Unanticipated experiences always end up being fruitful. Highway is one such journey which brings out the real riches of the world. It is a very unusual movie which made my inner self happy.
I would just not disclose how the journey went about as it would not do justice to the experience that I had. Veera Tripathi(Alia Bhatt) was about to get married and went for a long drive with her beau Vinay when her kidnapping occurred at a gas station by Mahabir Bhati(Randeep Hooda) and gang. What unfolded was a magical cinematic experience. It just is a totally feel good movie. It is simple and loving all along. It was one of the slowest movies I have ever seen but it was the need of the hour.
How a kidnapping and an experience of fright turns into a life changing and life loving experience is all what Highway is all about. There is a bitter past for both the leads Veera and Bhati which connects them. The real wealth does not lie in closed houses and wealth but in an ongoing but a never ending journey on the road. What Veera wanted all her life was what she got during this incidence.
The viewing and images are perfect. It moves along from Delhi to Rajasthan to Punjab to Himachal to Kashmir. Some of the scenes of natural beauty shown were worth a watch.
Highway is pure masterpiece when it comes to movie making. Simply phenomenal. Every movie has its highs and lows and so does Highway. There are a few scenes and a story which seem heard somewhere before and even the pace could play a spoilsport for many.
It is definitely worth a go for excellent and innovative movie lovers. First and foremost, a big clap for Imtiaz Ali for making this movie. His direction is a bit unique and brilliant. He is back for me. Secondly, a big round of applause for Mukesh Chhabra who has done the casting. Couldn’t have imagined someone else playing Veera with such ease and grace other than Alia Bhatt. Cinematography by Anil Mehta is top notch. Loved it immensely. Film Editing by Aarti Bajaj is different. Both the halves start in a different manner than usual. Credit to Imtiaz as well for it. Few dialogues are a bit tough to understand for all due to the Haryanvi taste adopted for Mahabir. Rest of them are simple and good.
Coming to the music, I have never quite been a fan of A.R Rehman but I would admit that the music of Highway is amongst his finest compositions, at par with Daud and Saathiya. Sooha Saaha by Zeb and Aliya is melody personified. It is soulful. Heera by Shwata Pandit is a classical gem. Kahaan Hoon Main by Jonita Gandhi goes with the flow. Such a wonderful voice Jonita has. Tu Kuja by Sunidhi Chauhan is epic in the movie. Maahi Ve by Rehman Saab has its own flavour. What can I say about Patakha Guddi? Hats off to Sultan and Jyoti Nooran for this gem. All songs have a Punjabi taste but they are full of melody. Good lyrics by Irshad Kamil.
Coming to the acting, Alia Bhatt has announced her arrival in the industry. When you act so well at the age of 20, you know you are something special. Alia has been excellent all through the movie. I wanted to see more of her. Bhatt saab would be so happy to see her daughter doing so well. Best actress award arriving soon. Randeep Hooda has certainly been one of the most under-rated actors. He was just superb to watch. Performed his act well. Rest of the actors were also good in their part.
All in all, Highway is pure gem. I have seen a cinematic master-piece after a long-time, 1st time since Lootera. It is a very slow paced movie which is the beauty of it. Not all would like it. Only the pure movie lovers would love the art and grace that Highway provides,
I loved every bit of it. I would rate it 4/5.