MY BROTHER NIKHIL is a soft and sensitive film with a social message that comes across loud and clear without being forced upon the viewer. Above all the film is a emotional rollercoaster that will leave the viewer with a lump in the throat at the end.... The story is set in 1984-1987 in Goa when Homosexuality was a taboo In India.
Although the topic of AIDS has been tackled before in the Abhishek-Shilpa Shetty starrer PHIR MILENGE, it was not that effective . Where PHIR MILENGE was a direct remake of the Tom Hanks-Denzel starrer PHILADELPHIA, MY..MY BROTHER NIKHIL is entirely orignal film.
Director Onir deserves a standing ovation for having the guts and conviction to make a film like this in todays times. Above all-he doesn’t bore the viewer despite the material, although the viewer must keep in mind that this is a serious fare.The climax of the movie is superb. A special note must be made to the subtle detail that he puts into his characters which elevate the film completely. Onir is definetly a director to watch out for in the future.
The film delivers a loud and bold message in the most humble, sensitive and sincere format that one can’t help but watch. His narrative style deserves a special mention. The characters in the movie introduce themselves to the audience and throughout the movie in between flashbacks talk to the audience as if they are being interviewed.
Right from the start the audience is mesmerised by proceedings. While watching the movie one feels like they are living in the world of Nikhil....going through his his happiness..his pains....and Onir manages to connect his film entirely with the viewer. Keeping in mind the film deals with homosexuality as well as AIDS-yet again .
Onir deserves full credit as he manages to bring to screen a homosexual couple who are totally in love with each in the most natural, simple and beautiful manner that even those who are prejudice will find it hard not to accept the film.
Above all Onir manages to create such a storng emotional bond with the viewer that it is impossible for the viewer not to shed a tear..and there is no melodrama..no loud shouting or crying..just 100% pure reality which makes one think ’’ hey that could be my brother’’.Full respect to director Onir for going against the norm and above all....believing in himself and his story.
Sanjay Suri delivers a flawless performance that will leave the viewers totally in awe. No doubt one of the most talented actors we have in Bollywood(and most underrated) Suri fits into Nikhils character like a glove and portrays all the motions and nuances of his character with utmost perfection. Playing a gay character throughout the whole movie, being consistent and not coming across as too fake or over doing the act is a very hard job but Sanjay manages to avoid all those things. He is a complete natural and most importantly connects with the viewer and makes us laugh and cry. Hats off to Mr Suri....yet another feather in your cap.
Juhi Chawla yet again delivers a towering performance and proves that she is one of the finest actresses we currently have around.This is on par with her performance in JHANKAAR BEATS and 3 DEWAREEIN. She shows the modern and changing face of Indian women in society. Her body language, dialogues, delivery and diction is just amazing. The scene where she breaks down leaves the viewer speechless. One actually feels like they are watching Nikhils sister throughout the movie. Hats off to Miss Chawla.
Purav Kohili delivers a performance that is truly outstanding. In my opinion this is one of the MOST underrated performances of 2005 and one that is HANDS DOWN worthy of an award. Pre-interval one feels that kohili’s role isn’t as significant, but post interval Kohili act slowly starts growing on the viewer .
The supporting cast in the movie too are excellent
Victor Bannerjee delivers a heartwrenching performance as Nikhils father and is a definite shoe-in for Best Supporting Actor. The actors eyes speaks volumes and this is no doubt Bannerjees best performance of late. The scenes that he shares with the Sanjay Suri in the latter half will have the tears flowing-simply surreal.
Lilette Dubey is fantatsic in her part and proves yet again that she is one of the best Supporting actresses to come.
The dialogues in the film are natural although slightly heavy at times for the common man to decipher. That doesn’t change the fact they are superbly written nevertheless
Technically the film is good with a slick look throughout and urban feel throughout out in recent times.
A must see....