THE DIRTY PICTURE: All Reviews Here (Index Page 1) - Page 38

Vidya Balan's Dirty Picture has earned a positive response from critics as well as audience. The much anticipated film opened up to huge crowds and lived up to its excitement as audience lauded it and gave it thumbs up.

More than the story and plot, Vidya Balan's acting as been rated as excellent. Audience had lot of expectations as the film was supposedly a biopic on south Indian actress Vijayalaxmi also known as Silk Smitha.

The controversial actress who was considered a sex symbol lived a colourful life but died in mysterious circumstances.

The film directed by Milan Luthria released at movie theatres all over India on the birth anniversary of Silk Smitha, December 2, 2011.

Story:Set in the 80s, The Dirty Picture is a tale of a strong-headed woman named Reshma (Vidya Balan), who can go to any extent to fulfill her dream that of becoming an actress in the South Indian film industry. Post a few hurdles, she becomes an instant sensation 'Silk,' a woman every man desires. But, on her journey to stardom, she eventually starts craving for true love and feels betrayed each time. She gets the first blow, when she misunderstands lust to be love in case of her all-time favourite actor and later a co-star Suryakant (Naseerudin Shah). She is almost trying to cope up when Ramakant (Tusshar Kapoor), a storywriter too disappoints her, though that's truly unfortunate, as he has no wrong intentions. She gets her final blow, when stardom too starts bidding a goodbye to her. Lastly, when her all-time enemy (Ebrahim) Emraan Hashmi, a director turns into her passionate lover, she encounters a sad death.

Story Treatment: Expectations are bound to surface, when a film is hyped to no bounds. So, does The Dirty Picture live up to the anticipations? Well, the answer is a big YES. Narration is an art and story-writer Rajat Arora is surely a master at it. First of all, to translate a real-life story on celluloid isn't easy, but Rajat unfolds the story of Silk with so much conviction that he leaves no room for loop-holes. The beauty of the film is though predictable, yet each frame springs up a surprise as Vidya displays various shades of her character, leading to some interesting situations. What adds to the euphoria is how the three men react to it.

Star Cast:Vidya, indisputably steals the show. This unmatchable talent blows one off with her tremendous entertainment value. So much so, that the other three male leads- Naseeruddin Shah, Tusshar Kapoor and Emraan Hashmi end up becoming mere supporters with due respect to their acting skills. Vidya carries those extra-kilos and gaudy costumes with oodles of confidence. Naseer impresses with various punches in his dialogues and what further does the needful, is his retro look which he carries with a great poise. Tusshar is strictly okay, thanks to his nerdy character. Emraan looks extremely at ease with his role and makes one fall in love with his charm that of a gentleman. Anju Mahendroo does her part well as a journalist.

Direction:Milan Luthria does justice to the beautiful scripting and screenplay writing of Rajat, barring the climax that lacks luster, especially after the director pulls off the entire movie with so much brillance. Luthria offers a spicy package with dialogues adding fuel to it. The direction is non-jerky, despite him switching from peppy to low emotions in frequent intervals. The portrayal of Silk's intelligence through various situations, for instance, how she takes revenge from both Naseer and Anju Mahendroo by being a party blooper and eventually kissing Tusshar is a treat to watch.

Music/ Cinematography/ Dialogues/Editing:Music is top-notch. The breath-taking Ooh la la is already topping the charts and Ishq Sufiyana is no less, with its extremely soothing tune. Cinematography complements the direction and adds an oomph factor to the screenplay. Dialogues are noteworthy thus, in other words- the lifeline of the film. Editing could have been edgier, as the film seems quite lengthy.

3 Ups and 3 Downs: Screenplay, direction, performances and above all, the dialogues are the strengths of the film. Editing, absence of the much anticipated song titled Twinkle and a dull climax are the weaknesses.

Overall, a big thumbs up to The Dirty Picture, which is in its truest meaning, an entertainer. Highly recommended!