I Want To Talk Review: Abhishek Bachchan Shines in Shoojit Sircar’s Touching Drama on Mortality
Indian cinema has often explored father-centric stories across genres, from revenge sagas to comedies and action-packed tales. However, I Want To Talk stands out by focusing on a more sensitive and poignant subject— a terminally ill man’s desire to reconnect with his daughter.
While the premise of I Want To Talk might initially remind some of the 2022 Hollywood film The Whale, the key distinction is that this film is based on a real story, unlike its Western counterpart.
The Plot
Abhishek Bachchan plays Arjun Sen, a marketing professional who receives the devastating news that he has only 100 days to live due to late-stage cancer. Faced with this harsh reality, Arjun begins spending more time with his daughter Reya (played by Pearle Dey as a young girl), even as his divorce from his wife Indrani is finalized. Struggling with his diagnosis, Arjun contemplates ending his life, but is persuaded to reconsider by his nurse, Nancy. What keeps him going is a promise his daughter makes—she wishes to dance with him at her wedding.
Director Shoojit Sircar takes his time with I Want To Talk, allowing the story to unfold slowly. The film’s first half focuses on Arjun’s internal conflict, dealing with his diagnosis and the emotional toll it takes. The question it asks is profound: what would you do if you were told you had only a few months to live?
Through subtle moments, like Arjun’s preference for diagrams to understand his surgeries or his feeling of being treated as a “project” by the medical staff, the film subtly highlights the alienation that often comes with a terminal illness. While the situation is heavy, Sircar and screenwriter Ritesh Shah infuse it with humor, creating an interesting juxtaposition that might take some time for viewers to fully appreciate.
A Winning Blend
The second half of the film leans more into its lighthearted tone, thanks in large part to Johnny Lever’s casting as Johnny. His mere presence brings levity to the screen, and his comedic timing offers a few hilarious moments. Bachchan’s performance is equally commendable as he transforms into a character who initially fears surgery but soon becomes obsessed with surviving. His relationship with his doctor, Jayanta Deb (Jayant Kriplani), adds another layer to the story, with the camaraderie between the two boosting the film’s energy.
Bachchan also brings his characteristic laid-back charm to the role, delivering some of the best one-liners. At one point, he quips to his daughter’s boyfriend, “Speaking in between when two Sens are talking is ‘inSensitive’,” a line that brings a smile to your face. His portrayal of a father, much like Amitabh Bachchan’s in Piku, shows how a parent’s love for their child can sometimes be overbearing but deeply caring.
While the pacing of I Want To Talk is mostly strong, the second half occasionally drags before finally landing on a hopeful note. The film’s conclusion leaves an emotional impact, with Reya’s voiceover reflecting on how she wishes she could have had one more heart-to-heart with her dad. This leaves us wondering whose perspective the title truly reflects—Arjun’s or Reya’s?
Despite its minor pacing issues, I Want To Talk is a deeply human and introspective journey that showcases Abhishek Bachchan’s finest performance yet, guided by Shoojit Sircar’s deft touch.
