Rating: ***
When it comes to abstract cinematic themes, Bollywood usually prefersto stay away. Numerous friends and sworn critics of Hindi films wouldnt think before agreeing, and unfortunately they are right. Butif you look carefully enough through the quagmire of the 800 or so odd films the Bollywood churns out every year, I am sure you would be ableto find around a dozen or so that would clearly stand out in terms oftheir plot. These are films by people who have enough conviction to weave a tale that are novel and refreshing, but at the same time,usually too gloomy or abstract for the common Indian man/woman to comprehend or relate to. MGKNM is another such film, although it ismeant for each and every Indian to watch, think about and introspect.
Although not a cinematic masterpiece, MGKNM is definitely worth applauding for a very novel idea. I am not aware of this has been inspired by some other story or not, but the script surely scores a few brownie points. I wont say as far as saying that the plot, scriptor the screenplay are without flaws, but it definitely is a sincere attempt.Anupam Kher plays a character who suffers from a disease similar toAlzhiemer's disease, and manages to enact the role pretty well. His work is not monumental in any sense, and it definitely is not his best erformance. 'Saaraansh' and 'Daddy' were far more superior than this. But its surely a welcome change to see him in something other than slapstic after over a decade! Anupam Kher' body language is probably okay and his expressions fine, but he does not succeed in evoking much sympathy or tears. Although I could understand what was going on, and interested in knowing what happens next, I never ever felt that pull at the strings of my emotions. And thats where I think he failed! Though comparisons are unfair, I cannot forget the splendid work done by Dame Judi Dench in her Oscar nominated role of 'Iris', who alsohappens to be an Alzhiemer's patient. I cried while watching themovie, and a couple of hours after that as well. Anupam Kher's performance, in that sense, seems somewhat shallow - good, but surely not brilliant! After all, tugging at his hair, looking at wierd angles and crying like a kid doesnt necessarily translate into fine acting! But he is not alone to blame. A lot of this could have been avoided ifhe had better make up, ad less perfect clothes all the time. He lookstoo prim and proper (in some scenes) to be taken as seriously suffering from a syndrome like this. And his voice seems to defy his anguish and suffering too! But, once again, I must re-iterate that Anupam Kher is just under-utilized and could have delivered a much better performance, given the screenplay and direction did more than what they have managed to do.
Urmila Matondkar, who plays the daughter of Anupam Kher in the movie,also delivers as per the role demands. Well, almost. For one, Urmila comes across as a method actress, with a lot of her facial expressions seen too many times already in many movies. Not to say that she is a bad actress or anything, but her repertoire of expressions sometimes looks limited. Irrespective of the fact, she does stand out in thecast of the film. Her role is perhaps the best in terms of character sketch. And she plays it with conviction, and really impresses in a few sequences. Her makeup and costumes seem a bit too loud, and make up too perfect, but I wont complain too much about that. Her anger, helplessness, fatigue, duty and guilt are portrayed very well and one could try to ignore these more 'technical' aspects. Among other artists, Parvin Dabas, Waheeda Rehman, Prem Chopra are all really not needed. Any junior artist could have played those roles as well. Addyas Urmila's brother is good, but Rajit Kapoor seems like a "perfect miscast" in his role!
Many a sequences show that the director Jahnu Barua is a very capable director. He definitely has a very easy narrative and deserves applause for the sensitive handling of the film, without being melodramatic or preachy. But his offering sometimes seems to have gaps and loopholes that do make you wonder WHY? or HOW? The director also misses out on the climax - the point of the movie which actually forms the crux of what the film is all about! But that impact, though noticeable, does not linger on. The way the climax is brought about seems somewhat unripe or premature. But what is said and conveyed is actually very valid and very impressive. Who killed Gandhi? Was it Nathuram Godse? No, it was not. Nathuram only killed a man, a body! But the spirit of Gandhi is killed everyday by every Indian in morethan one way. What has Gandhi been reduced to - just a couple of national holidays and occasions to unfurl a flag or shower some flower petals on his grave? The Father of the Nation adorning all currency notes! What does Gandhi, if anything, mean in today's India? WHAT?... This and many more questions are raised in the film, and it iswhere that the film and the filmmaker score. Barua is a welcome addition to the bevy of new directors that are making their mark in tinsel town, but he needs more experience and maturity to do complete justice to films like Maine Gandhi ko Nahin Mara!On the whole, the concept is appealing, the script fresh and interesting and the performances competent. Yet it is not a masterpiece. Those who love alternatives to the usual corny cocktails that Bollywood serves would surely like the experience.
