Here is an unconventional film that just goes about life in a very realistic manner, and doesn't skip a beat when it comes to portraying tough lives - "tough" for what the characters go through and how they go through 'em.
Full marks to Neeraj Ghaywan for his immensely intense directorial debut. He refers to this movie as a "celebration of life and death, and everything in between..." Not sure if it is a celebration, but the effort sure is sincere. So much so that though the story lacks a punch, here is a prime example of how certain other factors can come together to weave magic...
And what raises this film exponentially higher are the following factors -
Sanjay Mishra rocks in a beautifully understated performance as Richa Chadda's father. So much so that he finally managed to displace the Apple 'over the top' Singh image that I've always had of him. :)
Newcomer Vicky Kaushal seems to be immensely talented and cries and bawls so naturally that one feels for him. I think he is here to stay... I will not even attempt how good he is. Maybe this statement from Deepanjana Paul best sums it up: "There isn't a moment when Kaushal appears to be acting". Also just got to know that he was also a part of Bombay Velvet and comes from a filmi background. (That's not to take away any credit from him, though...)
Shweta Tripathi is your girl next door.
The chemistry between Vicky and Shweta's characters is immensely appealing. Their love story is nothing new, but still fresh, with poetry and long rides shot well.
Saurabh Chadhary as Piyush leaves an impact in the only but important scene that he is in. Pankaj Tripathi as the railway clerk is nerdy and brilliant, in his short role.
Nikhil Sahni as the small boy is gifted, too.
Kudos to Indian Ocean for a stunning soundtrack... it more than fills in the gaps in the story beautifully.
Avinash Arun's cinematography presents Varanasi in a light that is refreshingly different from the otherwise "touristy attraction" that one is subjected to...
There were a couple of moments in the movie when I more than had a twinkle in the eye... heart-wrenching scenes beautifully captured, much like the beautiful lines of poetry heard through the course of the film.
Showing no remorse or guilt and only sadness at what happens, Richa Chadha is possibly in her best role till date. She seems to be getting better with each movie and I was surprised that she is still tagged a "starlet". Atleast in this banner that I saw on Church Street two weeks ago, where it announced her as one, and I thought, "Poor girl!" I think it's high time she got a break from that tag... She has chosen excellent roles that give her a lot of scope - and character.
Masaan also beautifully explores the open-mindedness of a retired Sanskrit teacher and father bound by tradition and righteousness. His character is tested here, to the hilt. He yearns for his daughter's love and acceptance: imagine what it must be like to be held responsible for your wife's death by your offspring. That possibly turns Devi (Richa) into a rebel that wants to move away from home and be independent. He is a giver... and beautifully so...
Go watch this one, for it sure tugs at the heart; much like the pyres being lit next to one another. It relays the importance of never giving up and how importance moving on is.
Full marks to Neeraj Ghaywan for his immensely intense directorial debut. He refers to this movie as a "celebration of life and death, and everything in between..." Not sure if it is a celebration, but the effort sure is sincere. So much so that though the story lacks a punch, here is a prime example of how certain other factors can come together to weave magic...
And what raises this film exponentially higher are the following factors -
- VARANASI
- Indian Ocean's music - melodious, contemporary, and earthy
- the realistic and beautiful portrayal of the common man
- superlative, natural performances
Sanjay Mishra rocks in a beautifully understated performance as Richa Chadda's father. So much so that he finally managed to displace the Apple 'over the top' Singh image that I've always had of him. :)
Newcomer Vicky Kaushal seems to be immensely talented and cries and bawls so naturally that one feels for him. I think he is here to stay... I will not even attempt how good he is. Maybe this statement from Deepanjana Paul best sums it up: "There isn't a moment when Kaushal appears to be acting". Also just got to know that he was also a part of Bombay Velvet and comes from a filmi background. (That's not to take away any credit from him, though...)
Shweta Tripathi is your girl next door.
The chemistry between Vicky and Shweta's characters is immensely appealing. Their love story is nothing new, but still fresh, with poetry and long rides shot well.
Saurabh Chadhary as Piyush leaves an impact in the only but important scene that he is in. Pankaj Tripathi as the railway clerk is nerdy and brilliant, in his short role.
Nikhil Sahni as the small boy is gifted, too.
Kudos to Indian Ocean for a stunning soundtrack... it more than fills in the gaps in the story beautifully.
- Tu kisi rail si guzarti hai has great music and beautiful lyrics.
- Mann kasturi re jag dastoori re... again is haunting.
Avinash Arun's cinematography presents Varanasi in a light that is refreshingly different from the otherwise "touristy attraction" that one is subjected to...
There were a couple of moments in the movie when I more than had a twinkle in the eye... heart-wrenching scenes beautifully captured, much like the beautiful lines of poetry heard through the course of the film.
Showing no remorse or guilt and only sadness at what happens, Richa Chadha is possibly in her best role till date. She seems to be getting better with each movie and I was surprised that she is still tagged a "starlet". Atleast in this banner that I saw on Church Street two weeks ago, where it announced her as one, and I thought, "Poor girl!" I think it's high time she got a break from that tag... She has chosen excellent roles that give her a lot of scope - and character.
Masaan also beautifully explores the open-mindedness of a retired Sanskrit teacher and father bound by tradition and righteousness. His character is tested here, to the hilt. He yearns for his daughter's love and acceptance: imagine what it must be like to be held responsible for your wife's death by your offspring. That possibly turns Devi (Richa) into a rebel that wants to move away from home and be independent. He is a giver... and beautifully so...
Go watch this one, for it sure tugs at the heart; much like the pyres being lit next to one another. It relays the importance of never giving up and how importance moving on is.
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