Before I begin to write a review on TZP, I need to make a reveleation which I feel is utmost important to this review:
1) I am not an ardent fan of Hindi movies as I cannot understand a wee bit of Hindi
2) The compulsion of some good friends of mine made me land up in the theater to watch TZP
The greatness of a movie lies in its ability to cross the language barriers and TZP is one of that kind. Even though I wasnt able to understand much on the conversations, the emotions and feeling made me throughly enjoy the movie.
Going into the movie with a detailed perspective, Ishant(Darsheel) is the undisputed hero of this movie and Aamir has no probs in telling that through the title card. This kid is absolutely marvellous with a stunning screen presence. He has not acted as per instructions but lived beyond expectations of the charecter. As per the script, he is good in creativity and weak in academics making pranks out of his teachers which lands him in a boarding school. Not having much idea about what made his parents to put him into a boarding school, he becomes a loner. When everyone starts to think about what is Aamir as an actor doing in this movie, he enters the boarding school as Nikumbh, an Art teacher. When everyone enjoys the classes and approach of Nikumbh, Ishant doesnt express it. Nikumbh identifies that Ishant has dyslexia and discovers his immense talent for painting. It was during a painting competition organized by Nikumbh, Ishant comes out with a masterpiece and Nikumbh comes out with a portrait painting of Ishant. The beauty of the painting declares Ishant as the winner. Now comes the most important moment. Ishant hugs Nikumbh and man. the portrayal of accomplishment, belief and greatness is personified in that scene. I could sense the hall in a emotional grip with tears rolling down. With my friends already in tears, I was really touched by the scene. The movie ended with a hard hitting lesson to every parent. let your child pursue his interest and every child is special in their own sense.
Music has not overrode the theme of the movie but has complimented the story well. Dialogues. my comments will be like a deaf man commenting on a mozart performance. So I refrain.
Aamir Khan is a creator par excellence. His direction, acting, screenplay and theme selection are beyond comparision. He could have done a movie with a commercial element but he has indeed done a movie which is close to his heart and also entertains the viewers.
Everyone associated with this movie have contributed well to its success but my review revolves only around Aamir and Darsheel as they are the crux of this movie. This movie will be an ultimate choice from India to represent Oscars foreign movie category. Hope the disappointment of Lagaan at Oscars turns into a delight with TZP for Aamir.
Aamir has bell the cat and hope others follow suit with quality movies like TZP.
Rgds,
Karthik