It has been twelve years since its release, yet Table No. 21 remains an underrated thriller that merits attention. While audiences in India and globally are captivated by Squid Game on Netflix, the arrival of its second season presents a perfect opportunity to revisit this 2013 film directed by Aditya Datt, featuring prominent performances by Paresh Rawal, Rajeev Khandelwal, and Tina Desai. For those unfamiliar, the film's title is derived from Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which pertains to the protection of life and personal liberty.

Plot synopsis

In Table No. 21, Vivaan (Rajeev Khandelwal) and Siya Agasthi (Tina Desai) are thrilled to win a vacation to Fiji after leading a mundane life. The couple looks forward to celebrating their wedding anniversary with a luxurious stay at a five-star hotel and a meal at one of Fiji's premier resorts. Their excitement escalates upon meeting the charismatic Mr. Khan (Paresh Rawal) at the restaurant, who presents them with an enticing opportunity to participate in a "tell all truth" game for a staggering prize of 21 crores. By answering eight questions truthfully and completing specific tasks, they stand a chance to claim the money. Eager to transform their dreams into reality, Vivaan and Siya enthusiastically accept the challenge, envisioning a new life in Mumbai. As the game commences, they navigate the initial questions and tasks with ease. However, as they progress, the inquiries become increasingly personal, touching on pivotal moments in their lives. Eventually, they decide to withdraw from the game, feeling overwhelmed.

Khan, however, reminds them of a vital rule: exiting is not an option. Aware that this is no mere game, they must continue to endure in order to survive. Who is Khan, truly? Will Siya and Vivaan manage to endure the game and secure the 21 crores?

Given that Table No. 21 has reached its 12th anniversary this year, it is intriguing to observe how the film foreshadowed elements that would later be linked to Squid Game.

Games with a death sentence

Both Table No. 21 and Squid Game portray ordinary individuals who are lured into participating in high-stakes competitions offering substantial monetary rewards. In Table No. 21, a luxurious resort invites the married couple Vivaan and Siya to engage in a seemingly harmless game. However, as they confront their innermost secrets and make pivotal choices, the atmosphere shifts to one of gravity. In contrast, Squid Game presents a group of financially struggling individuals who are given a chance to win considerable prizes through childlike games, yet the repercussions of failure are dire.

The primary distinction lies in how each narrative explores the human psyche when faced with the ultimate challenge of survival. Both stories illustrate that the psychological and emotional toll of engaging in life-threatening games blurs the lines between right and wrong. Table No. 21 navigates this through moral dilemmas, while Squid Game showcases the extreme measures individuals will take in their pursuit of wealth through physical violence and competition.

Cost of greed

Themes of corruption, despair, and greed are prevalent in both Table No. 21 and Squid Game. In Squid Game, numerous characters, including the participants, grapple with personal and financial crises that compel them to enter the games due to overwhelming debts. Similarly, Table No. 21 critiques the relentless chase for fame and wealth. The couple's involvement in the game and its subsequent developments reveal the tragic consequences of greed. The film serves as a commentary on the darker facets of human nature, subtly highlighting the unethical sacrifices individuals are willing to make in their pursuit of affluence.

Psychological game

While Squid Game is widely recognized for its intense physical challenges, Table No. 21 primarily delves into the psychological dimensions of manipulation. The game master, portrayed by Paresh Rawal, exploits the couple's fears, vulnerabilities, and past experiences, transforming the competition from a mere race for survival into a profound psychological conflict. The introduction of "game masters" and unexpected plot twists in Squid Game further amplifies the atmosphere of dread and tension in each round, underscoring the essential element of psychological torment.

Table No. 21 is available for streaming on JioCinema and ZEE5, both of which can be accessed through OTTplay Premium. The latest season of Squid Game is now available on Netflix.

Read Also: Kiran Abbavaram at "Dilruba" Teaser Launch: A Film for Those Who Value Character