Hello All,
If I had an option I’d rather write a review on the city of Bangalore. Lost that I am in this smoky city full of narrow roads, pubs that close at 11 pm, hotels that refuse an order after 10 30 pm and food that ain’t that palatable for those with gourmandish appetites, I finally let go of some paranoia and decided to greet saturday eve with a movie.
Being Cyrus was the obvious choice as tickets for other movies were not available. ’’Rex’’ theatre on MG road someone quipped would be an appropriate option. As I made my way to ’’Rex’’ for the first time on the crowded brigade road, a dusty old dilapidated structure that was apparently my destination greeted me. The ticket prices bamboozled me as I gave the ticket counter a dumbfounded look. The ticket prices in this ramshackle mono theatre were even more expensive than that of the best multiplexes of downtown Mumbai. That’s value for money here. Anyways, thats besides the point. Now lets get away from some Bangalore bashing and talk about the movie.
’’Being Cyrus’’ is a different genre of its own. Starring Dimple Kapadia, Naseeruddin Shah, Saif Ali Khan and Boman Irani, this movie revolves around the ’’Sethna’’ family. Saif as Cyrus, moves in with the Sethna family - Naseeruddin Shah and Dimple Kapadia as an aide to help and learn from Naseeruddin Shah who’s an SME on pottery.
Being with the family, Saif learns a lot about their personal lives, attitudes etc. He learns about Naseeruddin’s brother - Boman his wife - the adorable Simone Singh and their father who is kept as a prisoner in his own home. In his frequent trips to Mumbai he meets the father and delivers messages, goodies and well wishes.
He learns about dark family secrets, adultery, coping with Mrs Sethna’s advances et al.
Simone Sigh comes across as a simple demure housewife who has a different life of her own once her husband leaves for office.
However, dont forget to notice the earthy parsi humour in parts especially the scene when Boman Irani has a fight with another lady coz of her dog. Grandpa Setha is also a character well defined. Watch the expressions on his wizened old face, watch him glowing like a semi-god after saif places a bottle of sparkling chivas Regal in front of him as a gift. Watch him as he forgets to remember Saif on his every visit.
The climax of this movie is the part I liked the best. You can patiently hang on to your seat and wait for the last 30 mins of the movie. If you’re bored , the last 30 minutes are worth it.
The best performances in the weirdest role are delivered by Naseeruddin Shah and Grandpa Sethna. They steal the thunder.
Watch this movie alone or with friends. Family, date not recommended.