Lolita Rocks!
At the time where I should have made a bee line for Sarkar or Paheli, I decided - first things first. Went on to watch Parineeta last weekend, and it reconfirmed that its always better late than never.
This late-lateefy, though, was due to a bit of apprehension towards the movie on my part. When I saw those repeat promos of the song - Piyu Bole, Piya Boley, I was quite put off by the extravagant eye movements of the leading lady - Divya Balan. But with a nice company of friends & family, I set aside my hesitation. And, boy, I never regretted the decision.
The very object of my concern - Lolita, the protagonist, swept me off my feet, by her sheer screen presence and the ease before the camera. With a voice of Saira Bano, and the looks like that of the proverbial girl-next-door, she took the complex character of Lolita well in her stride.
The character was that of a super woman. Lolita was a woman who would top at college, was working in an office, even in 1962. She could write the lyrics, impromptu; She was also a good singer, and even gave suggestions on music. She would make delicious food, excellent cake, and was a good hand at cards. In between, she always had the time for finding clothes or knitting buttons for her next door childhood friend.
All this when she was an orphan since childhood, and lived with her maternal uncle!
The problem with such characters is that the portraying artist either over does it or falls way below the par performance required. We could never see the real Ashoka behind Shahrukh, could we ? Divya, rather, could strike that fine balance with comfort. Her expressions were perfect in every situation, and yes that life-like face has a lot to do with it. She will go a long way.
As far as movie is concerned, its good. The story has fine twists & turns, though its way too simplistic. Direction is taut. There is hardly a loose end, or dull moment. Photography is scenic. Though I do have some issues with the art director, because opulence is way too artificial.
To depict the Kolkotta of 1962, there were some subtle hints, and some in your face stuff. Like there was considerably less traffic on the streets which was a subtle hint, but repeated advertisement of painkiller Saridon was a bit too much.
As far as casting is concerned, the team should get a pat. No extra character, and each & every one has the perfect selection of the artist. Saif sizzles, Sanjay assures. All the side kicks(also performed very well) are from Bengal film & theatre industry. This gave a realistic touch to the whole narration. Even the bridegroom selected for just one scene was Bengali. It was easy to make out - the large forehead, and big eyes - typical Bengali.
What to say about the music, which complimented the movie so well. Songs are picturised well too. Look out for the song - 'Yeh Hawain, Gungunai' picturised on Saif and some kids on a train. The kid in the middle is really chubby with some tremendous enthusiasm.
A must watch for those who missed it. If only for Lolita!
This late-lateefy, though, was due to a bit of apprehension towards the movie on my part. When I saw those repeat promos of the song - Piyu Bole, Piya Boley, I was quite put off by the extravagant eye movements of the leading lady - Divya Balan. But with a nice company of friends & family, I set aside my hesitation. And, boy, I never regretted the decision.
The very object of my concern - Lolita, the protagonist, swept me off my feet, by her sheer screen presence and the ease before the camera. With a voice of Saira Bano, and the looks like that of the proverbial girl-next-door, she took the complex character of Lolita well in her stride.
The character was that of a super woman. Lolita was a woman who would top at college, was working in an office, even in 1962. She could write the lyrics, impromptu; She was also a good singer, and even gave suggestions on music. She would make delicious food, excellent cake, and was a good hand at cards. In between, she always had the time for finding clothes or knitting buttons for her next door childhood friend.
All this when she was an orphan since childhood, and lived with her maternal uncle!
The problem with such characters is that the portraying artist either over does it or falls way below the par performance required. We could never see the real Ashoka behind Shahrukh, could we ? Divya, rather, could strike that fine balance with comfort. Her expressions were perfect in every situation, and yes that life-like face has a lot to do with it. She will go a long way.
As far as movie is concerned, its good. The story has fine twists & turns, though its way too simplistic. Direction is taut. There is hardly a loose end, or dull moment. Photography is scenic. Though I do have some issues with the art director, because opulence is way too artificial.
To depict the Kolkotta of 1962, there were some subtle hints, and some in your face stuff. Like there was considerably less traffic on the streets which was a subtle hint, but repeated advertisement of painkiller Saridon was a bit too much.
As far as casting is concerned, the team should get a pat. No extra character, and each & every one has the perfect selection of the artist. Saif sizzles, Sanjay assures. All the side kicks(also performed very well) are from Bengal film & theatre industry. This gave a realistic touch to the whole narration. Even the bridegroom selected for just one scene was Bengali. It was easy to make out - the large forehead, and big eyes - typical Bengali.
What to say about the music, which complimented the movie so well. Songs are picturised well too. Look out for the song - 'Yeh Hawain, Gungunai' picturised on Saif and some kids on a train. The kid in the middle is really chubby with some tremendous enthusiasm.
A must watch for those who missed it. If only for Lolita!
posted by Unknown at 12:00 AM
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