An extremely disappointing film from Mr Srijit Mukherji. A low Second Class from a Presidencian ... extremely disappointing!
The story and concept is strong, but the execution extremely weak. If it was not for the acting and characterization of the fabulous Ms Vidya Balan and most of the other cast, this film would be dreary, bland, and quite surprisingly, a big drag. The film's narrative was monochromatic, lacking in cinematic magic, depth, and speed, and the brusque and forced elements of unpredictability and sub-plots and side-stories completely unattached and apathetic.
The liberal perspectives of a feminist (or humanist) standpoint against the backdrop of the angst of Partition could have been more intricately and passionately explored. The existential crises and the fears that were imposed on the affected people during Partition were nowhere in the film. In its dragging pace despite its misandrous histrionics, Begum Jaan shows no understanding of the agony and impasse afflicting those in its grip; in its preoccupation with staged flashes, Begum Jaan neglects revealing its soul and story. As a consequence, we feel nothing for the characters and their social standings.
This film could have so well and cleverly explored the no-compromise zone of the 'kotha' inmates against the canvas of the Partition; but unfortunately it did not. Visual elements of "half-faces" were unnecessarily stretched to irritations. No wonder many in the theatre were frequently thumbing with their mobiles ... a sad irritation to all those behind them.
Yes, there are scenes to shock and provoke, but they were like a handful of peppercorns in a tasteless tepid papaya soup. Didn't gel.
And, oh yes, I'm not an expert, but were the dresses conforming to Punjab in the late 1940's? They looked more Awadhi/Lucknavi in style.
Is there nothing to like? Ms Balan merits a 9+, as usual perhaps. Others too were good, would range between 8 and 9. For me, the film overall would not rate higher than a 6. I'm rating it 4 now just to balance the suspiciously high numbers who have rated it 10. IMHO, anyone who rates this film overall higher than 6.5 either has not watched the film, has some vested interest, or does not understand cinema. The film, as shown, was probably stretched an hour too long for its own good. That hour could have explored many many essential angles instead, for example, why was the 'kotha' under this specific Raja's patronage, and from when?
The story and concept is strong, but the execution extremely weak. If it was not for the acting and characterization of the fabulous Ms Vidya Balan and most of the other cast, this film would be dreary, bland, and quite surprisingly, a big drag. The film's narrative was monochromatic, lacking in cinematic magic, depth, and speed, and the brusque and forced elements of unpredictability and sub-plots and side-stories completely unattached and apathetic.
The liberal perspectives of a feminist (or humanist) standpoint against the backdrop of the angst of Partition could have been more intricately and passionately explored. The existential crises and the fears that were imposed on the affected people during Partition were nowhere in the film. In its dragging pace despite its misandrous histrionics, Begum Jaan shows no understanding of the agony and impasse afflicting those in its grip; in its preoccupation with staged flashes, Begum Jaan neglects revealing its soul and story. As a consequence, we feel nothing for the characters and their social standings.
This film could have so well and cleverly explored the no-compromise zone of the 'kotha' inmates against the canvas of the Partition; but unfortunately it did not. Visual elements of "half-faces" were unnecessarily stretched to irritations. No wonder many in the theatre were frequently thumbing with their mobiles ... a sad irritation to all those behind them.
Yes, there are scenes to shock and provoke, but they were like a handful of peppercorns in a tasteless tepid papaya soup. Didn't gel.
And, oh yes, I'm not an expert, but were the dresses conforming to Punjab in the late 1940's? They looked more Awadhi/Lucknavi in style.
Is there nothing to like? Ms Balan merits a 9+, as usual perhaps. Others too were good, would range between 8 and 9. For me, the film overall would not rate higher than a 6. I'm rating it 4 now just to balance the suspiciously high numbers who have rated it 10. IMHO, anyone who rates this film overall higher than 6.5 either has not watched the film, has some vested interest, or does not understand cinema. The film, as shown, was probably stretched an hour too long for its own good. That hour could have explored many many essential angles instead, for example, why was the 'kotha' under this specific Raja's patronage, and from when?