Working in the management consulting area has its own set of challenges. We as consultants are expected to understand the business problem and develop strategies to help the company grow. It is fun but can be mentally taxing. After meeting a customer for whom we are doing a consult to help them launch a product which had done very well for a long time and had gone into hibernation. They wanted to re-launch it and wanted our help. After understanding the client requirements I rushed to Fame, Andheri to catch up Aaja Nachle, my wife is a great fan and we had booked tickets early to avoid any heartbreak.
The moment the movie started it gave me a scare with two songs back to back, I was horrified whether this will be another dam squib like Om Shanti Om or will it be a nuisance like Gajagamini.
I decided to pursue. As I enjoyed my popcorn, I suddenly realized that here is a product(Madhuri) which has been so successful in the past and it is a re-launch, what would be the strategy?
Aditya Chopra got this one right. it is a beauty.
When you want to launch a product make sure you play to its strengths and customize it to ensure everyone feels tangible benefits. Madhuri’s Dancing ability is the core of this movie. Her ability to influence people by her skill and affect everyone around her is the greatest strength of this movie.
I like the movie, the concept, the style, the presentation, the characters and last but not the least Akshay Khanna. He plays a cameo. some sort of reflection of how Madharao Scindia or his Son Jyotiraditya may be conducting themselves in politics.
About the actors, Full marks to Madhuri’s daughter, she is adorable. Kunal Kapoor does a great job too. So is Konkana, Ranveer, Vinay pathak, Irfan Khan and the Goon Om Singh.
It is not often that we see a movie ride on a Lead Actress, but we are talking about Madhuri Dixit. She stands tall. Her comeback reflects that she has great ability to connect with audiences.
I was observing people in the auditorium; everyone was glued to their seats the whole time. In the interval, I did hear some nasty comments in the Men’s loo about Madhuri being American now and what does she know about cinema. She should go back to her dud husband and stay in US. I was not surprised; men generally do not appreciate women in the forefront. A very typical reaction but not a populous opinion.
So here is my recommendation. I like this movie, because it taught me something which I can use in my profession. It has Madhuri Dixit who does a fabulous job at dancing, acting, convincing, emoting and finally motivating everyone around her. It has the best of the breed actors. It has great songs, fantastic cinematography and a breathtaking dances.
The “Laila Majonoo” drama in the end is one of the best musicals I have ever seen. For me musicals are a bore, I hate thi art form but this really moves you and moves everyone around you.
From a product launch perspective, it is a success. It has targeted the right market, has a great offering and ensures people feel tangible benefits.
The question is .Can a art form like dance really change the mood and perspective of people?.Watch and judge for yourselves.