I almost forgot that there used to be a site called MS ever since I came to down under. Writing a review after a long time. And could not have found a thing closer to my heart than this flick.
Saw this movie today afternoon and I still can’t get my mind off those amazing expressions on Lolita’s face. Where has this lady been all this while....!! I think hindi cinema has just found itself a gem....
I had high expectations from the movie being based on the classic by Sharatchandra and being a Vidhu Vinod Chopra production, I was eagerly awaiting its release. The promos tricked me into believing that Vidya Balan plays the chracter of an unfaithful wife. The story however revolves around Shekhar (Saif) and Lolita (Vidya Balan) who are child hood buddies and are very much in love (though formally unstated) and how their relationship transforms after the arrival of Girish (Sanjoo Baba) in neighbourhood. Shekhar is a typical self involved male who though can’t live without Lolita, is short tempered and very possessive about her. He finds solace from his father’s money-is-everything kind of attitude in Lolita’s company who loves him unconditionally. What follows is a gripping drama of conspiracy, misunderstading, sacrifice and realization. I have heard that the original novel has a tragic ending while director has decided to deviate from it and give audience (like me) not to go home disturbed.
To me the great revalation of this movie is Vidya Balan in whose form Sharat Da’s original Lolita has found an avatar. Its hard to believe that its her first big screen appearance as she simply amazes you with the ease she has been able to carry Lolita in the movie. Those subtle movement of lips, eye brows and those big beautiful eyes of hers will take you on to a roller coaster ride of joy and sorrow as she experiences and portrays it. I don’t think anyone in long long time after Madhuri has looked like a woman for whom you would want to say to an outsider - ’’that’s what indian women are like’’. Specially the way she has carried herself in that love making scene with Saif is so unforgettable. That scene has turned out to be absolutely blazingly sensuous without display of much skin - kudos to Vidya and VVC there.
Saif has hit a sweet spot in his career and its hard to imagine that at one point in time no one was ready to make him the solo lead of the film. He looks like he is a ’Shekhar’ in his real life. The role seems to fit him like a well tailored suit. His portrayal of frustration and hurt male ego is awesome.
Sanjoo although has enacted Girish very well but I at some moments felt he looked a bit too old for his character. He does not physically look like the one Shekhar would be too insecure about seeing Lolita going out with him. VVC could have done better with a younger guy there.
Support casts does well not to spoil the work done by all these guys.
The story of any movie is its heart and that’s where the movie really wins over you. A tight gripping tale of a childhood bred love being challanged by grown ups practical world. And story would have been wasted without VVC’s powerful grip of the whole thing. At no point in the movie does anyone feel that he is watching a fairy tale. The situations and characters are well grounded in the time and space which the movie portrays. I did not yawn, did not hear babies crying, did not go for a leak, did not speak to anyone around...i just kept watching straight on the screen...yeah..!! it keeps you glued for sure.
The soundtrack is one of the best in recent months. Very hummable Piyu bole, very melodramatic Raat Hamari Hai, a rusty reminder in Kaisi Paheli and a nostalgic Soona Man Ka Angan leaves you breathless.
Its been long since any movie has made me shed those secret tears. I felt it here...right in the heart. Go watch this flick. Its worth every cent.