Clear Vision on a Cloudy Day

Just Watched: Dhobi Ghat

Mumbai has always been the city that most Indian films are based in, and that isn’t something that I’ve liked. I’m not really a fan of the city, and I don’t think that I’m going to be one in the near future. I’ve always been someone who has been fascinated by Delhi, which has been the city that most of the recent “good films” to be made in India are based in.

At such a time, a film that is completely based on Mumbai is quite interesting. The fact that it has Aamir Khan, the perfectionist himself, in what is a “off-beat” film makes it a film that deserves a watch and it doesn’t disappoint at all.

There has been mixed opinion about this film but I felt that it was a very complete film in all respects- the script, the music, the cinematography and most importantly, the performances. Kiran Rao has given us an absolutely beautiful work of art that will make you love Mumbai for the entire duration of the feeling.

There is always this sense of foreboding throughout and at the end of the feeling you come out very satisfied but willing to debate over what actually happened, something that is rarely seen in Indian films these days. The beautiful music by Gustavo Santaolalla adds to the flavour along with some amazing cinematography.

The performances are brilliant and it is quite difficult to single out a performance that stood out, though I think Prateik Babbar was amazing. This man is a revealation and should go on to do great things in the future. Monica Dogra was charming as the conflicted NRI woman who simply didn’t know what exactly she was looking for and Kriti Malhotra’s effectiveness lies in her simplicity, which works wonders. The very fact that Aamir Khan was very calm and understated tells you how great a actor he is.

This one’s a winner, and deserves to be watched by everyone who loves Mumbai, or even doesn’t for that matter. Great start to 2011, this.

Personal Rating: 8.5/10