Harshvardhan Rane shines as Xavier in Bejoy Nambiar’s Dange, writes Shanku Sharma

//Shanku Sharma//

First things first. Harshvaradhan Rane is a fine actor. All he needs is a good movie. He was brilliant in Sanam Teri Kasam (2016), a tragic love story. Cut to 2024. He is Xavier, a college student in talented Bejoy Nambiar’s youthful political thriller Dange.

In the bustling corridors of a college campus, where youthful energy crackles in the air, friendships are forged, and rivalries simmer. “Dange,” the latest offering from talented filmmaker Bejoy Nambiar, thrusts us into this dynamic world, where the lines between camaraderie and competition blur.

The film opens with medical students Xavier (played by the brilliant Harshvardhan Rane) and Rishika (portrayed by Nikita Dutta) embarking on an unconventional quest. Their mission? To prove that psychedelic drugs can treat depression. While Xavier diligently works on his thesis, Rishika takes a different path—becoming a notorious dealer who supplies the right substances to students in genuine need. But “Dange” is not merely about hipster college life; it’s about the clash of ideologies, the pursuit of power, and the dark history that binds its characters.

At the heart of the film lies the intense rivalry between Xavier and his junior, Yuva (Ehan Bhat). Their hostility is not just a matter of academic competition; it’s rooted in a shared past—a secret that festers beneath the surface. As the college festival approaches, tensions escalate. Xavier and Yuva, once friends, now stand on opposing sides, ready to battle it out on D-Day. But their feud isn’t limited to themselves; it spills over, igniting a seniors-versus-juniors conflict that spirals into chaos—a literal “dange.”

Bejoy Nambiar’s vision comes alive through the lens of cinematographers Jimshi Khalid and Presley Oscar D’Souza. Their visually stunning shots capture the frenzy of college life—the bustling festival grounds, the late-night conversations, and the charged moments of confrontation. The avant-garde style of the film, infused with frenetic energy, draws viewers into this microcosm of ambition and intrigue.

Harshvardhan Rane’s portrayal of Xavier is a revelation. His hipster demeanor conceals layers of vulnerability, making him a standout character. Ehan Bhat, as the ambitious Yuva, brings depth to the role of the junior seeking recognition. TJ Bhanu, the fiery student activist, and Nikita Dutta, who deftly balances vulnerability and strength, contribute significantly to the ensemble.

Gaurav Godkhindi, Sachidanand Sankaranarayanan, and Harish Venkat collaborate to create a captivating background score. As the festival unfolds, the music swells, underscoring the emotional highs and lows. Chapter 7, the film’s crux, features edgy festival tunes, leading up to the adrenaline-pumping riot sequence. The technical finesse of the team elevates “Dange” beyond the ordinary.

“Dange” invites viewers on a 2-hour-and-34-minute journey—a rollercoaster ride through friendship, cultural clashes, and the relentless pursuit of victory. Bejoy Nambiar’s film is not afraid to push boundaries, and its unconventional storytelling will resonate with audiences hungry for more than the usual fare. So, grab your popcorn, immerse yourself in the chaos, and witness the collision of dreams and destiny in the heart of a college campus.