If 2008 was the year of the hero as Common Man, Aamir was the film that first caught on to the theme. Debutant director Rajkumar Gupta's Aamir (Rajeev Khandelwal) is an NRI doctor who gets caught up in a terror tangle. Drama and symbolism abound in every frame. We never get to see the terrorist who barks out instructions to Aamir -- The ruthless terrorist is universal and does not belong to any definite group or nationality. Another villain in the film: The cell phone, which commands lives of people across the world today.
The film that eerily predicted Mumbai's angry implosion long before Black Wednesday even happened. A Wednesday is about a person-on-the-street's grouse against the escalating threat to their lives -- be it through recurring terror attacks or monsoon floods. The high point of the film: The face-offs between the two towering talents, Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah.
A boy, a donkey and beautiful, beautiful Kashmir. Santosh Sivan's Tahaan goes into the world of children whose world includes curfews and random midnight interrogations by the army. Note the scene where the kids are simulating a terrorist attack. While one bunch has the toy guns that they use gleefully; the other group plays the frightened victims who are to be shot dead. One of those rare films where children are treated with respect.
This one almost begins like a Don for the multiplex crowd. When Deadly Don (Ranvir Shorey) is shot dead by his own accomplices, they discover look-alike VK (Ranvir, again), a junior artist who dreams of becoming a real actor. They put unsuspecting VK in Don's shoes and the story takes it from there. Funny and riveting, Mithya is for those who love to see stereotypes being turned on their head.
This one almost begins like a Don for the multiplex crowd. When Deadly Don (Ranvir Shorey) is shot dead by his own accomplices, they discover look-alike VK (Ranvir, again), a junior artist who dreams of becoming a real actor. They put unsuspecting VK in Don's shoes and the story takes it from there. Funny and riveting, Mithya is for those who love to see stereotypes being turned on their head.
Vinay Pathak once more plays the dully-dressed, oiled-hair-parted Everyman. Boss ne bulaya hai are the dreaded words in this Accounts officer's life until his doctor comes up with some really bad news. Despite the obvious inspirations - Akira Kurosowa's Ikiru (1952) and Bucket List(2007) - Dasvidaniya entertains with its innate characterisation and interesting story.
Director Nishikant Kamat (Dombivili Fast) almost does a Crash with Mumbai Meri Jaan.The movie features six characters whose lives are blown apart by the Mumbai train blasts of 11 July, 2006. A must-watch for the excellent cast (Kay Kay Menon, Irrfan Khan, Soha Ali Khan, Madhavan, Paresh Rawal).
This film is based on the premise that most problems only need hope and bit of sugar to set things right. Perhaps, too simplistic a message for a movie that deals with the events around 9/11. But the superb direction, performances and earnestness make you listen. A film that truly deserves to be seen.
Maharathi
Kumkum Bhagya
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