I guess everyone has their own idea of a ’perfect film’. A film that satiates you as a viewer and you are unable to pinpoint loopholes despite using your ’critic’ lens to the optimum. Sujoy Ghosh’s ’Kahaani’ did satiate me as a viewer, more importantly it surprised me with its absolutely novel story telling technique.
A labyrinth of characters are assiduously involved in a conspiracy drama while Kolkata enjoys generous attention as a character in itself. There are several beautiful montages of the city that are seamlessly integrated in the narrative. The Metro, glowing lights over the Howrah Bridge, black holes of never ending lanes-n-by-lanes, crisp usage of Bangla in all its pristine naturalness, the rich Durga puja festivities and the indispensable trams that are so synonymous with the city....Kahaani is a heartfelt ode to the spirit of Kolkata.
This film doesn’t boast of a big Khan. The superstar of the film is its ’Kahaani’ and its treatment. This is undoubtedly one of the finest story-screenplay that has emerged out of Indian cinema in recent times. Bidya Bagchi (Vidya Balan) is a heavily pregnant woman in search of her missing husband. She becomes a pawn in the hands of the intelligence bureau as key witnesses are shot dead by a potbellied killer with a child-like-smile. The climax stuns you with its chilling turn-of-events.
Several Bangla actors have been given prominent roles. Parambrata Chattopadhyay, the idealistic police officer who falls in love with Bidya Bagchi boasts of an earnest appeal. The scene where the physical proximity between the two (Vidya getting information from his computer) ignites romance in the young police officer. Chattopadhyay displays minimalistic expressions thus giving the ’moment’ an understated nuance. The guest house receptionist or Bob Biswas the unsuspecting assasin, Kahaani showcases several fine Bangla actors.
Vidya Balan delivers another spellbinding performance. She looks a far cry from the tempestuous Silk of her last film. There’s anguish written all over her body language and yet in spite of being in a tricky situation, she manages to find fun moments with little Vishnu, Poltu or Inspector Rana. The beauty about this incredible actress is that she totally ’becomes’ the character that she is meant to play. Tears, smiles, resilience...myriad facets, all conjoined in this stoic performer. The vulnerability gives way to the super strength of Durga. What a transformation!
Nawazuddin, the no nonsense Intelligence Bureau official is impressive. Amitabh Bachchan’s Ekla Chalo Re is one of the highlights of the film. Clinton Cerejo’s background score is special. Once again, the emphasis is on minimalistic usage of sounds to create the desired impact.
Setu’s Cinematography is very creatively done. Namrata Rao’s editing is first rate. Yes the film tends to meander aimlessly for some portions in the second half and it could have been tighter. Story (Sujoy Ghosh and Advaita), Screenplay (Sujoy Ghosh and Suresh Nair) and Dialogues (Sujoy Ghosh and Ritesh Shah) are the backbone of the film. Writing is consistently engrossing. Despite the serious subject, there’s an underlined sense of humour that makes the film even more endearing.
Kahaani is a brilliant cinematic experience with loads of thrills-n-excitement. Don’t miss it at any cost.