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Line of Descent

Line of Descent (previously titled The Field) is a 2019 Indian crime drama film written and directed by Rohit Karn Batra in his directorial debut. The film stars , , and Ali Haji as three brothers in a Delhi-based family grappling with internal conflicts and the future of their criminal empire, alongside as an American associate, as an undercover officer, and as the family patriarch. Produced by Batra and Guy J. Louthan with a budget of $5 million, it explores themes of family loyalty, betrayal, and redemption in the underworld. Filmed primarily in starting in 2016, the bilingual English-Hindi production premiered at the and received a in the United States on 13 December 2019, followed by streaming on in on 20 December 2019. It grossed $3,599 at the . The film received positive reviews for its performances and scripting, particularly from critics at the and .

Synopsis

Plot

Line of Descent centers on the Sinha family, a powerful crime syndicate operating in Delhi's underworld, primarily involved in land mafia activities such as strong-arming property deals. Following the patriarch Bharat Sinha's death by suicide amid government crackdowns and imprisonment threats, his three sons—Prithvi (Ronit Roy), Siddharth (Neeraj Kabi), and Suraj (Ali Haji)—grapple with inheriting and directing the family's murky empire. The brothers exhibit starkly contrasting visions: Prithvi seeks to legitimize the business and abandon criminal pursuits, while Siddharth pushes to maintain and expand the illicit operations for financial gain, igniting intense rivalries marked by betrayal and power struggles. Parallel to the family's internal turmoil, an undercover police officer () embeds himself within the syndicate, navigating moral dilemmas and personal conflicts as he works to dismantle the operation from the inside. His infiltration coincides with the arrival of (), a boisterous arms dealer who exploits the brothers' divisions to pursue his own lucrative deals, injecting further chaos into the escalating conflicts. Key events unfold through inheritance disputes that fracture alliances, violent confrontations amid random attacks and strategic schemes, and tense undercover maneuvers that heighten the stakes for all involved. The narrative employs a non-linear structure, interweaving flashbacks to Bharat's authoritative legacy and iron-fisted rule, which underscore the sons' formative influences and the empire's foundations. These elements run alongside parallel threads depicting the criminal underworld's machinations and the law enforcement's covert efforts, building a slow-burn tension toward a climactic family showdown without resolving the brothers' fates prematurely.

Themes

"Line of Descent" explores themes of familial betrayal and loyalty within the context of , centering on the tensions among three brothers vying for control of their late father's criminal empire in . The narrative delves into the conflicts arising from divided loyalties, where personal ambitions undermine fraternal bonds, portraying the family as a microcosm of dysfunction driven by inheritance disputes. The corrupting influence of and permeates the story, as the brothers grapple with the weight of their patriarch's illicit fortune and the moral consequences of perpetuating a life of . Rohit Karn describes the film as "a tragic of sins bending the arc of human purpose," emphasizing how the pursuit of leads to irreversible choices that haunt the characters. This theme underscores the tension between maintaining a criminal and the desire to break free, highlighting as both a burdensome and a for moral decay. Set against the backdrop of , the film uses the city to symbolize urban moral ambiguity, where the sprawling metropolis facilitates the family's land operations and reflects the ethical gray areas of modern society. The title "Line of Descent" serves as a central for the inherited cycle of crime, illustrating the difficulty of escaping generational patterns of violence and corruption. emerges through the portrayal of structures in contemporary , critiquing how familial enterprises blend traditional hierarchies with illicit business, often at the expense of legitimacy and personal integrity. The psychological toll on is evident in the undercover cop's internal struggles, as he navigates infiltration while confronting his own demons amid the family's chaos. Themes of guilt and run throughout, particularly in arcs for characters seeking to abandon the criminal path, subverting typical tropes by prioritizing emotional over high-stakes . One brother's push to "go legit" exemplifies this redemptive potential, offering a nuanced view of breaking cycles within a genre often dominated by unrelenting villainy.

Cast

Main cast

The main cast of Line of Descent centers on the conflicting members of a Delhi-based , with as Prithvi Sinha, the eldest brother who emerges as the ruthless heir and de facto leader after the patriarch's death. portrays Siddharth Sinha, the middle brother serving as a key accomplice and strategic manipulator in the family's operations. Ali Haji plays Suraj Sinha, the youngest brother and idealistic rebel who stands as the opposing the criminal enterprise. stars as Officer Raghav, the undercover cop tasked with dismantling the family's legacy. appears as Charlie "Charu" Jolpin, the international arms dealer and fixer entangled in the brothers' disputes. This ensemble underscores the film's exploration of familial tensions within a structure, where the brothers' rivalry over their father's estate drives the central conflicts. The casting brings international appeal through Fraser's participation, marking his debut in an feature film and bridging with Bollywood sensibilities. Among the Indian leads, Haji's represents a notable return to prominence for the former known from earlier hits like Fanaa and Partner.

Supporting cast

The supporting cast of Line of Descent features who portray secondary characters integral to the film's exploration of familial bonds, criminal alliances, and external pressures on the central . appears as Bharat Sinha, the deceased patriarch whose flashbacks provide a foundational legacy for the brothers' conflicts, emphasizing generational inheritance in the underworld. His veteran presence lends authenticity to the depiction of traditional authority figures within cinema's crime narratives. Additional ensemble members contribute to world-building through roles representing extended ties and associates. Ekavali Khanna as Neha Sinha embodies close familial support, underscoring emotional undercurrents in the household. Gopal Dutt's portrayal of Arun, an undercover operative within the circle, adds layers to the theme of infiltration and . Shamata Anchan as Anne serves as a confidante figure, subtly addressing roles in the male-dominated through her advisory interactions. Vishesh Chachra as Officer Arjun Chole contributes to the periphery as a figure, reinforcing the operational challenges faced by the family's enterprise.

Production

Development

Rohit Karn Batra made his feature film directorial debut with Line of Descent, which he also wrote, drawing inspiration from the dynamics of Indian organized crime families while incorporating elements from international crime cinema to create a culturally grounded narrative. The script evolved over several years, originally titled The Field, with revisions emphasizing authenticity in depicting Delhi's underworld through a blend of Bollywood-style family intrigue and Hollywood's psychological depth in gangster tales. Pre-production commenced in April 2016, leading to in June 2016, during which international co-producer Guy J. Louthan collaborated with Batra and Indian producer Jai Khanna of to secure Brendan Fraser's participation; Fraser filmed his role as an arms dealer in over two weeks in June. Initial casting calls were held in and to assemble the ensemble, focusing on actors suited to the film's multicultural scope. The project operated on an independent budget, funded primarily through Indian production entities and international partnerships that enabled cross-border elements, culminating in key milestones such as Storyboard Media acquiring worldwide sales rights at the 2018 and subsequent distribution deals, including North American rights to in 2019.

Filming

Principal photography for Line of Descent commenced in June 2016, following that began in April of the same year. The shoot was conducted primarily in to leverage cost efficiencies and authentic urban environments, with principal locations in and . The production spanned several weeks, capturing the film's Delhi-based narrative through a mix of street-level exteriors and interior sets, including family estate scenes built on soundstages. Additional limited shoots occurred in and for international elements involving non-Indian characters. John Stokes employed dynamic camera work, such as handheld shots, to heighten tension during key sequences. Logistical challenges included coordinating a multinational cast, with American actor traveling to for his role and noting the enhanced production value from filming on location rather than in a U.S. setting. The bilingual shoot in English and required careful scheduling to accommodate actors' language proficiencies and cultural adjustments for the international ensemble. Action sequences adhered to standard safety protocols, ensuring secure environments amid urban shoots.

Release

Distribution

The world premiere of Line of Descent took place at the South Asian International on November 15, 2019. In , the film received a digital release exclusively on the streaming platform starting December 4, 2019, marking its primary distribution channel in the domestic market without a traditional theatrical rollout. North American distribution rights were acquired by in October 2019, leading to a in select U.S. theaters alongside video-on-demand availability beginning December 13, 2019. Globally, the film's reach has been limited but expanded over time, with availability primarily through digital platforms such as in various regions. It had a theatrical premiere in the on January 27, 2021, following a screening in , and a digital release in on April 13, 2023. There was no wide theatrical distribution outside North America and the UAE.

Marketing

The marketing campaign for Line of Descent kicked off with the debut of its first trailer on February 10, 2019, shared exclusively via Deadline, which spotlighted the ensemble cast including as an undercover officer, , , , and Ali Haji as the feuding brothers in a mafia family. This initial footage emphasized the film's tense crime elements and cross-cultural appeal, generating early buzz ahead of its festival circuit. Subsequent promotional teasers followed in November 2019, including a trailer released by U.S. distributor that delved deeper into the setting and familial conflicts, and another tailored for the streaming platform highlighting the Indian production's gritty authenticity. These digital releases served as key tools to build online engagement in the lead-up to the film's U.S. theatrical and VOD rollout on , 2019. Promotional events centered on high-profile film festival screenings, with the movie screening at the European Film Market of the in February 2019 providing an international platform where cast member actively promoted the project. It later opened the NYC Asian Film Festival on , 2019, further amplifying visibility among global audiences. Posters released around 2019 featured the principal silhouetted against urban motifs, underscoring the story's local roots and thematic depth. The campaign targeted urban Indian viewers and the diaspora via ZEE5's digital ecosystem, while Brendan Fraser's involvement drew Western interest through ' North American push and partnerships.

Reception

Critical response

"Line of Descent" garnered mixed , with centered on its performances and atmospheric depiction of Delhi's criminal , tempered by critiques of its pacing and narrative predictability. On , the film earned a Tomatometer score of 98% based on two reviews, reflecting a small but positive critical sample, while the audience score stood at 98% from over 50 ratings. users rated it 4.6 out of 10 from 656 votes, though this encompasses broader audience input rather than professional critics. listed the film without an aggregate score due to insufficient reviews, featuring only a handful of notices. Critics frequently highlighted the strong performances, particularly Brendan Fraser's energetic turn as the eccentric arms dealer , described as bringing "manic energy and slangy dialogue" that invigorated the proceedings. and received acclaim for their intense portrayals of the feuding brothers, conveying familial tension with subtlety and vigor. Haji's role as the youngest was noted for capturing amid . The film's authentic portrayal of Delhi's gritty locales and land dynamics was praised for grounding the story in a believable cultural context. Scripting in the elements drew positive comments for its tight structure and masterful exposition of operations. Conversely, reviewers pointed to sluggish pacing, especially in the latter portions, where the slow-burn approach delayed engagement and led to a sense of plodding. Female characters were criticized as underdeveloped, often relegated to peripheral roles without meaningful , such as the cop's defined primarily by personal woes. Despite the setting, the plot was seen as leaning on familiar tropes—rival siblings vying for power post-patriarch's death—lacking fresh twists and resulting in a predictable arc. Some found the staid and functional, with subplots like the undercover cop thread feeling extraneous. Notable reviews included Justin Chang's in the , which lauded the sibling rivalries as memorable while noting the action's lack of surprise: "It’s impossible to overstate what Fraser brings to this movie, with his imposing frame, manic energy and slangy dialogue." Arab News hailed director Rohit Karn Batra's debut as "tightly and imaginatively scripted," with its "masterful" handling of crime exposition and brilliant turns elevating the dramatic tale of . In Binged, Srivathsan Nadadhur awarded 2.5 out of 5 stars, appreciating the realistic milieu but critiquing the safe, uninspired conclusion.

Audience and box office

Line of Descent experienced limited commercial success, primarily due to its niche appeal and direct-to-streaming strategy in key markets. The film received a brief theatrical in the United States on December 13, 2019, with no reported gross. It earned $3,599 from a limited theatrical release in the on January 28, 2021. In , it skipped theaters altogether owing to content concerns and instead premiered exclusively on on December 20, 2019, resulting in negligible international theatrical earnings, with undisclosed video-on-demand revenue contributing to its limited commercial footprint. Audience reception has been mixed but generally positive among viewers appreciating its cast dynamics, with user ratings reflecting modest engagement. On IMDb, the film holds an average score of 4.6 out of 10 from 656 ratings, indicating divided opinions on its pacing and narrative predictability. Rotten Tomatoes reports a higher audience approval of 98% from over 50 verified ratings, averaging 4.8 out of 5, suggesting stronger among those who connected with its cultural elements and ensemble performances. On Letterboxd, it averages 3.1 out of 5 stars from approximately 135 logs (as of 2020), with users frequently highlighting the chemistry between leads like , , and as a standout, though many noted the slow build as a drawback. Streaming metrics remain undisclosed, but availability on platforms like and has sustained viewership, particularly among the seeking Indo-Hollywood crossovers. Public discussions on and review sites echo this ambivalence, with fans on and praising the authentic backdrop and Fraser's intense portrayal of an arms dealer, while critiquing the film's deliberate tempo and occasional expository dialogue. These conversations, though limited in volume given the film's obscurity, have fostered a small but dedicated appreciation for its genre blend. In terms of legacy, Line of Descent has endured through post-2019 digital availability on services like , , and Prime Video, allowing broader access beyond its initial limited rollout. It marks the feature directorial debut of Rohit Karn , earning recognition in independent circuits such as the 2019 South Asian Film Festival, where it served as the opening night , though it did not secure major awards.

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