Ladies and Gentlemen! after a really looooong time ... I've actually come across a bollywood movie that i would recommend to people. This movie was in fact so cool, that i would even recommend that you put in some effort like get a DVD or find a theatre playing it so you can go watch it !.
Im sure its been reviewed and commented on but heck if you're like me and find it difficult to be easily convinced by Indian / International media about the quality of Indian flicks, you probably havent seen this one and you'd be missing something good if you didnt correct that.
If the name didnt give it away, this movie is Anurag Kashyap's quirky take on the classic Indian tale of Devdas. The similarities are noticable but there are well chosen deviations from the original story to change it from a 1900's view of social systems in Bengal to a interesting modern view of existing disparities in social norms, views and stereotypes in a modern Indian society. Anurag Kashyap manages to do this quite well without having to thrust the underlying theme into your face.
Technically the movie is a definite step up for Indian cinema. Editing is classy and to the point . Camera work is edgy and there are even some pointers taken from Guy Ritchie and Terry Gilliam. Music is woven in well and the direction doesnt shy away from the usual taboo of sex, drugs and rock n roll while being able to remain tastefull in its depiction.
Acting is better than most Bollywood films, i wouldnt call it great. I've definitely seen better. I would point out though, that over-acting is very little if not none! This is a big change ... regular viewers of Bollyfilms will agree!.
Lastly ... it is refreshing to find a director and a team that is able to broach subjects that other directors would otherwise shy away from, without turning the movie into a non mainstream movie with no viewership. Its good to see some quirky, non slapstick and yet new humor in Indian cinema and it is certainly good to see a movie that doesnt assume you're too dumb to " get it ".
My congratulations to the movie team and i hope Anurag Kashpyap keeps adding to his long list of impressively different movie making ventures.
PS : To all my non-Indian friends who havent had recommendations from me for a while. Go see this one ... you might enjoy it!
