Dhobi Ghat [2011]

The opening scene, that shows a taxi and Marine Drive through its window, shot by hand held cam, and dialogues in background - this alone makes audience feel that this is going to be a wonderful cinematic experience. Mumbai-has been depicted 'n' times by our film makers. Each film has its own story to tell, very few get it right on. And when it comes to our new breed of directors, its a win-win situation for viewers. Recently we saw fantastic Wake Up Sid that portrayed colors of the city, on the other hand, OUATIM and Striker took us to dark past of the maximum city. Now its Kiran Rao's turn, to show Mumbai through eyes of outsiders-especially-women.

Weaving of four lives is the highlight of the screenplay. Especially, the part of Yasmin Noor [played by Kriti Malhotra - marvelous natural performance]. She has got the best dialogues throughout the movie. The way she describes the city, the lives of people and her own life-simply lovable and intriguing.  [Don't want to spoil for those who haven't seen it] Loved the way her life is shown in the movie. How Arun [Aamir Khan] gets affected by her and how his life gets changed, while two parallels are running simultaneously - Munna [Prateik] and Shai [Monica Dogra], that touches Arun's life too. Not a single character goes unnoticed by the viewer, the smallest part is important [for example-Yasmin's maid and her daughter].

Apart from Kriti Malhotra, the central character Munna [Prateik Babbar] is outstanding. One can not ignore his charm on screen. Playing a dhobi who aspires to become an actor some day-Pratiek shines in his part. Smoothly he portrays the inquisitiveness of a slum dweller. Aamir - [now you know what I will write for him :P] is excellent as always-but I hope he won't do such roles again-i fear he will get typecast-that itself is against his own rules. But yes, the climax gets brilliant because of him. [OMG moment is-the painting]. Monica Dogra as Shai-is perfect for her part.

Whats noteworthy in the film is its direction. Most of the crucial scenes filmed by hand held camera that makes it really interesting. And that too-not as a gimmick but has been done purposefully. Even the still photographs are used brilliantly to show the moods of city. Cinematography by Tushar Kanti Ray is one of the heart of the film - so is the scintillating score by Gustavo Santaolalla. Wondering whose idea was-to use classical music [thumris?] as part of many scenes, the score keeps viewer's attention attached to the story and characters.

Its a poetry about the city and the lives of Mumbai. [repeating from WUS review] If you love the city of Mumbai - this one is a must watch.


on a side note - Blogger dost Dolce's review quoted that- "Aamir did announce 2-3 times before screening at Toronto Festival- that 'this is not Ghajini'."
I feel Aamir should have done that here too. I saw many in the audience who came there just because of Aamir & his recent movies. And finding out a movie that is beyond their expectation - leaving the hall telling it 'boring' movie. Sigh...

Tags : Dhobi Ghat movie review, Dhobi Ghat review, Aamir Khan, Monica Dogra, Kriti Malhotra, Prateik Babbar, Kiran Rao