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.

Manto

Movie Review (Hindi)

One thing is for sure – nothing has changed in the way governments run and the way dissent is looked at or the way truth is perceived.

The movie certainly worked its magic holding me in a trance for the entire duration. For me Saadat and Nawazuddin have merged. No one else could have brought him to life with such ease as him. All thanks to Nandita Das for directing so capably, a topic that was so vast and so complex - both the character Saadat Hasab Manto and the concept of Mantoiyat.

The dexterity became evident as the story weaved in Manto’s stories and his life. All my favourite stories were captured so sensitively and kudos again for getting the best in the industry to enact two-minute roles!! This does send the message that mantoiyat is here to stay.

The punch line came with Faiz Ahmed Faiz’ Bol, reawakening your conscience, giving you the courage to speak up in times when it is most required.

Sacred Games Season 1 (Netflix)

Series Review 

I binged on this one. I do not remember watching any other series with such avidness after Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones. Not only was I hooked on to the format, I was drawn in by the fact that it was so totally Indian.

I am not a lover of violence and gore yet there was something about this riveting fast paced drama showcasing the underworld. 

Though this is a man's world run by dons like Ganesh Gaitonde (played superbly by Nawazuddin Siddiqui), police officers like Parulkar (played capably by Neeraj Kabi), and the protagonist Sartaj Singh, (played by Saif Ali Khan) and assassins like Malcom Murad (played by Luke Kenny), what stands out are the women in the series. They are strong women with a mind of their own. Kukoo, (wonderfully portrayed by Kubra Sait)  stands out as the beautiful dancer who brings magic into Gaitonde's life. This is the first time I have seen a transgender with a meaty role. Anjali Mathur from RAW played effortlessly by Radhika Apte shows a fearless woman while Gaitonde's wife played by Rajshree Deshpande is feisty. 

Though characters like Constable Katekar, Bunty and Nayanika have existed they will be sorely missed.

The movie does not have a linear progression and that is one of the reasons for the Series doing well. There are so many stories left unsaid that the next season is awaited eagerly. I am hoping to see a more mature Sartaj Singh as he has to contend with Parulkar, Gaitonde and Guru ji (Pankaj Tripathi was as usual superb).

The novel by Vikram Chandra does provide the foundation but the building takes on its own form and as a series this will hopefully work well.

Raees

Movie Review (Hindi)

I am happy to write that I enjoyed this movie. Seeing the last few duds, barring Dear Zindagi, I was a little nervous. But Shah Rukh did well. A bootlegger with a heart of gold who ultimately has to pay for his crimes.... Shah Rukh aces at playing grey characters. Again he is not the typical Raj but matures into a man who knows his mind. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, his nemesis, fits his role beautifully as he does every role. 

There was no let up in the story telling and that pleased me. The songs as usual were placed there for whatever reasons, known only to the director, Rahul Dholakia. Mahira looks pretty, though I hope to see her showing off her acting prowess sometime soon. 

Hoping to see more of movies packing punch.

Movie Review (Hindi)

Haraamkhor (Unfaithful)

I was truly impressed with the movie. Not just the story which needed to be shown but the acting, the direction and the camera. There was no slickness about the movie and that was precisely what made it so real. Hats off to Nawazuddin for taking on the role of a village teacher which gave it added credence.

So many relationships were touched upon with such a lot of truth:
Sapna (played by Shweta Tripathi) comes from a broken family. Her father has been a single parent for a long time and has been in a relationship.
Sapna is in love/infatuated with her married teacher. The teacher takes advantage of this and carries on an affair with her.
A class friend is in love with Sapna and looks upon the teacher as a rival. He is helped and guided by another friend. These two young lads are our eyes and ears most of the time.
Sadly the movie ends on a tragic note. Sapna, however, comes to terms with her new mother.

Thanks to the producers for going ahead and making this movie. I do hope director Shlok Sharma continues to direct movies based on relevant themes with such rawness so as to make the audience uncomfortable.