Starfish, an adaptation of Bina Nayak’s acclaimed novel Starfish Pickle, makes a serious effort to explore the human heart but it lacks luster.
Tara, played by Khushalii Kumar, has us intrigued in the beginning. But the narration and screenplay could not hold my interest for long. Set in the beautiful backdrop of Malta, the movie explores Tata’s life as a diver and her struggle with PTSD. There is a continuous turmoil between her past and present, but the grip cannot be maintained. Despite Khushalii Kumar’s dramatic performance, the movie is a bumpy ride through turbulent waters.
The film begins with a troubled Tara who leads a diving mission to dredge out the remains of a naval crew after a blast on a ship. As we cruise through the movie, we are acquainted with her troubled past, the wild lifestyle and panic attacks and her mother’s death. As Tara tries to find reason to the events of her tragic past, she gets drawn to the naval captain and then a musician, Neel. The cinematography by Jim Edgar is spectacular.
Milind Soman, features as the music guru in her story. The subject of the movie is good but a deft screenplay and narrative were needed. However, you still might enjoy the plot, the acting and the sea-world is enchanting!
