I suppose I ought to compose a review – if I can collect my thoughts, that is – almost a month after having seen this movie – and before I see another Hindi one. So, what’s the verdict, you say? Thumbs-up or thumbs-down? Well, I’ll give it a thumbs-up, fine. And that’s not necessarily half-heartedly so, even though it might sound like that. The thumbs-up is for a well-crafted story that examines the dynamics of a multi-generational Indian family in post-modern India – and the undertone of disappointment, if any, is owing to a personal dissonance with the way that the drama in this family-drama is addressed by individual family members.
So, what’s the drama, you ask? Well, it does cover a wide gamut of universal human emotions that range from jealousy and infidelity, to sibling rivalry, revenge, and the many “dysfunctions” of a family unit in which good intentions do not always translate to good actions. And in the midst of all this, there is some small relief in the romantic pursuits of two young people trying to find themselves even as they try to find each other.
For a Hindi film, there are some unchartered waters that the story treads – ever so lightly, and in this, perhaps the portrayal of the characters involved isn’t too far from the truth of how such sticky matters are most likely addressed in this day and age, back in the old country (I refer to my motherland, India, of course).
As for other elements of the film that bear note, there is the lovely topography and landscapes of the lovely hill-station Coonoor, a sleepy town in the hills of Tamil Nadu, but it must be noted that the family and related friends of family here do not appear – in physical appearance or manner – to be natives of the region, i.e., Tamil. Nonetheless, this minor detail doesn’t detract too much from the engaging style of the characters and the plot, although, I would question if the portrayal of the young woman is anything even remotely similar to a young woman in that situation. Perhaps it is, but then again, perhaps I’ve been away from the motherland for far too long to know any different.
As for the personal dissonance to some of the themes of the movie that I have mentioned earlier, I do look forward to a continued evolving of Bollywood boldness that will perhaps make small forays into the difficult trails of the human mind and heart even while attempting to frame it all within the amazingly diverse cultural context of the country.
I also had the pleasure of seeing this movie and after having had the pleasure of reading your excellent review I can say that my reaction was similar: good movie in spite of some “personal dissonance” with the way individual characters respond to the family’s dysfunctions.
The setting was lovely, as you point out, but I could have used even more of the sweeping landscape shots that one often sees in popular Bollywood movies. It seems that in many films the beautiful scenery is almost another important character in the story.
After a couple weeks of letting the movie sink in and talking about it with others, the theme that most stays with me is the idea of betrayal. How does betrayal affect those closest to us? How do we respond to betrayal, either as the one who betrays or as the one who is betrayed? Or as both?
[Spoiler alert!] Almost every character commits some act of betrayal, either large or small, before the end credits roll. Some perceived betrayals, as a friend helped me realize, are more about misunderstanding and bad timing rather than actual treachery or unfaithfulness.
I also commend the movie for not just dwelling on or condemning the most obvious form of betrayal in the story – marital infidelity – and making it necessarily the most egregious or destructive. To me, the mother’s betrayal of her son (and possibly even sons) fits that description.
The movie’s denouement left a bit to be desired, in my opinion, as it tried to wrap things up a little too tidily. It was strong for as long as it allowed characters to respond to those who had betrayed them by forgiving, struggling to forgive, or finding they were unable to forgive. But then it seemed to cut this short prematurely and the movie just ended. I will say that I was pleased with the resolution between the “two young people trying to find themselves even as they try to find each other” (as you so cleverly and accurately phrased it!).
Overall, I share your rating of a thumbs-up, with some minor reservations.
Your “comment” is an excellent review that is worthy of standing alone without my review altogether! Glad to note that you are like-minded in processing of some of the main themes of the movie. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts as well. Good points, all, especially the connection you draw on the point of the commonality of betrayal with the various relationships in the story.
There’s another Hindi one playing in our neighborhood cinemas that I might go see tonight… 🙂
Thank you – you are too kind! If you do indeed go this evening I hope you enjoy the movie and I look forward to your review. 🙂
Thank you. We decided against it because some people are feeling rushed. Were it left up to me I would do it all. 😱😁