Monday, October 10, 2005

Mai, Meri Patni Aur Woh

Well, the inadequate promos were adequate enough for me to take the decision of watching this movie. And the verdict is that despite a bit-let-down second half, or rather I should say the last half an hour, the movie is definitely a must watch.

What makes it work? To begin with, the Hrishikesh Mukherjee touch given by director Chandan Arora work wonders for the movie. The narrative is smooth and unhindered. The story is very simple, and incidents are very much realistic. Like any Hrishi Da's movie, all the characters look next door, and most of the events look like happening around you.

Next are the almost natural acting put up by the brilliant cast, and the authentic locations. Rajpal Yadav unleashes his full talent before us. His action and reactions to the situation he finds himself in are perfect. He is the protagonist, and manages the hold movie well. He was the perfect Mithlesh Shukla, and Mithlesh Shukla was him.

The national award winner Rituparna Sengupta convinces why she is the queen of Bengali film industry. She perfectly complimented to Rajpal Yadav, and did full justice to the character of Veena. And yes, she is beautiful too.

Supporting cast is very important in such films, where the protagonist is not larger than life, so every miniscule character sort of takes the movie forward. The Vinod Nagpal plays adorable Mamaji. Saw him after a long time. Chubby Varun Badola does full justice to his character. Kay Kay is as reliable as ever. Even that three shot Tempo wala looked so very convincing.

Locations are perfect. Lucknow is rocking these days. After brief appearances in Bunty Aur Bubbly, and Sehar - this movie painted the whole city red. Almost entirely shot in Lucknow, I could recognize every nook and corner. Dialogues were perfect, keeping in line with local lingo, even the cast had the strong Uttar Pradesh leanings. You can call me prejudiced :-)

The two let downs, however, were the slow, Lucknawi style, pace which becomes too blatant in the second half, and the lack of that final twist. In second half, the story became too predictable, and it needed a typical Hrishkesh Mukherjee style high voltage climax. That never came. Director had ample time to do that, but the script writer floundered.

But never mind that. Movie has much more pluses, than minuses. Such movies should be enjoyed and encouraged. So please go to nearest theatre and watch this one. You would love it.

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