The content of The Illegal, now streaming on Amazon Prime, is refreshing, as are the performances of its cast. Directed by Danish Renzu, it is telling story of a boy whose American dreams of making it big in a land of opportunity, equality and justice are all dashed much like a ship in a storm smashing against the cliffs! The situation becomes worsens for those without proper papers and illegal migrants.

The taut film running for 86 minutes, has Suraj Sharma in the lead, essaying the role of Hassan, a young boy from Delhi’s Daryaganj, who dreams of making it big in filmmaking. Talented, Hassan makes home movies featuring his younger sister Mahi (Shweta Tripathi), mother (Neelima Azeem) and father (Adil Hussain).

Slip between the cup and lip

Moving to Los Angeles to study in a famous albeit expensive film school, Hassan, sees his dreams getting wings to fly! While his mother backs him, the father reluctantly agrees and helps in arranging a loan for sponsoring his studies. Wait, for the first slip between cup and lip. Hassan’s Mamu (maternal uncle) is unable to accommodate him at his residence – even though he agreed earlier — at the insistence of his wife.

A scene from 'The Illegal'

Finding himself on the road, he fortunately meets Babaji (Iqbal Theba), who not only feeds him but on becoming aware of his predicament, gets him a job in an Indian restaurant and a place to stay. The food outlet is run by a ruthless Khan (Jay Ali), who believes in squeezing every ounce of his employees in every way possible.

Work and studies keep Hassan on his toes without worrying him but what frets him is the rude, inhuman and exploitative attitude of Khan not just towards him but everyone. With the help of Babaji and others, he still manages to tide over all this, till one day hell breaks loose, he moves out.

Fending on his own by staying in a mosque, he manages to get another job and juggles between college, work and of course, Jessica (Hannah Masi), his love interest to keep him afloat.

Keeping the narrative bleak yet realistic, Renzu gives a further twist with Hassan’s father getting hospitalised and forcing Hassan to reconcile with Khan for a loan to save his father. That’s the start of Hassan getting dragged into a quagmire in which Babaji got stuck 25 years ago, still waiting to return home to his daughter.

Danish Renzu, director of 'The Illegal'; poster of the film

Avoiding tear-jerking, the film leaps forward to five years, with Babaji dead and Hassan breaking his back for Khan, while another youngster chasing the American Dream meets Khan…the story of the oppressive and cruel exploitation of people in adverse circumstances is as old as the history of humankind and it continues forever!

Renzu helms the film well to keep it engaging, while drawing fine performances for everyone. One particular one which stands out is the embittered Hassan throwing his beloved camera on the ground and kicking it and weeping.

Suraj Sharma, the star of Ang Lee’s Life Of Pi, emotes very well a gamut of emotions – joy, sorrow, frustration, perplexity and bitterness – through his facial expressions and eyes. Hussain and Azeem, the veterans go through their paces with ease! Tripathi as Hassan’s sister brings out the sibling love on the screen. While Theba brings a certain calmness to the murky situation through his pragmatism, it is Khan who comes out well with his devilish touch!  

Watch it if you favour good acting and direction and of course content and are not in for time-pass!