The Mysterious Mind Of Charles Sobhraj Comes Alive With 'Main Aur Charles' + 10 Reasons To Watch The Crime Drama

The coming months are going to be ruled by biopics on the silver screen, and this weekend's release Main Aur Charles is set to start the trend. The film, based on the story of serial killer Charles Sobhraj, is being touted as one of the season's biggest thrillers. But there are a few less-obvious reasons that might drag you to the theatre. Take a look at why you need to watch this brilliant movie.

1. The film imitates a life that has so far remained a mystery

Tracing the life and times of criminal Charles Sobhraj, who took the nation by storm in the 1970s, the film gives a whole new perspective to the subject. It portrays a lesser known, not fully understood life of Charles who went on to become one of the most enigmatic serial killers in the country. Moreover, despite being accused of more than a dozen murders, his crimes were never confirmed, reason enough to raise curiosities.

2. Randeep Hooda plays Charles, and kills it. Pun unintended.

I call him Bollywood's dark horse, but Randeep Hooda wears Charles' cap quite literally! Just look at the uncanny resemblance between the two. Call it a coincidence or a smart move by the makers, but it's a part well played. And judging by the trailer, we know how well he handles a subject that has played on people's minds for years.

3. Bollywood enters the uncharted territory of associating charm with crime

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With Hooda playing the suave yet sinister criminal, he brings his own peculiar charm while embodying the character. He's done some serious homework too. From learning French to shooting with actual prisoners, this is definitely going to be one of his best performances.

4. The film had massive research work to back its intriguing script

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From referring to documentaries and books on the French convict, to meeting his fellow inmates in Nepal and Singapore to know his characteristics, writer-director Prawaal Raman spared no effort to ensure that he gave an authentic feel about real-life events. He's clear about showing a true picture of Sobhraj's Tihar prison-break too.

5. The film humanises Charles, giving him a personality and an identity

Sobhraj, we all know, was a good-looking criminal who gained a lot of attention and admiration. But he also had evil inside him. The film, thus, makes you see that everyone has a good and a bad side.

6. Richa Chadda turns up the heat and will appear in a never-seen-before avatar

Our homely Richa Chadda plays a sexy yet innocent law student in 70s and 80s, who hopelessly falls in love with Charles. While adding a bolder side to her character, she's set to take the screens by storm.

7. The film has been shot in exotic locations

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Charles, who mostly remained on the run, takes the film camera hopping from one location to another, from Bangkok to Pattaya and Goa, all places where he committed his crimes. He was one killer whose character oozed attraction and repulsion at the same time, and the film's locations only add to the persona of this mysterious man.

8. The deep, dark and mysterious yesteryear is set to be recreated onscreen

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Charles' life is story-like. So a film based on him that teleports us back to his time, that recreates the era of the 70s and 80s and the workings of a criminal mind, already sounds pretty enduring. With those high-necks, dock-collars and big glasses, we know how stylish Charles was, and Hooda does complete justice to it.

9. Entrepreneur Lucky Morani turns to acting with the film

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"It was fascinating to work with Randeep. On the first day, I met him on the set as Charles. He was in his character and I was playing a psychiatrist. That set the tone as we both were playing our characters and not meeting each other as Randeep or Lucky."

Sister-in-law of producer Karim Morani, Lucky plays a psychiatrist Dr. Ashima. And going by the pictures, she is one hot bod!

10. An excellent supporting cast will fill in the spaces in the screenplay

Adil Hussain plays the tough cop Amod Kant, who gets caught in a game of cat and mouse with Charles. The film is seen from his perspective. So it'll be interesting to see his dynamics with Randeep. The film also has Tisca Chopra, Mandana Karimi and Lucky Morani.