Strong Colors but not enough to complete picture

Rating: 6/10 (4 February 2006)

Aamir fans had great expectations (not measuring to Charles dickens level) when Mangal Pandey released and they ultimately got disappointment. Therefore one reason for this film being a runaway hit in its opening days is because of the fact that it matches their expectations though not surpassed them. But so much of unwanted hype and one sided, highly appreciative reviews only gives a distorted view and in the final run will do more harm than good to this otherwise reasonably good but not a great film. A Balanced review and proper analysis is more the need of the hour for this film. Yes, this is definitely best film released so far this year 2006 and might become one of the best for this year but that is not good enough. Since the film overall has more merits than demerits therefore I like to discuss the DEMERITS first. It starts with a dose of pop patriotism. First and foremost, why we always need a Firang for awaking us? Can't we Indians just don't have it in us? Then I would say it is better to be slaves again. A saffron brigade activist Atul Kulkarni whose purpose is to launch a movement against western influence got suddenly bitten by this acting bug, is quite surprising. The subject chosen is right but it gets lost somewhere in the development post interval, and the final product comes across more as a confused product therefore screenplay of post-interval is main culprit here. The result, well, Post interval film goes into heavy jingoism and slogan ism, as if it lost its track, due to weak premise and you get to see an altogether different film. Nowhere and at no point it appears that the reel life of close friends starts affecting them, and they are now an enlightened souls. Therefore, the cause for murder looks more like a revenge for their dead friend and not an act of patriotism. Concept wise this film is closer to Gulzar's "Maachis" than to "Dil Chahta Hai", and "The Legend of Bhagat Singh".as if killing wrong politicians the only solution left then it is shown more effectively in films like Maachis and Hu Tu Tu. Film do have great potential only if it talked about finding a solution and getting youth organized rather than giving them a message of resorting to violence. Why? Let me explain. Killing of a top politician, that too so easily reminds of a bollywood potboiler. As if it is telling that in such big scams just one person is involved? How strange? I am not saying that such killing is entirely wrong but someone should also take the path of judiciary. What a heavy price to pay when we have to loose six, bright, young countrymen for the cost of one corrupt? Sorry I am not agreed. Much worse, after killing Minister, it appears as if our boys wanted to become heroes in the eyes of media and therefore capture a radio station to give a jingoistic speech to the public. That whole act looks absurd and illogical as if they have gone there to commit suicide. Why is there so much Graphic depiction of violence when it is actually not needed? Moreover, sending black cat commandos straightway to kill some amateur terrorists, looks slightly out of place. Come on sir, this film has a class and it is not just for illiterate masses please. Question remains, is killing corrupt people the only way left for the justice to prevail? The issue is not handled with responsibility.
Now the MERITS, and yes they are many. Finally we have a film that did not talk about a boy from privileged class meeting an NRI girl or vice versa and sings songs in Swiss Alps. But we have something else. What a relief! On being called his friend a 'Pakistani", a non-Muslim stood up to bash the caller, debate between Muslim father-son, the realization by a religious fundamentalist about his party's real intentions and his apologizing to the friend from opposite caste are all such praiseworthy scenes which clearly tells that literates of this generation are definitely not going to carry the baggage of the past religious hatred. Good and perfect casting, great characterization, well-proportionate screen time for all lead actors and everybody acting so well and natural especially this new actor from southern films called Siddharth Narayan, boosted the film's appeal.. . See Aamir's (Daljeet alias DJ) performance from marvelous in the scene when he says-"Achchhe Achchhe DJ pis Gaye" to mediocre in the scene where he breaks down in front of heroine saying lines such as "wo bachchi Sonya.." God.!. We don't need such sad melodrama. Also thankfully and finally a film that has a "Clean shaved" Sikh as a protagonist otherwise in our films/media it is assumed that this breed does not exists. After Kisna and Dil Jo Bhi Kahey, if we continue getting talented foreigner actresses as leading ladies then this will surely give our item- hungry, heavy buxom ed , mumbaiya bimbette Heroines a run for their money. Slick and stylish shot taking, without loosing substance, with unconventional camera-work is another winning feature that gives this film a raw, refreshing look and one can make out that this is one film which is straight from Adfilm maker turned Film Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's heart and not just mind. Music- for background and for songs is first rate. The film is packed with style, drama, necessary ingredients and the entertainment value, which is justified in keeping with box office success. The pace is fast with no dull moments. The technical finesse is ample as the picturisation especially of songs reminds you of Film Yuwa. I still considers films like Khamosh Paani (2003, I call it an Indian film), Maqbool(2004) or Iqbal (2005) as the classics of modern times and not this one. But yes, film has its share of merits and therefore it deserves to be a hit, finally.