We were lucky enough to see a preview of Bombay Velvet last night. I went in skeptical because when you have such a large canvas, it's easy to fall in love with it and forget the story. While I've always been a fan of Anurag Kashyap, I didn't particularly like the lengthy, self-obsessed GoW. So I had even more reason to believe that Bombay Velvet would be a big, expensive, arty drag. I'm glad I was comprehensively wrong. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
The attention to detail is near-obsessive (the trams and buildings are all fine but look out for match-sticks, cigarettes and a many more, smaller, things). The production design is mental. I thought this would come at the cost of the story but thankfully they've kept things tight. No meaningless diversions and just enough focus on the story and characters in and around Bombay Velvet - the exclusive gentleman's club circa 1969. And all the characters have done a fantastic job.
I was so sure the movie would drag, but it's got just the right pace, the right moodiness, the right pauses. Full marks for editing, although I'm sure people will still crib about pacing. Also, our idiot "Interval" culture will needlessly break the movie in two halves. At the preview, we had a very brief interval (piss-break!) and I thought we could have gone for one straight, uninterrupted screening.
I thought it was a Bombay movie, a noir, crime thriller. My wife thought it was a love story and come to think of it, I agree with her because this is about Ranbir-Anushka. The lead pair is in almost every frame and they totally own the movie. I'd go out on a limb and say that Anushka was much better here than the completely underwhelming NH10. I was always a fan of Ranbir Kapoor and this would easily be one of his best performances.
I think this is the largest movie Anurag Kashyap has made and I think he's pulled it off. Everyone's put a lot of heart and soul in this movie and I really hope it succeeds. Watch out for the VT-BMC building shot at the start. Watch out for the music, the costumes, the cameos, the tram...Actually f**k it, there's too much to look out for and I doubt you'll do justice in just one screening. The movie has 16 Assistant Directors and they don't even mention that in this 'making-of Bombay Velvet' video. There's really a lot to see and much more to like in this brilliant movie.
Kumkum Bhagya
Tu Dhadkan Main Dil
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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