Review of 'Newton' - India's official entry to the Oscars

Rajkummar Rao is brilliant as 'Newton Kumar' in Newton.

Newton leaves you with many open questions, who is right/wrong is left to the viewer. Newton Kumar, a law-abiding and honest government official part of the electorial reserve staff is given the burdensome task of conducting election in a naxal infected forest area of Chattisgarh. Newton faces hurdle after hurdle at his election booth to get his 76 tribal voters to vote, This forms the plot of India's official entry to the Oscars this year. 

The fact that Newton Kumar has high regard for the constitution and elections is justified by the poster of Ambedkar in his room. The film throws light on the problems faced by Scheduled Tribes in India, often harrassed by the men of power and authority, they have little faith in the government. They often find themselves between the government and the naxals. The film succeeds in showing the might of the Indian elections as well as it's downfalls. One of the most striking scenes of the film is a tribal shaking his head and saying nothing will change for them no matter who comes to power.

Rajkumar Rao is brilliant as the often eccentric Newton Kumar, adding his touch of mannerisms to the character. Newton is not a film that would appeal to all, but is a definite must watch for people looking for good cinema.