Game of Loans plays out like a straightforward morality tale about the evils of gaming addiction and how the vulnerable are trapped in it through an intricate web of financial exploitation. The film opens with an animated presentation on the history of gambling addiction, a storytelling device well past its expiry date. It is then followed by an intentionally tacky dream sequence. And then, we are introduced to the protagonist, a gambling addict, who is clearly on the verge of destroying the foundations of what seems to be a comfortable life with a loving wife.
Director: Abhishek Leslie
Cast: Abhinay Kinger, Nivas Adithan, Athvik Jalandar
Two men, one a muscle, and another an expert in psychological warfare, restrain the protagonist inside his house and force him to make a deal, as a way to escape the mountain of loans accrued as a result of his gambling. Although it might have stemmed from the film being a tight-knit independent production, the decision to stage the entire film inside the house works incredibly in its favour. From cycling through different lenses and creative blocking, the film makes sure we do not feel the fatigue of being trapped inside the same location for more than an hour. In what seems to be his last on-screen appearance, Thulluvadho Ilamai-fame Abhinay Kinger plays a psychologically complex, grey-shaded character. On the other hand, Athvik Jalandar, who plays Abhinay’s partner-in-crime, the muscle, seems to have the most fun with his character. Game of Loans undoubtedly suffers from the didacticism at the heart of its story. It undeniably reads like a PSA (Public Service Announcement) against the evils of gambling addiction, and how it erodes a person’s support systems and finally pushes them to take extreme measures. The film tries its best to outpace the ‘moral lessons’ by wrapping its characters with psychological layers. Thankfully, in an attempt to make us connect with the protagonist, the film never apologises for his addiction. It is impressive how director Abhishek Leslie holds on to his conviction to make the dark parts of the story as dark as possible, and he never does it by resorting to flashy theatrics like blood and gore; everything is implied and subtle. The twisted thought process that pushes an addict further into their addiction, that razes everything in their life to get that dopamine hit, is treated with a healthy mix of realism and empathy.
One of the most important aspects that tethers us to the central characters and the issues they face is how they were portrayed in a realistic and grounded manner. However, the film does suffer when it loses its grip on its rootedness. Maybe Chennai does have high-level henchmen who move around wearing blazers or carry a gun and regularly snort cocaine, but it is exactly the kind of cinematic liberty that instantly takes us out of a film that aims to talk about contemporary societal issues in a rooted manner. However, you might disagree with a dialogue here or disapprove of a decision there, but Game of Loans is exactly the kind of film you casually went in wanting to check a few scenes, then the disinterest slips, and now you are sitting down to see ‘how is it all going to end anyway.’ Game of Loans is the classic case of a solid story powering through any and all limitations to keep you engaged. It is clear that with a larger storytelling canvas, more financial freedom, and a story unrestricted by didacticism, Abhishek Leslie and crew could provide a film with a bigger appeal. However, for now, even with its restrictions and shortcomings, Game of Loans largely succeeds in what it sets out to do: a story you want to see through to the end.
