Photograph

Movie Review (Hindi)

Two very different worlds collide and there is no eruption of any form, just a slow melt. That is the story of Photograph. The technique the director, Ritesh Batra, uses is tricky. His story unfolds slowly without any hurry but most importantly, without any ups or downs. Throughout the movie I waited for the moment of crisis and it never came, making me feel cheated. The movie ended as strangely and left me feeling a little lost.

Miloni, played by Sanya Malhotra, is a young, intelligent and pretty woman. But she hardly talks or smiles. Rafi, played by Nawazuddin, is also not much of a talker. But then Nawazuddin makes every character his own and is at ease.

Thank god we had Rafi’s grandmother, played by Farrukh Jaffer, coming in who brings some life on screen, managing to ignite some reaction from the other two.

The cinematography was wonderful because it was easy to be a part of Mumbai going through its streets, chawls, cinema halls, teashops and the Gateway of India. This last one is where it all began with the photograph taken by Rafi, one of several professional photographers at the Gateway who coerce you to get clicked. Miloni gets clicked but then vanishes without paying and the copy remains with Rafi. He uses this photo to introduces her as his fiancée to his grandmother. 

Batra’s earlier movie, Lunch box was also slow moving but the story was gripping. Looking forward to more movies from Ritesh, only I need something to hold on to.

Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan!!! (Darling this is Mumbai!!!)

This week I finally managed to get away for three days to my neighbouring city, Bombay (Mumbai). I had always wanted to see this throbbing pulse of our country and I can't say I was disappointed. Of course, I did not go all over the city. It was mostly in the Colaba and Fort areas. 

Sunset at Marine Drive 

This is where you can hangout in Mumbai. Sit close to the rocks, right next to the Arabian sea with close friends, munch on some crispies and discuss life. Unfortunately, my better half had no such intentions and we decided to walk from one end of Marine Drive right up to Oberoi's before taking a left and then walked all the way to the Gateway of India!!!

Leopold Cafe (notice the bullet hole on the glass at left)

I had heard a lot about Leopold cafe and made it a point to visit. Had a sumptuous breakfast there. Christmas decor added to the festive spirit.

Cafe Samovar

The Jehangir Art Gallery at Kala Ghoda is a wonderful space to see art installations, exhibits and browse at the shop. At the end of it you get to eat at Cafe Samovar located right inside the building. As you can see, I was one of the first customers of the day for lunch .

 

Rhythm House

Candies at Pali Hill

Cafe Mondegar

Prince of Wales Museum

Could not resist the pull of Rhythm House, the music store where I heard you get whatever music your heart desires. So in I went and came out with a heavy bag and a light wallet.






My daughter urged me to go to Candies for lunch. Am glad she did. This beautifully done up three
(or is it four?) storied restaurant has seating space created out of all nooks and crannies. So you simply collect your meal on the ground floor or first floor and walk around deciding where to sit.





Close to Leopold Cafe is Cafe Mondegar and Mario Miranda's characters provide you company from the walls and the crockery. The men working here call themselves Mondy's crew. Had a delicious breakfast here.














Spent a couple of hours in this exquisite building. So much to see in the museum and so little time. Will have to go again on my next trip.

The Gateway of India

The Gateway of India was the place we came back to each day and night. And mind you, both times the effect on you is entirely different. The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, on the opposite, simply enhanced the experience!

Movie review (Hindi)

The Lunchbox

Yes, the central character of the movie is the Lunch box or Dabba as it is known in Mumbai where the movie unfolds. It is the story of a stainless steel lunch box with four container contained in a green bag which is delivered from Ila (Nimrat Kaur, the female protagonist) to Fernandes (Irrfan Khan, the male protagonist). The twist lies in the fact that the dabba is delivered to the wrong person. The dabba lands up on the wrong table for several days and so we have this unique story unfold with every letter sent in the box.

Kudos to the director for fusing documentary and drama. The Mumbai local trains, the dabbawallas, their singing together – it’s all a slice of reality and seems to be happening somewhere in my neighbourhood. And thanks to the producers for having landed such a talented cast with Nawazuddin adding to the magic. The voice of the neighbour is an interesting touch to get the movie going ahead since Ila has no one to share her dilemmas with, which again showcased lives in the city. Hard hitting stories of Ila’s mother, her brother, her unseen neighbour, her husband’s affair add on to the bigger picture.

So does the lonely housewife and excellent cook, Ila get to meet the middle-aged Fernandes? Cunningly, the director leaves us to decide that.