Tag: shoojit sircar

Gulabo Sitabo (2020)

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Gulabo Sitabo

A rare gem of a film, bursting with authenticity and brilliant performances, it is a simple yet layered tale with well etched characters.

Amitabh Bachchan is not visible at all. All you see is Mirza, the landlord / petty pilferer who loves his mansion.

One of his many long term tenants are Ayushmann Khurana and his family, who are at odds with him. The drama that follows is accompanied with an ample dose of comedy of the classic kind.

A fitting and unpredictable end is the cherry on top of this superb film, directed by Shoojit Sircar.

For creative and nuanced cinema, excellent cinematography, background score, music, lyrics and a superlative ensemble cast, this film is highly recommended!

4/5

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October (2018)

Shoojit Sircar has made a variety of film genres and done justice to them all. This time round, he describes a few pages of the books of various people’s lives, in a way which will seem out worldly to many who watch it.

You may never know about what happens in the film if it doesn’t happen to a close one or yourself. But now you have a chance to see how it can change a life. It’s a story where love didn’t need a label or reason or season.

Varun Dhawan and Banita Sandhu play 21 year olds in a management trainee program in a 5 star hotel. How their seemingly unrelated lives get enmeshed by a twist in fate weaves a deeply nuanced tale which is moved along by minute detail.

Short at 1 hour 55 minutes, it feels long because of the subject matter, but it makes you think. It’s a delicate tale which is difficult to balance, but the imagery provides much needed perspective.

A moving and introspective film.

3.5/5

Pink (2016)

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It’s a man’s world. From time immemorial women have had to prove and protect themselves, their chastity and their character. Indian society has separate rules for both genders and we need to see, understand and process films like PINK, again and again, to challenge our prejudices and hopefully evolve.

Amitabh Bachchan is a retired lawyer, simmering in the background, watching unfortunate events unfold for three young women. He eventually boils over into a formidable force who turns the entire case on its head with a single word.

Director Anniruddha Roy Chowdhury has created a film where people applauded and cheered at various points, a rare occurrence in a multiplex. The message is loud and clear, and so are the heinous attitudes that prevail for women across our great country. A lot needs to change. Movies like this show there is hope.

Performances are of a high standard from the entire cast. Every member plays his or her part well, whether negative or positive. Amitabh Bachchan is a rare actor who films seem to be written for. His own demons, the way he handles himself and the case, is trademark of his particular brand of legendary. The three girls are super, representing many social messages through the stories of their characters.

Many lines will be with you after you finish watching the movie. But one word will always remain.

Don’t underestimate the power of PINK!

3.5/5

Piku (2015)

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The high strung story of a hypochondriac father and frustrated daughter leaves us agitated, entertained, in splits and in reflection.

Amitabh plays the constipated feminist with élan, while Deepika aces the angry, caring, unapologetic daughter. Their interaction leaves you exasperated. Enter Irfaan, who is the catalyst of balance in their chaotic lives.

Though the film seems to be about bowel movements, it’s a clever metaphor for bottling issues, anxieties, suppressed  relationships and the delicate stage of life parents reach. It passes messages strong and clear, without pretence or censorship.

A fun film, it takes getting used to. Once you have caught the pulse of the characters you settle in. Sensitively made by director Shoojit Sircar, with an able supporting cast.

A difficult topic to bring to the table, handled in a matter of fact manner.

3/5

Madras Cafe (2013)

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This film which was shot and directed really well, but had a few loop holes. The documentary style approach, its vivid story telling, is not common for the Indian audience.

While we were ‘spoon fed’ what may have happened during the lead up to the assassination of our ‘ex PM’ and the circumstances that surrounded it, it was the cast that let the product down. John is wooden without any emotion, and goes through the film mouthing lines. Other important characters are either too emphatic, or caricature-like. Nargis Fakhri was not convincing at all. There are some good performances, but the casting could have been better. Some details in the story are either missing or vague, but they can be over looked by the masses. The discerning viewer will catch them though.

What saves the film is the direction and an honest attempt to say a story differently. Shots of war, distress, trauma and the planning and completion of the mission are executed very well. I guess since John was producer, the director was stuck with this particular talent.

Another feather in the cap for Shoojit Sircar after Yahaan (2005) and Vicky Donor (2012).

3/5