Movie Review: “Level Cross” (2024)

“Level Cross” transports audiences into a barren desert where time and place seem suspended in a mysterious realm. A railway track, seemingly purposeless, cuts across the landscape, and while there’s no road crossing it, a single level crossing exists. Here, a lone gateman, Raghu, played by Asif Ali, and his silent companion—a donkey—await the passing of a train, marking the slow unfolding of Arfaaz Ayub’s story.

Cinematography & Visuals

One of the film’s most striking features is Appu Prabhakar’s cinematography, capturing the desert in hauntingly beautiful frames. Prabhakar’s work allows the audience to sink into the film’s atmosphere, giving us long, lingering shots that account for much of the film’s aesthetic and emotional weight. Three-quarters of the film’s effectiveness is in these visuals, drawing viewers into the environment with carefully composed shots. Despite the sparse setting and the limited dialogue, the visual narrative keeps viewers engaged, particularly when the train finally begins to move, signaling the story’s gradual momentum.

Direction & Storytelling

Arfaaz Ayub’s direction stands out for its experimental approach. “Level Cross” employs a unique narrative style, presenting events from different perspectives of the three characters. Ayub crafts a quiet, introspective atmosphere with long, wordless scenes and a deliberate storytelling pace. While this artistic choice could alienate some viewers due to its slowness, it also lends the story a certain meditative quality, making it deeply immersive for those willing to invest. Ayub deftly introduces twists, especially in the second half, adding depth to the level-crossing scenes and pulling viewers into the mystery.

Performances

Asif Ali shines in his portrayal of Raghu, the gateman, bringing complexity to an otherwise solitary and isolated character. His performance bears a resemblance to iconic characters played by Mammootty, such as Putturumis and Mada, displaying a remarkable ability to convey depth with minimal dialogue. Ali’s subtle expressions and restrained delivery capture the essence of a man at odds with his surroundings, holding the audience’s attention in scenes where there’s little else to focus on.

Sharafuddin and Amala Paul, though effective in their roles, aren’t provided with as much depth in their characters as Ali’s Raghu. They serve the story well but aren’t given the same level of challenge, making their performances solid yet somewhat underutilized compared to Ali’s role.

Technical Elements

Technically, “Level Cross” excels. Vishal Chandrasekhar’s background score complements the barren, haunting ambiance of the desert setting. His music beautifully aligns with the film’s mood, adding tension to the level-crossing scenes and highlighting the sense of isolation. Although the set design is generally effective, minor flaws exist, particularly around the house near the crossing, but they don’t detract significantly from the experience.

Story & Themes

A ghost story within the narrative, involving a spirit that walks with its head turned backward, evolves from a subplot into a key element of the story. Ayub skillfully weaves this tale into the main plot, leaving viewers guessing about the ghost’s identity, and subtly implying its connection to the characters’ experiences. This supernatural layer enriches the film, blending with the desolate surroundings to create a quietly unsettling atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

“Level Cross” is a film that resonates most with those who appreciate slow-paced, atmospheric storytelling and technical craftsmanship. While its unhurried pace and minimal dialogue may challenge some viewers, the movie rewards patience with its unique visual and narrative style. Arfaaz Ayub’s direction, Asif Ali’s compelling performance, and the outstanding cinematography make this film a memorable, albeit niche, cinematic experience. This experimental piece may not cater to mainstream tastes, but it earns respect for its technical brilliance and ambitious storytelling.