Before I get to writing about the movie, I have something for you to read.
It's been long since I've blogged. I don't have any particular reason as to why there was such a gap. My last post was 3 months back. Something kept me away from writing and I sincerely apologize for people who waited for my review for so many movies (in vain). This post is something special. What was I waiting for my 100th blog post? To tell you my experience of watching a tribute to 100 years of Indian Cinema...
The poster above the first paragraph has 3 big names. I haven't counted it wrongly. Karan Johar, Dibakar Banerjee and Anurag Kashyap need no introduction. They are the industry's finest and most established. Amit Trivedi and Zoya Akthar are budding artistes. While the former's music is out of the world, the latter's direction sees naturality.
Bombay Talkies is about 4 different stories told one after another without any thematic or character connections between them.
Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh
Directed by Karan Johar
The movie opens with this segment. Probably this is the director's portrayal of "his" own life. Karan Johar, who lately lost his image after Student of the year, tells us a bold story. A story which brings Rani Mukherji (the yesteryear budding actor), Randeep Hooda (the next Emraan Hashmi, both in terms of serial kissing and a hearthrob among women) and Saqib Saleem (the actor from Mere dad ki Maruti and Mujhse Fraandship Karoge) together. Just by reading Karan Johar with 3 characters, one might feel that this would be the usual love triangle. It is...but with a twist. Great acting by all 3 of them. Rani fits the character so well that her body succumbs to the character.
Bold scenes and double meaning dialogues with still cameras makes this segment set the base for more emotions...
Star
Directed by Dibakar Banerjee
This segment is probably the best of Bombay Talkies. An emotional journey in an ordinary man's life who chases his dream of becoming a Star. Nawazuddin Siddiqui brings tears to your eyes. I've told this before but just reiterating the same, he is an upcoming legend. With great finesse, he lives the character. I was in serious awe.
Nawaz steals the show here and you don't expect anything more..
Shiela ki Jawaani
Directed by Zoya Akhtar
A simple story of a middle class family with 2 kids. A boy who dreams of becoming a dancer while his dad forces him to be a "man" and play sports. Story seems simple but the storytelling is compelling. A story which teaches you to go after dreams. One might wonder that this is something which has become common but watch it to realize how to achieve it. As the name suggests, Katrina plays a cameo and here unlike an item song she reveals something that everyone should think about and not just watch her shake and go.
Cute expressions by the kid and a great supporting role by her sister makes this segment give strong competition to the previous one...
Murabba
Directed by Anurag Kashyap
Anurag, to me seemed a guy who makes dark movies. He captures my attention with his execution of this yet another simple story of a guy wanting to meet a superstar (Amitabh Bachchan). Unlike many other characters where they go behind a star to get a chance to act, this one is different. A very emotional and strong tale of a journey beyond troubles. Well played by Vineet Kumar Singh.
Vineet's common man antics gain him more respect..
There is no common theme as such but each story puts your emotions to test and your minds to deep thinking. A brilliant tribute to Indian Cinema, I must say! All the bollywood stars come together at the end for a song that takes you through these 100 years. This song has clips from so many movies with all the legends singing parts of this song. (What great lip sync!) A brilliantly directed piece.
I have a disclaimer though: As I was watching this movie with great interest, a lot of people in front and behind of me did not like the way certain things were shown. I certainly do not want to categorize these people. It is their money and their views at the end of the day. They were booing, they were making "mmch!" sounds and facepalming. I do not care!
My opinion and out of my interest, I would like you to watch this movie not to give tribute to Indian Cinema but to understand what it can do to you!
Rating: 3.5/5
For those who missed me, Sorry to keep you waiting..Will be back with more...Soon...
