Kaminey -F(s)ee it to believe it!

Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapur need to take a bow. The former for delivering an out and out commercial film full of authentic art and the latter for giving the best performance of his life.


For many who ask and wonder what great film making is about. And want to understand where the 'craft' actually lies, Kaminey is a textbook, of how to rewrite the rules of Commercial cinema, and yet make a film that is sure to be a hit. Warning: It aint a lovey dovey cosy film (although some trailers gave that impression.. esp the romantic slow song and the raat ke dhai baje promo). This one is a dark film. Literally as well as in its subject.

The screenplay is the first of the many pluses this film has to its merit. The recent Hollywood Comedy Hangover, showed how a film becomes funnier, only because of a non-linear plot, this one is a reply from the Hindi Film Industry. Agreed, it takes a while before you understand what really is happening here, the jigsaw in fact takes upto the interval to start clearing, but when the pieces fall together, you realise that BHardwaj has given you treat indeed.

The cinematography is top class and lets the mood of the film remain true to the subject it deals with - drugs, murder, dacoity. The music, although chopped to the directors wish, is a joy to behold - the album will be seen as one of the years best. The dialogues sharp and witty. But it is the performances that take it to the next level.

It is a shame how we dont have a category in our awards called the ensemble cast. This one would have clearly won. Bhardwaj's reliance on theatre artists pays off as each actor brings each character to life. They are each memorable for their roles. Priyanka Chopra proves that she is an actor beyond the mushy movie genre. Watch out for the bang on accurate interpretation of Sweety - a typical marathi mulgi. In a film whose spotlight is constantly on someone else, it takes great potential to be remembered in the end. And Ms Chopra leaves does it in such style, it makes you want to say Aai ga!! ( bad one)

But the spotlight is deservingly reserved for an actor who has come of age. Shahid is outstanding. For all these years he was not taken seriously, or called a wannabe SRK, but this is a definitive performance, meant to win him awards. The stark difference between the twins Charlie and Guddu is a testimony of the diverse kitty of expressions he brings to screen. Be it the sweet, confused, gulliable, foolable, nerdish Guddu; or the frisky, effervescent, dreamer - go - getter, and even evil Charlie, he is makes it look natural and easy. But it isnt. Add to it the stammering and the Fa ko Fa Bolna. He is in the zone, from the word go! It is surely the first of many films which are on his able shoulders and the man delivers.

But above all, this is a treat to watch for the director who creates poetry on the celluloid -Vishal Bhardwaj. Here's a man convinced he is making a commercial movie, but that doesnt stop him from giving his special art touches of visual metaphorism throughtout the movie. Watch out for the introduction of Bhope Bhau, Charlies dream sequences, and the utterly chaotic yet emotional climax where more than five subplots come together. Only sheer genius of a man who knows his craft could've achieved this and how!

I wonder how much the Swine Flu will or has affected the business of this movie, and I feel sad that I had to wait for THREE days to watch this movie, but the wait was worth it. It is a complete entertainer and a class act at the same time.

Go... F(s)ee it to believe it!