Umrao Jaan a moving story of a tragic woman and what Ada from Aish!
Fortunately, I have not seen the original version starring Rekha so I was able to view this film with an open mind, without making unfair comparisons with the original.
Umrao Jaan tells the powerful; story of a young girl called Amareen who is kidnapped and sold to a brothel and how thereon she becomes a woman called Umrao Jaan and loses her identity. The film explores the trials and tribulations of a courtesan and how she yearns for love and acceptance in a narrow minded society but in return faces only rejection and heartache.
J.P Dutta should be applauded for telling this powerful story of an extraordinary woman. The last part of the film when Umrao is reunited with her family proves to be the most emotional part of the film and the ending is really touching. The film tests the patience of a viewer in the first half but alls well that ends well and the film overall leaves a good impact.
However the film is not without its flaws at times it does drag and like J.P Dutta’s previous works it is far too long. The film should have been trimmed for a better impact and some of the characters were too sketchy
The film features a host of names but it is Aishwarya Rai in the title role that really excels. Rai in undoubtedly her best performance to date portrays a range of emotions from sorrow, vulnerability, anger to rejection like a seasoned actress.
Rai gives the character a rare combination of beauty, charm, grace, subtlety and dignity that you have to be made of stone to not feel for the helpless Umroa Jaan. She is perfectly cast in the role and has done full justice to the role. Rai has definitely peeled away her plastic image and proved her critics wrong with a real and subdued performance. It is shocking Rai was not nominated for best actress for this award worthy portrayal rather than her barbie doll role in Dhoom 2, just shows how shallow Indian film awards are.
Unfortunately the rest of the stary cast remain in her shadow despite their best efforts. Shabana Azmi does well in her role of the brothel owner but this is expected from her. Abhishek Bachchan as Nawab Sultaan is good in parts but at times seems dull and lifeless partly due to sketchy characterisation and partly due to an uninspiring performance. Sunil Shetty hams and is over the top as usual, he is completely miscast. Ayesha Jhulka and Divya Dutta get limited scope but are adequate. Himani Shivpuri and Kulbhushan Kharbanda are great as Umrao’s adopted parents.
The songs although they are many give the title character depth with their thoughtful lyrics and melodious tunes. Choreography is mesmerising and Rai looks mesmerisingly beautiful in each song and dances with grace and dignity. From ‘Salaam’ to the sad ‘Poochne wale’ and to the tragic ‘Agle janam bitiya na kiyjo’ each song show the sentiments of Umrao Jaan perfectly.
The film although flawed is a likeable attempt at telling a moving and touching story of a courageous woman who faces harsh times in her life due to unfortunate circumstances. The film echoes other great films that portrayed ill fated women such as Tabu in Chandani Bar. Both the films have a sad ending and leave the female protaganist beaten by their fate
The film with its Urdu dialogues, Muslim characters, poetry and beautiful song lyrics gives viewers something with depth rather than your typical bollywood potboiler.
The film is a must watch for those who like thought provoking cinema and definitely deserves more credit then it was given.