Haider-movie review!

Okay sir! You've proven it, if one of Shakespeare’s plays has to be adapted; you are the one we turn too! Although the trailers were exciting, got to admit, Matru ki Bijli ka Mandola, made me a little doubtful. But man oh man, were my doubts laid to rest. Haider is Mr Bhardwaj’s baby with him directing, co-writing, co-producing and arranging music for this masterpiece with sheer brilliance.

                                                     (pic courtesy-www.hdwallpaperwale.com)

I will not commit the mistake of commenting on Shakespeare’s original piece, but the localization of the story for Indian audience with the re-conceptualizing using the highly controversial AFSPA and Kashmir issue is artistically dealt with extreme care(creators of Ramleela ,are you listening? :P). In the era of predictable movies, for those who are unaware about the story, the suspense is beautifully maintained especially just before the interval. However, the second half where most of the amazing action takes place becomes a tad bit slow.

The cinematography by Pankaj Kumar capturing the picturesque Kashmir is simply breathtaking throughout .The direction is again wonderful with special mention to Haider’s speech.

                                            (pic courtesy-www.apnatimepass.com)

 In the acting department, the performances are just INCREDIBLE. The whole ensemble, consistent of Shahid Kapoor,Tabu,Kay Kay Menon,Irrfan Khan ,Shraddha Kapoor and the supporting cast all fit their characters like levis’ jeans. They portray their roles with mastery over the local accent too.But Tabu is the one who steals the show.

It would not be wrong to call the movie somewhat of a musical, with the artful marriage of Urdu poetry, folk songs with each important scene.

Watch it for –

Well, for everything.

Rating-4-4.5

*i don't own the photos *no copyright infringement intended*

Matru ki Bijlee ka Mandola Review

“Khatra hai!” –don’t worry I’m not warning you against anything this is just, alike barfi, a delightful, creative and funny pre-intro to Vishal Bhardwaj’s quirky titled “Matru ki Bijlee ka Mandola “. This maiden politic satire from the director cum composer takes up farmer’s  land issue and the corruption thereof involving a young do –gooder Matru (Imran Khan) , a filthy rich and ardent drinker  Harry Mandola (Pankaj Kapoor) ,his daughter engaged to be married  Bijli (Anushka Sharma) and cunning politician Chaudari Devi (Shabana azmi).

Where Vishal Bhardwaj aces the comedy card with brilliant drunk humour from the power packed Pankaj Kapoor appropriately complimented by Imran Khan, the first half represents a weak amalgamation of the comic element and the story line .Unlike other comedy drama movies like Hera Pheri ,Housefull 2,Rawdy Rathore where the major plot of whatever nature re-enforces itself after comic gags, in this movie the plot specially in the first half seems over shadowed by character development . The second half shows much more actions to move the plot which culminates into a low key climax but seems a bit boring with its unnecessary length.

The casting looks good and this results in awesome performance delivery, where Pankaj Kapoor is truly amazing with his perfect Haryanvi dialect and stupendous acting, Imran Khan breaking out from his chocolate boy image fairs well in his handsome portrayal of Matru , Anushka’s character though under developed remains monotonous vis a vis her characters in other movies , she does fine .Shabana Azmi is another gem with her perfect portrayal of the shrewd character. Arya Babbar does well for his role.

Matru ki Bijlee ka Mandola adds to the list of movies bearing sheer realistic cinematography by the director. It also visually conforms to the Vishal Bhardwaj movies with its lighting and colour reminding one of Omkara and Saat koof Maaf. 

The music fits like a glove to the movie and boasts some local flavoured numbers like the title track, sha ra ra, oye boy Charlie and khamakha/

Watch this one for gulabo (the pink cow), a haryanvi Imran Khan and a drunk Pankaj Kapoor!

Rating 3/5