Looking for a captivating film after you loved watching Vikran Massey’s 12th Fail, then check out ‘Cargo Movie’, a Netflix gem by debut director Arati Kadav, blending Eastern concepts with Western storytelling. This innovative take explores themes of reincarnation and caste within a sleek, modern sci-fi setup, reminiscent of ‘Masaan’ meets ‘Moon’.
Yet, while it’s a breath of fresh air in an industry shying away from the genre, some might find it familiar. ‘Moon’s influence echoes in almost every scene, paralleling Massey’s character, Prahastha, with Sam Rockwell’s existential miner.
Prahastha, a ‘rakshasa’, readies the deceased for rebirth aboard a spaceship with Apple-store precision. Trapped in a ‘sarkari naukri’, he interacts with Nitigya via a monitor until the arrival of Yuvishka injects life into both Prahastha and the film. Tripathi’s character contrasts Massey’s stoicism, revitalizing the narrative.
Space solitude as a dramatic setting isn’t new, from classics like ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ to recent hits like ‘Ad Astra’. Yet, unlike Fassbender’s contemplative android, Prahastha’s demon identity lacks impact, akin to changing a character’s ethnicity without relevance.
Cargo Movie is an immersive Sci-Fi Film for Vikrant Massey Fans
Kadav draws inspiration from comics, attempting world-building akin to ‘Saga’, but it burdens the film without significant plot enhancement. The lore’s inclusion prompts questions about demon abilities versus their roles in society, causing confusion rather than enriching the narrative.
The Cargo Movie does indulge in over-explaining, perhaps to cater to audiences. Kadav could’ve taken bolder storytelling risks instead of holding back. Nevertheless, attempting such innovation deserves applause in an industry often sticking to safe formulas.
With ‘Cargo Movie‘ is for those seeking a unique blend of Eastern philosophy and futuristic sci-fi, ‘Cargo’ remains a commendable watch post-academic struggles.”