Malaal Reviews

Malaal Reviews

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MALAAL MOVIE REVIEW

Sreeparna Sengupta, TNN, Updated: Jul 5, 2019, 10.14 AM ISTCritic's Rating: 3.5

Malaal Story: When a rowdy Shiva’s world collides with that of a demure Aastha, whose family has just moved into the chawl he resides in, sparks fly between them. But given their completely different backgrounds, is there any scope for their romance to bloom and survive?

Malaal Review: ‘Malaal’ is set in the Mumbai of the late 90’s. And just like in many cinemas of that era, twenty two-year-old Shiva (Meezaan) is the local ‘tapori’ – raw, rustic and temperamental. The quintessential bad boy who spends his day getting into street fights, drinking and gambling. His life within the confines of his chawl doesn’t go beyond brawls at home or on the street till he stumbles upon Aastha Tripathi (Sharmin Segal). The Tripathis have newly moved to this modest living space after running into financial troubles.

At first their interactions are brusque, mostly owing to his stand-offish nature but soon Shiva finds himself falling in love with her. But while he is upfront and lets on his feelings to her rather openly, Aastha has her reservations. Not only is she pursuing a degree in CA and soon to be engaged to the son of a well to do family friend, Shiva’s clear disregard towards even trying to have a career bothers her. As for her parents, they have already written him off as a good for nothing and want their daughter to have nothing to do with him. But soon enough, it seems Aastha too is falling for him.

With well- crafted romantic and intense moments, Malaal is a simmering love story that sucks you into its world. While it may not have the grandeur and lavish scale usually mounted in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali production the mood and ambience created by director Mangesh Hadawale captures the bustle and flavor of a Mumbai chawl beautifully. Especially the festival scenes that add a gorgeous hue to the setting. Add to that an addictive background score and top notch cinematography. Details like bus shelter hoardings of The Titanic (reflecting the actual release date of that year) and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam are used to show the passage of time, with the recurring motif of timeless music from the movies of the 90s adding a nice touch. The film’s vibrant soundtrack lingers on, especially the romantic number ‘Naad Khula’ and the title track, haunting and melancholic. However in the second half, the pace tends to lag at times.

Complete with the 90s hero vibe, Meezan makes a striking debut with his strong screen presence taking over the frame. Sharmin Segal too holds her own with her pleasant and innocent act and the onscreen couple share an instant chemistry which makes them likeable.

Malaal is reminiscent of sweet romances when hand written notes were actually a thing and it’s tender moments like these that sets the film apart. This one is for those who want to soak themselves into a full blown love story.

Malaal movie review: Meezan Jaaferi's maiden act stands out in this tragic and predictable love storySusri Sahu Jul 05, 2019 12:02 PM

Malal has nothing we have not seen earlier and the film will leave you with a Dhadak hangover.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali can easily be called a star-maker. The filmmaker has been instrumental in introducing us to new and enviable talent, which is exactly why fans were thrilled when he set out to launch his niece Sharmin Segal and Meezaan, son of veteran actor Jaaved Jaaferi in Malaal. The actors are said to be Bhansali’s protégés, who assisted him during the filming of Padmaavat, and hence the excitement. Even the trailer of the film promised a fresh flavour of love. But is it worth a watch? Catch our full review here..

What's it about...
The movie is the story of Aastha and Shiva who fall in love after their fair share of fights and spats. Takrar phir pyaar, if you may say so. The curly-haired, salwar-kameez clad Sharmin seems to be an outsider and faces a lot of opposition from the slum’s angry young man, played by Meezaan. Why? Because she is a North Indian and his Marathi pride is brooding because of the supposed infiltration. But he then realises "sab Indian hai" and cupid strikes. What's interesting is that they come from different backgrounds and ideologies. Based on the story by R Selvaraghavan, the coming together of their distinct worlds and the friction it causes shapes the plot of the film.

What's hot...
Meezaan definitely has got those grooves it in his genes. The lad also speaks with his eyes and that leaves a mark even in his maiden attempt. With sharp dialogue delivery and whistle-worthy dialogues, he has managed to play the part of Mumbai cha mulga to the T. Even Sharmin's naivety is refreshing to see. Not to mention, the duo will also leave you impressed with their chemistry. Also, SLB's compositions works like a charm.

What's not...
While the ride is not particularly Sanjay Bhansali-esque and plays out in a chawl--after all it is set in 1998, but there is nothing we have not seen earlier. The film seems drabs at times with one or more unsituational songs. Also, Sharmin falls short of a few expressions, especially in tense situations. Mangesh Hadawale in his Hindi directorial brings forth a tragic love story but doesn't seem organic. Even the climax stretches its stay. The narrative is also extremely predictable.

BL Verdict...
Watch it and tick off another debut in showbiz by Meezan and Sharmin. Also for its Marathi-ness in dialogues and sequences. Albeit, be mindful of the Dhadak hangover which it might leave you with. Otherwise, you're not missing out on a lot. We are going with 2 and half stars.

Rating:

2.5 out of 5