Tikdam (2024)

"Tikdam" is an intense, gripping psychological thriller that explores themes of manipulation, deception, and the complexity of human relationships. The film revolves around a brilliant but troubled chess player, Arvind, who becomes entangled in a high-stakes game of strategy—both on and off the chessboard.

Arvind is a reclusive genius, once a national chess champion, whose life has spiraled into isolation following a personal tragedy. Burdened by guilt and haunted by past decisions, he has withdrawn from competitive chess and now spends his time playing online games under an alias. Despite his brilliance, Arvind is unable to move beyond his past and is constantly drawn into self-destructive patterns.

The story takes a dark turn when Arvind is approached by a mysterious figure named Rajan, a suave and charismatic businessman who presents Arvind with an irresistible offer: to participate in an underground, high-stakes chess tournament where the winner will receive a life-changing prize. However, the stakes of this tournament are far higher than Arvind realizes. The participants in the game are not just playing for money, but for secrets that can change lives and expose dark truths about their pasts.

As Arvind enters this underground world, he discovers that the game is more than just about chess. Rajan’s manipulation tactics draw him into a web of psychological games, where every move has consequences beyond the board. Arvind is forced to confront his deepest fears and the emotional scars he has long tried to bury. The tournament pushes him to his limits, blurring the lines between reality and the game itself, as he struggles to maintain control over his decisions and his sanity.

• IMDB Rating - 7.8/10
• Director - Vivek Anchalia
• Writers - Pankaj Nihalani, Vivek Anchalia, Animesh Verma
• Stars - Amit Sial, Sonam Arora, DN Bhatt