Kaminey

With 'Kaminey', Vishal Bharadwaj has once again proved that he can deliver a movie that is stylish, intelligent, insane, entertaining, and stimulating, all at once!

Watching the movie last night at a nearby multiplex, I felt that I can count on Vishal Bharadwaj as one of my favorite directors who does exactly what he chooses to do, without compromising (well mostly so, if I can discount the happy ending)!

The basic plot itself is nothing unusual, but the quirky characters, the multiple layers, the ensemble cast, the fast-paced scenario that keeps one glued to the screen, the amazing soundtrack (tracks like Dhan-te-naan, Fataak, Pehli baar, Raat ke... and the background score, are true assets) and the action-packed visuals make 'Kaminey' a total package that one cannot choose to be indifferent to. One must sit up and take note of this brilliant product and acknowledge the sheer potential of its maker.

Even after having given us such wonderful films like 'Maqbool', 'Omkara', 'Makdee' and 'The Blue Umbrella', Vishal Bharadwaj, has not been able to cut ice with a wide section of viewers in country, 'Kaminey' has the promise to change that.

The story is of two brothers, identical twins, who live their own lives but their paths cross in a bizarre manner and it leads to some hard-core action, with a frenzied climax that centres around a drug-stashed guitar. There are gangsters galore, the police, the foreigners (from Angola), double-crossing & wheeling-dealings, and then there is beautiful Priyanka Chopra (in her best performance till date) as Sweety, a role that will not only get her noticed but also remembered for, even in an action-flick like this!

Long after the Bollywood classic 'Sholay', I experienced shivers down my spine yet again in a Hindi film sequence of vicious villainy thanks to the remarkable performance of Amol Gupte as Bhope, a Marathi gangster. The said sequence features Amol Gupte & Chandan Roy Sanyal (as Mikhail). I will not divulge the details here as I am sure many of my readers haven't seen the movie as yet. For the same reason, I am not giving away much of the plot details. The film and its sequences would surely be much talked about in the days to come. I would absolutely recommend 'Kaminey'; it is meant to be watched on the big screen, and make sure that the screening facility includes stereophonic sound, two of R. D. Burman's compositions have become character-like as they have been included in the rich tapestry of sight & sound. Last, but not the least, mention must be made of Shahid Kapoor who has essayed the dual roles of Guddu (who stammers) and Charlie (who lisps) brilliantly, he has tried to give his no-holds-barred best portrayal for both the characters, kudos for the effort.

Friendship redefined?

Dostana is the new film from producer Karan Johar's.... and it puts friendship in a whole new bracket - something of a first for mainstream Indian cinema. Dostana literally means friendship, and the film celebrates friendship, period. But.... yes, there is a big 'but' that separates it from the yarns on celluloid that we are so used to, and even indifferent to. This time, the story takes a whole new dimension as the two leading lads pose as gay lovers, to be able to share a swanky apartment in Miami. Hey, the film's basic premise suggests that director Tarun Mansukhani does not intend to break new grounds as there isn't a serious take on homosexuality. On the contrary, it's a madcap comedy perpetuating the silly same-sex stereotypes that has been the staple fare in Hollywood B-grade ventures for a really long time. The promos of Dostana did prepare one for a no-brainer laughathon, however, on seeing the movie today at a packed house morning screening, I have had to do a rethink. I must say that the zany romantic comedy does dare to push the envelope in its own way. It brings homosexuality out of the closet, gives it respect and dignity and doesn't treat gays as 'abnormal'. Well, maybe not in gigantic scoops and servings, but in a small-dollops kind of way.

Love triangle in Hindi movies often centre around two guys falling in love with the same girl, or two girls choosing to love the same guy. But Dostana is a first! It's the first Hindi film that, at the core, is a rectangle (three men loving the same woman), but two of them pretending to be a couple. The so-called shock-value associated with the screenplay is diffused thanks to a stellar cast that seems to understand the director's brief perfectly.
Besides John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan who are the talking point, as the mock-gay couple, Priyanka Chopra looks stunning (she has never looked better) and delivers a first-rate performance. Bobby Deol lends apt support as her boss, who is later besotted with her. On the whole, Dostana with its new-age friendship funds is a winner all the way, helping one chillax in these depressing times.