Good Contemporary Indian Cinema

Rating: 10/10 (31 January 2006)

Intro : Aamir Khan takes the viewer to yet another dimension in Indian films - a dimension where he allows many newcomers to take centre stage rather than an ego driven movie centred solely on him....
The Scenario : The movie is based on a group of close knit friends and some outsiders who eventually come together to work on a common project - a documentary on some of India's freedom fighters.
There is an introduction of these characters, some of their families, social standings, their philosophies etc. The director focuses on these little niggles which are affecting India as a whole today like inter-religious mistrust, corruption, death of idealism etc
Any similarities to Dil Chahta Hai or Ghulam will be quashed very quickly. This movie - as laid back as it may be seen as in the beginning gets serious very soon. Certain events eventually lead to a chain of tragic events and soul searching not only for the characters but also the audience.
Pros A good flashback pre 1947/present day scenarios where we see our characters becoming the embodiments of heroes like C Azaad, Bhagat S etc.
Then there's the "intellectual stereotyping" which actually shows the viewers what the mosaic of Indian ethnicities is - in a mature manner, rather than the typical cheap-style many outdated Indian directors use to gather a few laugh at the expense of hurting ethnic/religious sentiments.
One of the highlights which separates this film from mainstream Indian cinema is the absence of song sequences in the 'traditonal sense'. All songs are timed well and in the background. Music score is progressive and entertaining. The title song with its very well choreographed colours of Punjab is the highlight.
Performances by many of the actors are commendable - especially Atul Kulkarni and Sharman Joshi. The tough Hindi spoken by Alice Patton is very appreciative. Aamir in a punjabi first does much better from his coke ad and pulls off another good performance minus any melodrama or domination.
The unpredictability of this movie makes it very welcoming for Indian cinema as a whole.
Cons Perhaps certain events carried out by the members are a bit unrealistic.
Who should watch it? Ideally I'd say everyone but if anyone is looking for anything Aamir has done before with a feel good factor, then this is not for them.