Anil Kapoor starrer The Night Manager
The story of this Indian adaptation, starring Anil Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur, starts with momentum and draws the audience in. However, as the thrilling drama unfolds, it keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the conclusion. In this Indian adaptation of John le Carre’s novel “The Night Manager,” a former soldier who now works at a hotel infiltrates an organization involved in illicit arms deals. The original book was also adapted into a critically acclaimed British series. It featured Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, and Olivia Colman. Sandeep Modi created the Indian version for Disney+ Hotstar. He makes changes to localize the story for the audience, it maintains the essence of the original.
In this Indian adaptation of John le Carre’s novel “The Night Manager,” a former soldier who now works at a hotel infiltrates an organization involved in illicit arms deals. The original book was also adapted into a critically acclaimed British series. It featured Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, and Olivia Colman.
In the context of the story, Aditya Roy Kapur plays the role of a “night manager”. He spies on Shailendra Rungta, known as the “merchant of death”. Anil Kapoor portrays Shelly. He appears to the public as a charitable businessman but, in reality, is involved in the illegal weapons trade. While working at a hotel in Bangladesh, Aditya’s character, Shaan Sengupta, attempts to rescue a young girl. One of Shelly’s associates forced that girl into marriage.
Shaan did not want to involve in the situation initially. But his kind-hearted natured forced him to embroil. It ultimately affected him deeply. Years later, when Shaan unexpectedly encounters Shelly again, he resolves to take action and do the right thing once more. However, this time, Lipika Saikia Rao, an Indian intelligence operative played by Tillotama Shome, demands a higher price from Shaan in exchange for her assistance. Given that Shaan has managed to impress Shelly in the past, if they play their cards right, they may be able to gain access to the elusive magnate.
The Night Manager builds up its intensity only in the last 20 minutes, but just as the story gains momentum, it suddenly cuts off at an inopportune moment. For some viewers, resuming Part 2 after a gap of four months might be too late and result in a loss of interest.