KESAR IN THE KITCHEN
I had reserved my comments for the scene where Kesar pats Talli's head. But we had a skip of the continuation from there. From Kesar's end, the gesture was surely platonic. I wanted to see more of how Talli reacted. Anyways...
Kesar accepted the inanimate lifeless coin's inability to give ideas rather than just offering a Yes or No for an answer. When he plays the mouth organ, he gets an idea and thanks God for answering his sincere and heartfelt prayer. Very casually Kesar walks in to the kitchen; suddenly he is conscious of other's presence. He cooks up an unbelievable story, hovers around, is mischievous while looking at Jamna Kaki, eyes Reva for support, and manages to get Gulaal out of the kitchen.
Gulaal looked all confused and totally at a loss takes Reva's advice and meets him outside the kitchen. Very happily Kesar announces his plan to her and she seemed convinced. Just to scorn Jamna Kaki, she decides to leave with Kesar and Talli.
KESAR AT JEWELLERS
He asked for Lalji Ba, the singer who is Motaba's favorite. I like the simple hand gesture of Kesar when he grasps the direction to go straight and then turn right. Rather than just listening to him, the involvement in the conversation through hand gestures is remarkable. Such gestures that is in sync with the scene, is refreshing. I have to say I have noticed this from Neil in his KB also.
Kesar has stepped back and given Gulaal some space to adjust. I think he banks on the hope Talli gave him. He is bold to try taking the earring close to Gulaal's ears. GALOOL is super conscious or rather I could say she saw it coming when she saw him picking the earring with enthusiasm. Kesar showed confidence in going ahead with that step in public and the minute he realizes that Gulaal is too conscious he assures it is for Reva and he was just checking if it will suit her.
Talli breaks the public yet private moment. Gulaal was too conscious that she had to clear her stand saying he has bought it for Reva. Kesar was also a little conscious in front of Talli. I can say that Talli did find herself foolish, probably she was also sad seeing the first closeness between them because she knows very well how Kesar loves Gulaal (probably she related how Kesar had not got her the Chunar gift), but still smiled hearing about the gift for Reva.
Nobody asks such a question to anyone. Well it was none of his business, but it looked exaggerated. Probably it was required for all of them to realize how much publicized their personal lives had become and especially when Motaba held such reputation among all.
KESAR GULAAL MANDIR SCENE
It sort of becomes a conventional trip and falling into arms scene. It is okay, it was fine. But they gave a genuine reasoning for the tripping on the steps.
Talli after the previous scene did appear as if she wanted to be genuinely out of Kesar and Gulaal's space. She deliberately delayed and avoided walking with them. Both Kesar and Gulaal looked at each other and I guess they acknowledged the slippery steps. When Gulaal sought Talli's hand for support, she was hesitant, still gave it to her and looked at Kesar. Probably she was hinting Kesar to offer his hand to Gulaal as a support to climb the slippery steps. Kesar I felt refused her suggestion by a small nod of disapproval. I think Talli decides to walk ahead of them so that Gulaal will have to forcibly take Kesar's support and was probably inquisitive to check if her plan succeeded. But it was a change of the situation when Gulaal ran after Talli and in the process slipped, tripped and there she goes. The scene was not superfluous. Both Kesar and Talli as a reflex action rushed to her help. I too wish there wasn't Talli there in the scene, but it would be unnatural of Talli to stand and watch without going to help.
The way Kesar held her was also shot in the most civilized manner and I am happy with the scene where he supports as he held her hand and shoulder. Thankfully they did not mess it up just to add the necessary "masala" that makes for a typical romance. This scene looked authentic and undisputable in spite of using the routine"trip and fall into arms" formula. There have been similarities to the scenes between Vasant/Gulaal and Kesar/Gulaal. The yellow dupattah on the face was common. This trip and fall also happened when Vasant saves her as she fell from the Giant Wheel. That scene did not look genuine to me. But this was.
KESAR AT HOME
Kesar sounded really excited as he went and requested Raman and Sudha to join. Her taunt pales his excitement. He requests Talli to persuade Sudha. When he glances at Raman and Sudha simulataneously, Raman's thoughtful staring grabs Kesar's attention and he holds on eagerly to hear Raman's verdict. That was a simple scene but that subtle change of expression in Kesar was lovely. Such subtle emotions from Neil are a treat to watch.
KESAR AT THE MUSIC RECITAL
It was a lovely concert, the tune very soulful and had the classical/folk touch to it. I remember the days in school where we were taught to sing one song from all the Indian state languages and we used to be left grappling with the pronunciation. Though the song's meaning could not be interpreted entirely, the soulful music was relaxing.
Kesar is happy that he could bring a smile to Motaba's face. It was a blissful feel in his tears when he saw Motaba open up and participate in the singing. Kesar kept glancing at Gulaal, sadly Talli is always beside her. I think Talli also is so proud of what Kesar managed to do. Well, why won't she. She is officially still in love with Kesar.
Kesar acknowledges Talli's presence when she gets the softdrink (sharbat) for him, when finally Motaba declares that his tiredness of all these years has been left behind and he looked genuinely refreshed after the music concert, Kesar was relieved to hear that, he was happy and looked for support from Gulaal. There was a brief moment of togetherness in that scene were Kesar and Gulaal look at each other in the end.
Precap
I think for Gulaal to step out of her guilt that she ruined Talli's life; she needs to genuinely know if Talli can ever forgive her for those unfulfilled dreams and promises. What Talli tells her tomorrow would be very imperative and crucial to what step Gulaal would take regarding her relationship with Kesar in future.
Ye Hai Mohabbatein
Mangal Lakshmi
