Love is messy, complicated, and seldom easy. It's patient and kind but demands the world. Anurag Kashyap's latest 'Manmarziyaan' is an ode to that glorious feeling. A filmmaker known for making dark and twisted cinema (recall 'Dev D', 'Gangs of Wasseypur', and the phenomenal 'Sacred Games') takes a turn for the commercial. An out and out love story that's family friendly. Who would've thought?
Manmarziyaan is a classic love triangle. Think 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' meets 'Silsila' with a modern twist. The lover is still frowned upon and the saint-like outsider is still in vogue. But the object of both of their affections is calling the shots this time around. Aha, we've progressed. Rumi (an apt name) and Vicky are very much in love...or rather fyaar. Replace the P in pyaar with an F and it makes all the difference if you catch my drift. They can't keep their hands off of each other much to their families' dismay but bring marriage into the equation and the strength of their fyaar and pyaar is tested. Enter Robbie, a soft-spoken and reasonable fellow, who falls in love with the brash Rumi appropriately completing the love triangle. The tale is as old as time but its treatment is fresh. Of course with Anurag Kashyap at the helm you expect nothing less.
Kanika Dhillon has written a mostly compelling screenplay with decently fleshed out characters. But how I wish there was a twist in the tale. Something different than what we expect from these people. Everything is resolved in a way that you see coming from a mile away. It's an enjoyable but predictable ride. Set in Punjab to Amit Trivedi's infectious tunes the mood and feel of the film are spot on. The dialogues and supporting characters and actors are terrific, particularly the interaction between Robbie's mother and house help bring the house down. With so much scope for drama, it is a love triangle after all, Anurag carefully avoids melodrama by weaving together humor and emotions in a concoction that generally satisfies.
Much has been made about Bachchan Junior's return to the big screen. He's in good form after a few years and mishaps. There is some genuine effort here but he can still do more. Vicky Kaushal is having an incredible year at the movies with 'Raazi', 'Sanju', and now this. He plays the loud and over the top Vicky with ease and brings a ton of fun to his character. Tapsee Pannu, in an especially challenging role, is the heart of the film. She makes you like and question Rumi without really disliking her. Mr. Kashyap brings out the best in a well cast and committed trio.
Manmarziyaan is an entertaining but not particularly memorable film. But there's enough good here. The voice is new. The music and dialogues are top notch. And the love is as complex as it should be. In a refreshing turn of events, the characters make their own decisions. Good, bad, and ugly. Give it a watch, you'll find enough to like in this world.
Manmarziyaan is a classic love triangle. Think 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' meets 'Silsila' with a modern twist. The lover is still frowned upon and the saint-like outsider is still in vogue. But the object of both of their affections is calling the shots this time around. Aha, we've progressed. Rumi (an apt name) and Vicky are very much in love...or rather fyaar. Replace the P in pyaar with an F and it makes all the difference if you catch my drift. They can't keep their hands off of each other much to their families' dismay but bring marriage into the equation and the strength of their fyaar and pyaar is tested. Enter Robbie, a soft-spoken and reasonable fellow, who falls in love with the brash Rumi appropriately completing the love triangle. The tale is as old as time but its treatment is fresh. Of course with Anurag Kashyap at the helm you expect nothing less.
Kanika Dhillon has written a mostly compelling screenplay with decently fleshed out characters. But how I wish there was a twist in the tale. Something different than what we expect from these people. Everything is resolved in a way that you see coming from a mile away. It's an enjoyable but predictable ride. Set in Punjab to Amit Trivedi's infectious tunes the mood and feel of the film are spot on. The dialogues and supporting characters and actors are terrific, particularly the interaction between Robbie's mother and house help bring the house down. With so much scope for drama, it is a love triangle after all, Anurag carefully avoids melodrama by weaving together humor and emotions in a concoction that generally satisfies.
Much has been made about Bachchan Junior's return to the big screen. He's in good form after a few years and mishaps. There is some genuine effort here but he can still do more. Vicky Kaushal is having an incredible year at the movies with 'Raazi', 'Sanju', and now this. He plays the loud and over the top Vicky with ease and brings a ton of fun to his character. Tapsee Pannu, in an especially challenging role, is the heart of the film. She makes you like and question Rumi without really disliking her. Mr. Kashyap brings out the best in a well cast and committed trio.
Manmarziyaan is an entertaining but not particularly memorable film. But there's enough good here. The voice is new. The music and dialogues are top notch. And the love is as complex as it should be. In a refreshing turn of events, the characters make their own decisions. Good, bad, and ugly. Give it a watch, you'll find enough to like in this world.
