Confessions of a drunk mind!
Every once in a while comes a movie that the critics go gaga about and the box office reports don’t quite agree. The overacclaimed-yet-failed category of films. So while there seems to quite a upheaval about whether this movie deserved the 5 star rating it got, it is clear this isn’t a movie for all. (In fact, what reviews have done by slating this movie as one based on lust and sexuality, is that it has driven the wrong kind of audiences into the cinemas. May be.. anyways now to the review.)
It is indeed the coming of age for Sex in Indian films. While there have been many attempts, they have stopped at mere lust, or the occasional skin show, more than smooching and stripping. And now, finally a movie that uses ‘sex’ as its essence. No. I do not mean that there is a lot of skin show in this movie. Infact, there is hardly any to call this an erotic experience in any sense. But it is realistic portrayal of sexual chemistry in the between its principle characters – Dev, Paro and Chanda.
Speaking of which, what an adaptation this is of the original literature. It does justice to the basic plot, yet its irreverence in the flavor and presentation is a case study of sorts for anyone who wants to adapt screenplays. And what real characterization! Paro, is no more the diya holding damsel. She is a gutsy punjaban who has her initial qualms, but eventually sends Dev what he asks for while in London – a nude pic of hers! And what does Dev do after he sees it? He gulps his vodka, calls Paro and says, “Paro, main aa raha hu!”
That’s what we mean when we say, that sex comes out of the closet with Dev D. It’s not the act, but the suggestiveness of the dialogues, the raw, primal chemistry captured in situations that makes this movie the first of its kind for Indian Cinema.
Even Chanda, is originally a college student Lesie, who is drawn into prostitution after an MMS scam makes her infamously famous (or famously infamous) and her family disowns her. For all the regressive movies on women made in the recent past, this one comes as a slap, where Chanda despite being a CSW is also full time student at the university.
The basic plot is the same as the original and its many remakes, but this film takes an interesting twist in the end and doesn’t make you feel sorry for the tragic hero. Instead it urges each one of us to ask ourselves if it too late to take control of your life.
The directorial genius in this one is worth appreciation. Sticking the dark tones, the director uses imagery to communicate the minds of the principle characters. The music, is another plus. Its different, and its relevant. Emotional Atyachar is the jewel in this crown. The lyrics, the dance, the two singers, the trumpeters, the art direction, the brides moves, the grooms gawp and Dev’s drinking put together, one amazing moment in Cinema. Wow!
The actors do a great job. Special mention is reserved Chanda, who you sympathise with. And Abhay Deol does it again. This guy seems to have cracked the craft of getting into character. From the naughty romancer, to the heartbroken man, to the addict, to the confused to the resolved, he hits the right expressions and impresses with acting prowess. (I must add, that he is really underrated, but that must change at least with this film)
This movie is a landmark movie. And everyone who wants to be a part of the journey of Indian Cinema must see this. If you want a brainless joyride, item numbers, the usual ho hum, you may not really like the movie.
4.5 stars!
Every once in a while comes a movie that the critics go gaga about and the box office reports don’t quite agree. The overacclaimed-yet-failed category of films. So while there seems to quite a upheaval about whether this movie deserved the 5 star rating it got, it is clear this isn’t a movie for all. (In fact, what reviews have done by slating this movie as one based on lust and sexuality, is that it has driven the wrong kind of audiences into the cinemas. May be.. anyways now to the review.)
It is indeed the coming of age for Sex in Indian films. While there have been many attempts, they have stopped at mere lust, or the occasional skin show, more than smooching and stripping. And now, finally a movie that uses ‘sex’ as its essence. No. I do not mean that there is a lot of skin show in this movie. Infact, there is hardly any to call this an erotic experience in any sense. But it is realistic portrayal of sexual chemistry in the between its principle characters – Dev, Paro and Chanda.
Speaking of which, what an adaptation this is of the original literature. It does justice to the basic plot, yet its irreverence in the flavor and presentation is a case study of sorts for anyone who wants to adapt screenplays. And what real characterization! Paro, is no more the diya holding damsel. She is a gutsy punjaban who has her initial qualms, but eventually sends Dev what he asks for while in London – a nude pic of hers! And what does Dev do after he sees it? He gulps his vodka, calls Paro and says, “Paro, main aa raha hu!”
That’s what we mean when we say, that sex comes out of the closet with Dev D. It’s not the act, but the suggestiveness of the dialogues, the raw, primal chemistry captured in situations that makes this movie the first of its kind for Indian Cinema.
Even Chanda, is originally a college student Lesie, who is drawn into prostitution after an MMS scam makes her infamously famous (or famously infamous) and her family disowns her. For all the regressive movies on women made in the recent past, this one comes as a slap, where Chanda despite being a CSW is also full time student at the university.
The basic plot is the same as the original and its many remakes, but this film takes an interesting twist in the end and doesn’t make you feel sorry for the tragic hero. Instead it urges each one of us to ask ourselves if it too late to take control of your life.
The directorial genius in this one is worth appreciation. Sticking the dark tones, the director uses imagery to communicate the minds of the principle characters. The music, is another plus. Its different, and its relevant. Emotional Atyachar is the jewel in this crown. The lyrics, the dance, the two singers, the trumpeters, the art direction, the brides moves, the grooms gawp and Dev’s drinking put together, one amazing moment in Cinema. Wow!
The actors do a great job. Special mention is reserved Chanda, who you sympathise with. And Abhay Deol does it again. This guy seems to have cracked the craft of getting into character. From the naughty romancer, to the heartbroken man, to the addict, to the confused to the resolved, he hits the right expressions and impresses with acting prowess. (I must add, that he is really underrated, but that must change at least with this film)
This movie is a landmark movie. And everyone who wants to be a part of the journey of Indian Cinema must see this. If you want a brainless joyride, item numbers, the usual ho hum, you may not really like the movie.
4.5 stars!
Comments
Post a Comment