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City Lights (2014)
One of Maximum City's many Stories
Do you remember the line 'Yeh Bambai Hai Mere Bhai....'? It was the crux of Raj Kapoor's evergreen classic Shree 420. Mumbai is a city of dreams; where several dreams come true and many more are broken. Though acknowledged as a remake of a BAFTA nominated film, Hansal Mehta has managed to create his own magic in City Lights.
An ex-army Jawan decides to relocate to Mumbai with his family upon losing his source of livelihood due to indebtedness. The villager and his wife have no idea about what is in store for them. But, one thing is certain - the adjustment to a new life in a new city will be a tough learning process.
Previously, Mehta's directorial association with a Mumbai-centric theme failed when his film 'Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar' bombed at the box office. This time he has managed to correct his flaws. The film moves at a rapid pace and does not have even a single subplot. However, there could have been a limit on the number of songs. Additionally, certain scenes desperately needed background music.
Banking on the success of Shahid, Rajkumar Rao delivers a fine performance. His command on the Marwadi dialect is terrific (Is he really a Delhiite?) Patralekha too, is charming as his supportive wife. The couple's chemistry reminds you of Amol Palekar and Zarina Wahab in 'Gharonda' which also had a similar theme.
I am going with three and a half stars out of five for City Lights. Watch it to know more of life in the Maximum City.
Ek Hazarachi Note (2014)
Can currency notes of a higher denomination change your life?
It would've been better for the masses had 'Ek Hazarachi Note' released prior to elections; director Srihari Sathe's message would've enlightened thousands of illiterate voters. It's a story that tells you about poverty, illiteracy, farmer suicides and corrupt administration.
Budhi (Usha Naik) is an aged mother who has lost her farmer son due to indebtedness. A local leader (Ganesh Yadav) seeking re-election compensates her, giving her a few currency notes of 1000. However, this incident changes her life forever.
The film wins your hearts due to its simplicity. Traditional 'Khandeshi' language creates its own impact. The message is clear – money brings its own set of problems, townsmen will continue to degrade the countrymen and poverty is our biggest enemy. Similarly, authorities can never be honest and impartial. Shrikant Bojewar puts these facts perfectly onto paper.
Usha Naik steals the show as Budhi. But my choice is Sandeep Pathak for his supporting role of Sudama. He has matured after 'Varhad Nighalay Londonla'. Shailendra Barve's music carries a melancholy, suited for the film's theme. It is painful, yet wonderful.
I am going with four out of five stars for 'Ek Hazarachi Note'. The film is a tribute to the director's grandparents. And we must pay our respects as well!!
Mastram (2013)
What should a Hindi writer do? Write something steamy
The widespread interest in guilty pleasures and fantasies of life can be seen from the popularity of 'kirtu.com', a website that created two famous housewives Savita Bhabhi and Velamma. Erotic stories and magazines have dominated Indian markets for ages. The film 'Mastaram' is débutante director Akhilesh Jaiswal's take on this sensual issue.
A bank clerk Rajaram Vaishnav (Bagga) aspires to be a writer. He decides to quit and pursue his dream following a spat with his superior. However, publishers refuse to work with him as they fail to find uniqueness in his work. At the behest of a publisher Mr Purohit, Rajaram decides to write 'masaledar' stories. Instead, he ends up writing steamy stories using the pseudonym 'Mastram'.
Director Akhilesh Jaiswal who co-wrote Gangs of Wassepur has handled a bold subject with significant ease. We know 'sex sells' but are reluctant to discuss it. This taboo has made lives pleasure and miserable at the same time. He also highlights the plight of struggling writers. The ascent of English made Hindi authors vulnerable as the new generation failed to understand the emotions conveyed through their words. Today, they are left with very few options.
Rahul Bagga is excellent as Rajaram, a timid, ambitious and budding author. Tara Alisha Berry (making her acting debut) fits perfectly into the role of his 'sati-savitri' type wife. The village backdrop has paved the way for a few stage actors to give useful supports and provide better insights into rural mindsets (connected to erotica). The film, which gathers your interest in the first half, hurries to its climax in the other half.
I am going with three out of five stars for Mastram. It is a must watch for all conservative pseudo- intellectuals.