A suspense crime thriller that's just is. And this one is not just set in a rock ambiance, favouritely settled in the intensity the genre is supposed to give it, its gritty, real and even hard on the guts. With all the hullabulloo going on about Rock On, I was reminded of Paanch. Especially as both have been compared on certain forums. Instantly I remembered the stark film I saw way back at some festival, probably Osians I think...not that I had forgotten it, such films are hard to forget...but it is interesting to see the waves another film based on rock music making when it was but a pale representation of what rock is all about when the much better picture lies in the cans, unreleased and rotting.
Paanch, hit me hard. I wouldn't say I hadn't seen anything like that before, the plot is pretty much reminiscent of a lot of other crime thrillers but the most interesting thing is the originality of voice, the culture of the backdrop, the development and representation of characters and above all the unpredictability of the suspense. Not only does the film take you by surprise unwittingly but also unwaveringly without giving you any indication that the director has any such plans for the plot. And its a refreshing experience.
So much for the plot and the way it has been handled. But what got me was the ambiance created around the characters, the way their world was etched from the red walls, obscene to existential graffiti, starkness of their passion and the unapologetic brazen-ness which is exciting as it so exquisitely avoids becoming crass or obscene! It speaks of some in-depth vision and an experience that goes way beyond just good art and craft.
And it is a film that I think is timeless. It might be urban and niche, the emotions and the portrayals are distinctly so. But I think it deserves a wider audience and more attention just because the voice is impassioned and absolutely believes in its craft. Rarely do we get to see such a film of acultured beings so well-steeped in its own culture of angst. Originality and belief such as this does merit a much much wider and legitimate audience.
Paanch, hit me hard. I wouldn't say I hadn't seen anything like that before, the plot is pretty much reminiscent of a lot of other crime thrillers but the most interesting thing is the originality of voice, the culture of the backdrop, the development and representation of characters and above all the unpredictability of the suspense. Not only does the film take you by surprise unwittingly but also unwaveringly without giving you any indication that the director has any such plans for the plot. And its a refreshing experience.
So much for the plot and the way it has been handled. But what got me was the ambiance created around the characters, the way their world was etched from the red walls, obscene to existential graffiti, starkness of their passion and the unapologetic brazen-ness which is exciting as it so exquisitely avoids becoming crass or obscene! It speaks of some in-depth vision and an experience that goes way beyond just good art and craft.
And it is a film that I think is timeless. It might be urban and niche, the emotions and the portrayals are distinctly so. But I think it deserves a wider audience and more attention just because the voice is impassioned and absolutely believes in its craft. Rarely do we get to see such a film of acultured beings so well-steeped in its own culture of angst. Originality and belief such as this does merit a much much wider and legitimate audience.