Nail Polish Movie Review: A Gripping Courtroom Thriller
🎬 Story and Plot Summary of nail polish movie
Non-Spoiler Section
Nail Polish opens as a sharp legal drama but quickly unfolds into a layered psychological mystery that keeps you guessing at every step. Set in a modern Indian courtroom, the movie dives into the world of justice, law, and identity—blurring the lines between truth and illusion.
The story follows Sid Jaisingh, a reputed defense lawyer played by Arjun Rampal, who takes up the case of Veer Singh, portrayed by Manav Kaul—a former army officer and social worker, now accused of the brutal murders of two migrant children. What seems like a simple open-and-shut case of criminal violence slowly reveals darker psychological undertones.
As the trial begins, the audience is pulled into a battle of facts, emotions, and secrets. Sid is determined to prove Veer’s innocence. On the other side, prosecutor Amit Kumar (Anand Tiwari) is hell-bent on getting justice. As the legal drama intensifies, strange events in court challenge the very nature of Veer’s personality.
With twists involving dissociative identity disorder, PTSD, and trauma rooted in war and childhood abuse, the film does not just entertain—it challenges. It raises tough questions about the Indian legal system, mental health awareness, and the ethics of justice.
The first half builds a slow but tense atmosphere. The second half throws the audience into the chaos of shifting identities and courtroom revelations that leave you stunned. The film cleverly avoids spoon-feeding its message. It demands attention, patience, and thought.
Spoiler Section (Skip if you haven’t seen the movie)
As the trial progresses, Veer Singh’s behavior starts to change. He begins to display signs of a second personality named “Charu Raina.” Judge Bhushan, intrigued and concerned, orders psychiatric evaluations. Dr. Malik, the court-appointed psychiatrist, suggests that Veer may be suffering from dissociative identity disorder (DID), caused by past trauma.
In flashbacks, we learn about Veer’s horrific childhood abuse and his experiences in the army. These repressed memories take the form of “Charu,” a female identity that he unknowingly shifts into when triggered. The courtroom turns into a psychological battlefield, where evidence, witness statements, and medical reports collide.
A shocking twist reveals that Charu, while taking over Veer’s body, might have been responsible for the murders. But can someone with DID be held legally accountable? The court must now decide whether Veer is guilty of murder—or a victim of his mind.
In the climax, the judge declares Veer not guilty by reason of insanity. He is sent to a mental health facility for long-term care instead of prison. The film ends on a chilling note, with the question: did justice truly win?
🎭 Cast and Characters of Nail Polish Movie
The nail polish movie thrives on its rich performances and multi-layered characters. Each actor brings nuance and depth, turning the courtroom into an emotionally charged space filled with secrets and shifting loyalties.
Arjun Rampal as Sid Jaisingh
Arjun plays a successful and charismatic defense lawyer, known for winning high-profile cases. Sid is intelligent, smooth, and unflinchingly confident. But beneath the surface lies a man burdened by personal grief and a deep emotional connection to justice. Rampal delivers one of his most restrained yet effective performances here. His expressions, silences, and dialogue delivery portray the lawyer’s emotional turmoil without overacting.
Manav Kaul as Veer Singh
The heart and mystery of the story revolve around Veer Singh. At first glance, he appears as a gentle war veteran and social worker. But soon, his behavior becomes unpredictable. Manav Kaul portrays Veer and his alter-ego Charu Raina with eerie precision. It’s not just a dual role—it’s a deep dive into a fractured mind. Kaul switches between personalities seamlessly, without making it feel theatrical.
Anand Tiwari as Amit Kumar
Amit is the prosecutor in the case and a passionate, justice-driven man. His arguments are sharp, and he pushes the limits of courtroom law to get to the truth. Anand Tiwari plays this role with brilliant energy. His courtroom debates with Rampal’s character are some of the movie’s most gripping scenes.
Rajit Kapur as Judge Bhushan
Judge Bhushan serves as the emotional and ethical anchor of the film. Rajit Kapur brings credibility and gravitas to the role. His expressions during dramatic courtroom turns show the dilemma of a man who must balance law, morality, and human empathy.
Supporting Cast
- Madhoo as Sid’s wife, Leena Jaisingh: Offers emotional context to Sid’s choices.
- Sameer Dharmadhikari as the police officer: Adds layers to the investigation and brings realism.
These performances help elevate the film beyond a courtroom narrative into a layered exploration of justice, identity, and trauma.
🎼 Music and Soundtrack
The nail polish movie doesn’t rely on songs to carry the story. Instead, it uses sound design and background score to enhance tension. The soundtrack is subtle yet intense—mirroring the psychological mood of the film.
Background Score
Composers Sanjay Wandrekar and Atul Raninga created a score that flows in the background like a heartbeat—never loud but always present. The music rises and falls with the courtroom tension. It uses violins, ambient sounds, and emotional piano chords to match the characters’ mental states.
Tone and Usage
There are no dance numbers or romantic tracks, which is rare in Indian cinema. Instead, audio cues play a critical role—signaling mental shifts, flashbacks, or emotional spikes. The silence in certain scenes is just as impactful as the music itself.
Sound Design
The film’s sound design deserves special mention. Every gavel hit, every shuffle of papers, and every gasp in the courtroom adds to the realism. When Veer transitions into Charu, a subtle musical cue plays—helping the audience emotionally process the shift.
Audience Reception
Fans appreciated the restrained approach to sound. It wasn’t distracting or overly dramatic. Instead, it complemented the script and made key scenes more impactful without using unnecessary musical drama.
🌟 Performances and Acting Reviews
The performances in the nail polish movie are its greatest strength. Each actor dives deep into their role, delivering complex emotions with sincerity.
Manav Kaul – A Tour De Force
Kaul’s performance is haunting. Playing a man with dissociative identity disorder is incredibly challenging, but he handles it with realism and respect. When he transitions into Charu, his body language, voice tone, and gaze shift so smoothly that you’re pulled into the moment without needing explanations.
Critics called his performance “one of the most complex portrayals in Indian OTT cinema.” Audiences echoed this sentiment, praising the emotional depth he brought to a character struggling with buried trauma and multiple identities.
Arjun Rampal – Subtle and Controlled
Rampal’s Sid Jaisingh is layered and human. He brings charm to the role of a lawyer but never loses the emotional edge. His breakdowns are quiet, never loud. His courtroom confrontations feel authentic. This is arguably one of Arjun Rampal’s best performances in recent years.
Anand Tiwari – Balanced Intensity
Tiwari brings both logic and aggression to his role as the prosecutor. He speaks fast, argues with precision, and never lets emotion cloud his character’s sharp legal mind. He offers a good counterbalance to Rampal’s quieter character.
Rajit Kapur – Dignified Presence
As Judge Bhushan, Kapur is excellent. His role is more observational, yet every expression counts. His concern for justice and his own internal conflict shine through his calm demeanor.
Supporting Actors – Solid Performances
Madhoo, Sameer Dharmadhikari, and others do justice to their parts. They offer background and support to the main story without dragging the narrative.
In short, this film is an acting masterclass.
✍️ Dialogues and Writing Style
The nail polish movie stands out for its refined writing. Crafted by Deepak Kingrani and Bhargava Krishna, the script mixes legal realism with emotional complexity. The courtroom dialogues are intelligent but not jargon-heavy, making the story accessible to all audiences.
Dialogues
- The film avoids loud monologues. Instead, it uses concise, powerful lines to make a point.
- Veer’s psychological breakdowns are supported by emotionally potent lines, often laced with metaphors.
- Sid and Amit’s court arguments are sharp and tight—each statement pushing the narrative forward without wasting time.
Writing Style
The screenplay follows a slow-burn format. It introduces characters one layer at a time. The movie builds suspense through behavior and silence more than words.
Key scenes are often written with dual meanings—what is said and what is felt are different. This contrast adds emotional depth.
Symbolism and Themes
- Identity: The film uses Veer’s disorder to explore how trauma reshapes memory and identity.
- Justice vs. Mental Health: The courtroom is used to question whether the law understands psychological complexity.
- Truth: What is legal truth versus personal truth?
The dialogues echo these themes subtly, without being preachy. This intelligent script allows viewers to interpret meaning for themselves.
📢 Release and Promotion Strategy of Nail Polish Movie
Released in January 2021 on ZEE5, the nail polish movie adopted a strategic digital-first release. The pandemic era had reshaped how audiences consumed content, and this psychological courtroom thriller leveraged OTT to reach its audience.
Pre-Release Buzz
- Teaser drops focused on mystery and courtroom drama, not revealing the psychological twist.
- A dark, moody trailer showed intense performances and hinted at multiple identities without giving away the plot.
Marketing Approach
- Digital interviews with the cast highlighted the film’s theme of mental health and trauma.
- Arjun Rampal and Manav Kaul featured in online discussions around acting challenges and legal sensitivity.
- ZEE5 used targeted promotions on social media to engage audiences interested in crime dramas and psychological thrillers.
Pandemic Impact
Since cinemas were largely inactive in early 2021, the direct-to-OTT strategy worked well. The film found a ready audience looking for serious content at home.
Poster and Title Design
The title “Nail Polish” was a metaphor for surface appearances hiding deeper cracks—smartly matched with the plot. The promotional material carried this minimalist theme.
💰 Box Office and OTT Streaming Performance
Since nail polish movie released directly on ZEE5, traditional box office metrics don’t apply. However, its OTT performance set benchmarks for courtroom thrillers on Indian platforms.
Streaming Success
- Within the first 10 days, it was among the Top 5 most-watched films on ZEE5.
- High re-watch value due to complex storylines.
- Increased engagement in regional markets with subtitles and dubbing.
Viewership Numbers
ZEE5 did not officially publish exact viewership stats, but internal reports from media sources claimed over 7 million+ views in the first month alone.
Revenue Model
Being a part of ZEE5’s subscription model, the film attracted new subscribers and extended retention—especially among crime-drama lovers. It performed well in the psychological thriller and courtroom drama categories.
Post-Release Word of Mouth
Positive reviews boosted its long tail. Online discussions and debates around the twist and mental health elements kept the buzz alive for weeks.
🗣️ Critical and Public Reception of Nail Polish Movie
The nail polish movie received strong critical acclaim and gained a loyal following among digital audiences. It was hailed as a milestone in Indian courtroom and psychological cinema.
Critical Reviews
- Hindustan Times: “A masterful courtroom drama that dares to explore mental illness with intelligence.”
- Film Companion: “A haunting, psychological courtroom battle held together by Manav Kaul’s genius.”
- The Hindu: “Balanced in storytelling, restrained in emotion, and deeply unsettling.”
Critics especially appreciated the handling of dissociative identity disorder without sensationalism.
Public Response
- Social media was flooded with praises for Manav Kaul, with many calling his role award-worthy.
- Viewers applauded the emotional weight of the script and the minimalist approach to music and visuals.
- Reddit and Twitter threads dissected the symbolism of the title and the courtroom verdict.
Long-Term Impact
Though not a viral OTT hit in traditional sense, it gained cult status in the Indian digital space. It’s often recommended by critics in lists like “Top Indian Thrillers You Shouldn’t Miss.”
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🌍 Cultural Impact and Public Response
The nail polish movie did more than just entertain—it sparked essential conversations about mental health, justice, and the treatment of trauma survivors. Its influence rippled beyond the screen, especially because it tackled topics rarely addressed in Indian mainstream cinema.
Opening Conversations on Mental Health
One of the most profound impacts of the film was its sensitive and accurate portrayal of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Rather than dramatizing the disorder, the film focused on its psychological roots and the toll it takes on the victim. This led to mental health professionals praising the film’s effort in raising awareness among Indian audiences.
- Several psychiatrists and psychologists shared reviews of the film on platforms like YouTube and Twitter.
- Psychology students used scenes from the film for classroom analysis and case discussions.
- Mental health NGOs also cited the film as a conversation starter during awareness drives.
Legal System and Ethical Dilemmas
The portrayal of courtroom proceedings opened up discussions among law students, practicing lawyers, and judicial experts. Many praised the film’s attempt to realistically showcase legal ethics and the grey areas of the Indian judicial system.
- It highlighted the dilemma judges face in balancing the law with psychological evidence.
- The verdict—based on mental illness—raised moral questions: is justice truly served if the criminal is unaware of their crime?
This duality made audiences think deeper, extending the film’s relevance far beyond entertainment.
Public Engagement and Discussions
After the movie’s release, many forums and comment sections became hubs of discussion:
- People debated whether Veer Singh was truly innocent.
- Others discussed the symbolism of the title “Nail Polish”—representing something beautiful covering something broken.
- Many shared their own personal stories related to trauma and mental health, creating a rare emotional engagement with a fictional film.
The movie’s impact was more internal and emotional than just box office buzz—it planted a seed in the minds of its viewers that lingered long after the credits rolled.
🔍 Comparisons with Similar Movies
While the nail polish movie stands unique in its psychological intensity and legal complexity, it naturally draws comparisons with a few Indian and international thrillers that also blend crime, law, and mental illness.
Indian Comparisons
Talvar (2015)
- Similarity: Both involve courtroom drama, police mishandling, and deep psychological exploration.
- Difference: Talvar is based on a real case and follows a procedural style. Nail Polish is more character-focused and psychological.
Criminal Justice (Hotstar Series)
- Similarity: Focuses on courtroom dynamics and explores themes of guilt and innocence.
- Difference: Criminal Justice is more about the legal journey of the accused, while Nail Polish dives deeper into the psyche of its characters.
Section 375 (2019)
- Similarity: Legal argumentation and ethical dilemmas.
- Difference: Section 375 leans on legal loopholes, whereas Nail Polish presents a medical vs. moral debate.
Global Comparisons
Primal Fear (1996)
- A direct reference for psychological courtroom thrillers. The accused, played by Edward Norton, displays symptoms of DID. The final twist mirrors the themes in Nail Polish.
- However, Nail Polish takes a more empathetic and realistic route, avoiding sensationalism.
The Machinist (2004)
- Explores trauma and mental illness with a heavy psychological twist.
- Similar in how both films use character breakdowns to reflect internal trauma.
While comparisons help position the film, Nail Polish emerges as a distinct voice in Indian cinema. Its style is less commercial and more emotionally intellectual, offering viewers something fresh.
🏆 Awards and Recognition for Nail Polish Movie
The nail polish movie may not have been a traditional Bollywood box office darling, but it gained widespread appreciation through nominations, accolades, and long-lasting praise from critics and cinema lovers alike.
Awards and Nominations
- 🏅 Filmfare OTT Awards 2021
- Best Actor (Male) – Manav Kaul (Nominated)
- Best Supporting Actor – Arjun Rampal (Nominated)
- Best Screenplay – (Nominated)
- Best Film on OTT – (Nominated)
- 🏅 ZEE Cine Awards Digital
- Best Original Film on Web (Shortlisted)
- Best Actor in a Leading Role (Digital Film) – Manav Kaul (Won)
- 🏅 Critics’ Choice Awards
- Outstanding Storytelling (Recognized)
While it didn’t win all the top honors, the nominations alone validated the film’s excellence and the bravery it showed in exploring uncharted themes in Indian cinema.
Audience Awards & Recognition
- IMDB rating crossed 7.4, a high benchmark for a genre that often lacks mass appeal.
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score (Unofficial) stood at 80%, indicating strong positive word-of-mouth.
Legacy
Many OTT blogs and year-end reviews featured Nail Polish in:
- “Top 10 Indian Psychological Thrillers”
- “Best Performances on OTT in 2021”
- “Films that Redefined Mental Health in Indian Cinema”
This recognition continues to fuel the film’s reputation as a slow-burn classic that chose artistic integrity over commercial compromise.
💭 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The nail polish movie is more than just a courtroom drama—it’s a layered narrative about human psychology, trauma, and how the justice system perceives truth. It merges legal thriller elements with a deep psychological exploration, delivering a story that leaves you thinking long after it ends.
What Makes It Stand Out?
- Manav Kaul’s performance is a masterclass in acting.
- The film’s writing and courtroom realism are refreshing and thought-provoking.
- It dares to treat mental illness not as a gimmick but as a central emotional thread.
- Its minimalist direction and non-reliance on commercial tropes give it a haunting quality.
For viewers tired of formulaic thrillers, this film offers something different—a bold, emotional, and intelligent ride into the courtroom of the mind.
Whether you’re a fan of legal dramas, psychological mysteries, or just brilliant storytelling, Nail Polish deserves your attention. It doesn’t scream for applause—it earns your respect quietly, one scene at a time.
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