Normally I am not interested in Carnatic music, but the songs in this movie, especially the last one, Thaye Yashoda, is outstanding.
The story is simple and has a little too much coincidence to my liking, but its passable.
The casting is excellent, with Shabana Azmi, performing her usual best. Perizaad also does well. the best part is that Shabana spent nearly 4 months full time learning Carnatic music to give that touch of authenticity and boy, it shows!
Lillette Dubey, as the mother of the heroine is charming.
The story is simple: Living in a remote south Indian village, Shabana has a dream to play in the City. She gets an opportunity and forces her reluctant friend (who plays violin for her) to come with her. On the way, they meet with an accident, in which Shabhana’s son and her friend die, leaving Shabana and her friend’s son, Abhinay.
Abhinay goes to the city and becomes a musician composing jingles for ads. Desiring to make music that lasts, he starts a rock band. On a visit to his hometown, he re-discovers Shabhana, who now has a phobia for crossing the river.
How abhinay and his music group convince Shabhana to sing along with them in the concert is the rest of the story. There is a twist in the tale that I am not going to disclose here (chuckle!).
The highlight is definitely the music and the refined performances. If you are the artistic type, don’t miss it.
Regards
Sridhar