Line of Descent is a 2019 crime thriller that tells the story of a dysfunctional crime family from Delhi. The movie was directed by Rohit Karn Batra and stars Brendan Fraser, Prem Chopra, and Abhay Deol. The story revolves around three brothers: Charu (Abhay Deol), Aditya (Ali Haji), and Prithvi (Anisha Victor), who are the sons of Ravi (Prem Chopra), a feared gangster in Delhi. Charu is the head of the family business and is tasked with managing the illegal activities of their father. Aditya is a drug addict who gets in trouble with the law, and Prithvi is the youngest brother who is still in school.
The family's criminal empire is threatened when a new player in the city, played by Brendan Fraser, comes into the picture. Fraser's character, Naga, is a mysterious and dangerous man who has links to the Russian Mafia. Naga's arrival sparks a power struggle within the family as Charu tries to maintain control while Aditya and Prithvi seem to be more interested in teaming up with Naga.
As the story progresses, the family's past begins to catch up with them. Ravi's health is deteriorating, Charu is struggling to keep the family together, Aditya's addiction worsens, and Prithvi discovers the truth about their family's criminal activities. Meanwhile, Naga's true intentions are revealed, and the family is forced to confront their darkest secrets and make a difficult decision that will determine their fate.
One of the strengths of the movie is the performances of the cast, particularly Brendan Fraser, who gives a standout performance as Naga. His character is enigmatic and unpredictable, and Fraser portrays him as both menacing and sympathetic. Abhay Deol is also excellent as Charu, the conflicted leader of the family. His portrayal of a man torn between family loyalty and doing what is right is both nuanced and believable.
Another strength of the movie is its exploration of complex themes such as power, loyalty, and family. The story shows how the pursuit of power and wealth can corrupt even the closest of families and how loyalty can be tested and ultimately broken. The movie also highlights how the family's criminal activities have a lasting impact on the lives of their loved ones and how difficult it is to break out of the cycle of violence and criminality.
The movie's pacing is another positive aspect, with the plot unfolding at a steady pace, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The cinematography and music also deserve praise, adding to the film's overall atmosphere and tone.
However, the movie does have some flaws. The plot can be a bit confusing at times, and some of the characters, such as Aditya and Prithvi, are underdeveloped. Additionally, the movie's final act feels rushed and could have been given more time to breathe.
Overall, Line of Descent is an engaging crime thriller that offers a fresh perspective on the genre. With strong performances, complex themes, and solid pacing, the movie is well worth a watch.
Line of Descent is a 2019 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6.
