Reporter
Srijit Mukherji’s Tekka brings together a socio-political narrative and a high-stakes hostage drama, anchored by an exceptional performance from Tollywood star Dev in a career-defining role. With compelling supporting performances from Swastika Mukherjee and Rukmini Maitra, the film, currently running in theatres, delivers a potent mix of suspense, emotion, and political critique.
At the heart of Tekka is Iqlakh (Dev), an ordinary man pushed to the brink by desperation. Recently laid off, Iqlakh kidnaps a young girl to demand one simple thing: his job back, confirmed by a word from the company’s owner. The plot thickens as Ira (Swastika Mukherjee), the kidnapped girl’s mother, takes Iqlakh’s son hostage in a desperate counter-move.
Navigating this chaotic situation is Maya (Rukmini Maitra), a police officer tasked with managing the negotiations. Amidst the unfolding crisis, Maya juggles her own personal struggles with her high-pressure job, adding layers of complexity to her character.
Tekka also examines the role of media in shaping narratives, with Brishti (Sreeja Dutta), a young journalist, live-streaming the events from within the hostage situation, only to confront the ethical consequences of her actions.
Dev delivers a raw and nuanced portrayal of Iqlakh, capturing the despair and humanity of a disenfranchised man. Swastika Mukherjee shines as a mother torn between fear and empathy, while Rukmini Maitra strikes a balance between authority and vulnerability.
Srijit Mukherji’s sharp screenplay weaves themes of class disparity, political corruption, and communal tensions into the plot, with Paran Bandyopadhyay’s cameo as a corrupt industrialist offering a biting critique of systemic flaws.
Cinematographer Modhura Palit’s gritty visuals and Diptarka Bose’s atmospheric score heighten the tension, making Tekka a must-watch thriller that resonates far beyond its storyline.