Title : I care for my brother Nikhil - Do You?
Review : With Black Bollywood began a new era of sensitive well made and well intentioned film making. My Brother Nikhil not only underlines the fact that we can make well meaning and beautiful film, but pushes the standard lineeven more higher. Now we needn’t depend on on the so called parallel cinema to make thought provoking and well meant films, but we have enough of talented filmakers who can do the same in commercial cinema.
What attracts you so much to MBN is it so human in its dealing, something anyone couls associate with. Something thats simple yet thought provoking, without being too preachy. Emotional, touching and above all one wonderful films on how the sickness affects not only the patient and but all the ones near him. By now you may have heard the story so lets not dwell on that.
What important about MBN is that it suceed in getting its message through in a very humane and emotional way. For a movie like MBN it is important to have a good script and the movie excels here. Another department it would depend would be acting which absolute brilliant.
Shyan Munshi and Peeya do not have much to do and just about OK. Shweta Kawatara(spelling mistake) as Nikhil’s lawyer fits the bill properly. Gautam Kapur make his feature Film with MBN and proves he can act. Victor Bannerje and Lilette Dubey as Nikhil’s parent are good as usual, something that you would expect from them. You feel sad when Nikhil’s mother tell him that she wished he would never would have been born, especially since this comes from a mother.
Finally when Nikhil ask his father to make this nightmare go away you feel the feeling of helpness. Another important character in the film is that of Nigel, Nikhil’s friend, Lover and Support to the end. This is surprisingly played by Purab Kholi, who bring so much to his role that you wonder what an actor of his calibur doing so long. He is absolutely first rate and lends so much credibility to the role. Being part of a sensitive topic in the movie he breaks the stereotypes that were there with reagrds to homosexual.
But the movie really belongs to Three people. Firstly the movie belongs to Juhi Chawla. As the elder sister and pillar of support through all his trial and tribulation is absolutely brilliant. Here is a lady who brings absolute warmth and goodness to her role, which so natural and spontaneous. She proves yet again that shes here to stay (Miss Sunita Menon please take note). She’s probably the most underrated actress of our time, where we over hype actresses like Aishwarya Rai, who has absolutly no substance or acting capability and work only becuase of her looks. Here is a lady who not only is a pretty face but a is also a fine actress. She’ll definitely give Rani a run for her money at all the award ceremony.
The other person who deserve a pat on his Back is Sanjay Suri not only did he take the risk of taking on such a beautiful role but also producing it. HE is absolutly brilliant. He brings to the screen a presence whether angry or helpless. The scene where he tells his former boss that he should be the one should be scared of them as he can pick up them up from them. He proves he is much more brilliant actor any of our over hyped actors like Shaid Kapur or Vivek Oberoi. Again another person who I hope so at the award podium, beside Juhi.
Finally the film belongs to Mr. Onir, the writer and director. What a debut to make. Hats off to him more making a film like MBN rather than a stupid frivelous candy floss movie. Thanks for making a thought provoking and sensitive and wonderful film. The music of the film is beautiful. Even though there is just one song sung thrice in the movie it doesn’t fail to loose its charm and carries in your mind long after you have seen it.
Finaly this is a movie defiinitely comes highly recommended. It may not be appreciated by everyone, but it is a must watch. A movie that I hope would be India’s representative at the Oscars. I care about Brother Nikhil, But do you? If yes, then you have to watch this movie.