I loved Delhi-6! This movie not only beautifully depicts life of the people in Old Delhi, but also sheds light on differences in people's mindset when it comes to questioning their deep-rooted faiths, prejudices and practices. I would call Delhi-6 a poem rather than a movie because it carries the following attributes of a poem: 1) very well written, 2) there are lot of metaphors and symbolism involved, and 3) one would require go through the content more than once to comprehend the underlying meaning. It was a delightful experience going though this beautiful poem! The movie cast is spot on, the music is great, and added to this is the astounding cinematography; all put together gives you the real flavor of what Delhi is all about. The narrative may not be pacy, and there are few action sequences and dance numbers that may leave regular movie-goers not so impressed. On the other hand, this movie offers a strong social message and emphasizes highly on communal harmony and national integration. There are so many tiny details in the movie one may miss in the first go. This reflects on how much effort would have been put on script writing. Overall, I enjoyed Delhi-6 and I would say this movie is suitable for audience who wish to hear a story with a moral.
121 Reviews
Absolutely Amazing!
jiteshkumar20 February 2009
What a delight! The streets of Delhi haven't ever looked as affable as through the camera of Binod Pradhan in Delhi-6. To be honest, when I had heard the music release, a few songs seemed out-of-place/non-inspiring, but every note played in the movie seems to blend seamlessly with the plot.
It's not a perfect movie - the plot seems to be unconvincing in the last 20 minutes, but that doesn't even manage to scrape the lingering happy feeling that you're left with from the previous couple of hours of the movie.
I found three remarkable things about the movie. I've already mentioned the cinematography - it makes you wish you were there. Then there is a bunch of the most heartwarming, hilarious scenes written and enacted brilliantly. Yet, the performance by the actors is what remains with you when you step out of the theater. Divya Dutta, Deepak Dobriyal, and Vijay Raaz stand out and have such impact through their few appearances that you end up believing they were on screen for almost the entire movie. Waheeda Rahman and Rishi Kapoor remind us that Old is Gold. In fact, the entire cast is full of life, and has carried the story on its shoulders through every scene. Abhishek Bachhan has done justice to his talent.
If you're a fan of the old run-on-the-mill Indian movie, better stay at home. If you wish to see a delightful approach to cinema, go catch the movie.
I rate it at 7/10.
It's not a perfect movie - the plot seems to be unconvincing in the last 20 minutes, but that doesn't even manage to scrape the lingering happy feeling that you're left with from the previous couple of hours of the movie.
I found three remarkable things about the movie. I've already mentioned the cinematography - it makes you wish you were there. Then there is a bunch of the most heartwarming, hilarious scenes written and enacted brilliantly. Yet, the performance by the actors is what remains with you when you step out of the theater. Divya Dutta, Deepak Dobriyal, and Vijay Raaz stand out and have such impact through their few appearances that you end up believing they were on screen for almost the entire movie. Waheeda Rahman and Rishi Kapoor remind us that Old is Gold. In fact, the entire cast is full of life, and has carried the story on its shoulders through every scene. Abhishek Bachhan has done justice to his talent.
If you're a fan of the old run-on-the-mill Indian movie, better stay at home. If you wish to see a delightful approach to cinema, go catch the movie.
I rate it at 7/10.
Feels Like A Book
Hansda_Sowvendra_Shekhar25 February 2009
Delhi-6 is not a film, it is a novel. The way it starts with Amitabh Bachchan reciting a poem, like an epigraph in a novel the opening dialogue something in the first person, like a debut novel written in the first person the number of characters, the (often looney) events, the setting a right ingredient for a novel to be chosen for those hot-shot literary prizes and Abhishek Bachchan's character jumping over rooftops and demons and vaanars of the Ramleela flying in the air and the Statue of Liberty growing right there in the middle of Chandni Chowk (Gali Paswan in the film) are what a litterateur would call elements of magic realism that Marquez and other authors of Latin America, Rushdie and Yann Martel have popularized. So, Delhi-6 has everything that a budding writer could dream about. Rakeysh Mehra should have written a novel called Delhi-6, got an agent, and had it published, and seen it climb the bestsellers list. He could have, perhaps, won a prize or two. Because Delhi-6 the movie is just two-hours-and-a-half of gibberish.
First, it takes quite some time for the viewer to figure out what is happening, because what is happening starts happening only after all the characters have been assembled. An ailing grandmother (Waheeda Rehman) who wishes to return to India to die in the city she was born in; her NRI grandson (Abhishek Bachchan) who brings her to India but has no intentions of staying; the friendly Muslim gentleman (Rishi Kapoor) who receives them and who was once in live with the NRI dude's mother (Tanvi Azmi); two warring brothers (Om Puri and Pawan Malhotra); their friendly wives (Supriya Pathak and Sheena Chadha); the unmarried sister (Aditi Rao Hydari); the girl who wishes to break free (Sonam Kapoor); the fraud neighbourhood photographer (Cyrus Sahukar) who, she thinks, would help her break free; the greedy lala (Prem Chopra); the Muslim halwai (Deepak Dobriyal); the elderly Muslim gentleman (K. K. Raina); the saffron-clad monsterly baba (Akhilendra Mishra); the corrupt Haryanvi cop (Vijay Raaz); the alley fool (Atul Kulkarni); and the low-caste sweeper (Divya Dutta) who has a crush on the alley fool. To add to the mayhem there is the Monkey Man (yes, you're reading right) who has tormented the entire city.
It would have taken a little above 300-pages in a standard paperback to bring all these characters to life. In a 2-hour-30-minute movie it was a bit difficult, but thanks to these wonderful actors each one of them is a gem, Rishi Kapoor, Divya Dutta and Atul Kulkarni, especially Mehra's work was rendered too easy. It is difficult to catch either the head or the tail of the plot in the first one hour, but the characters are so endearing and the songs by Prasoon Joshi and A. R. Rahman (especially the 'Genda Phool' number) are so catchy, the viewer is lost in the film.
Post-intermission, there is this Abhishek-Sonam love angle, and it would have been better had Mehra put in a little more of their sweet-nothings (for Sonam fresh and willowy looks heavenly, while Abhishek in his beard and fake accent is just cute). But hey! As I've already written, the film is gibberish, and the gibberish begins here. A communal tension angle spoils the entire thing. The film has a very tacky climax, a very tacky climax. One of the tackiest in Bollywood. And I'm so particular about this climax because Delhi-6 is not your usual Bollywood fare. It is, to use the cliché, different. And I mean it. And I wish Mehra had retained its differentness. He tries to put in some social message stuff like 'Rang De Basanti' and it spoils everything.
However, it is not to late. Mehra could still turn Delhi-6 into a novel. And I'm sure it would be enjoyed more as a novel. Perhaps, he would put in a few more characters. We'll take them all. But Delhi-6 the film, well, watch it for the Abhishek-Sonam chemistry, Atul Kulkarni, Divya Dutta, Rishi Kapoor, the comedy by Om Puri and Pawan Malhotra, and the music by A. R. Rahman. Don't ask for anything more and you won't be disappointed.
First, it takes quite some time for the viewer to figure out what is happening, because what is happening starts happening only after all the characters have been assembled. An ailing grandmother (Waheeda Rehman) who wishes to return to India to die in the city she was born in; her NRI grandson (Abhishek Bachchan) who brings her to India but has no intentions of staying; the friendly Muslim gentleman (Rishi Kapoor) who receives them and who was once in live with the NRI dude's mother (Tanvi Azmi); two warring brothers (Om Puri and Pawan Malhotra); their friendly wives (Supriya Pathak and Sheena Chadha); the unmarried sister (Aditi Rao Hydari); the girl who wishes to break free (Sonam Kapoor); the fraud neighbourhood photographer (Cyrus Sahukar) who, she thinks, would help her break free; the greedy lala (Prem Chopra); the Muslim halwai (Deepak Dobriyal); the elderly Muslim gentleman (K. K. Raina); the saffron-clad monsterly baba (Akhilendra Mishra); the corrupt Haryanvi cop (Vijay Raaz); the alley fool (Atul Kulkarni); and the low-caste sweeper (Divya Dutta) who has a crush on the alley fool. To add to the mayhem there is the Monkey Man (yes, you're reading right) who has tormented the entire city.
It would have taken a little above 300-pages in a standard paperback to bring all these characters to life. In a 2-hour-30-minute movie it was a bit difficult, but thanks to these wonderful actors each one of them is a gem, Rishi Kapoor, Divya Dutta and Atul Kulkarni, especially Mehra's work was rendered too easy. It is difficult to catch either the head or the tail of the plot in the first one hour, but the characters are so endearing and the songs by Prasoon Joshi and A. R. Rahman (especially the 'Genda Phool' number) are so catchy, the viewer is lost in the film.
Post-intermission, there is this Abhishek-Sonam love angle, and it would have been better had Mehra put in a little more of their sweet-nothings (for Sonam fresh and willowy looks heavenly, while Abhishek in his beard and fake accent is just cute). But hey! As I've already written, the film is gibberish, and the gibberish begins here. A communal tension angle spoils the entire thing. The film has a very tacky climax, a very tacky climax. One of the tackiest in Bollywood. And I'm so particular about this climax because Delhi-6 is not your usual Bollywood fare. It is, to use the cliché, different. And I mean it. And I wish Mehra had retained its differentness. He tries to put in some social message stuff like 'Rang De Basanti' and it spoils everything.
However, it is not to late. Mehra could still turn Delhi-6 into a novel. And I'm sure it would be enjoyed more as a novel. Perhaps, he would put in a few more characters. We'll take them all. But Delhi-6 the film, well, watch it for the Abhishek-Sonam chemistry, Atul Kulkarni, Divya Dutta, Rishi Kapoor, the comedy by Om Puri and Pawan Malhotra, and the music by A. R. Rahman. Don't ask for anything more and you won't be disappointed.
Simply Exemplary!!
kunalkhandwala25 February 2009
While modern India races ahead towards its self-designed glory with aspirations and outlook that are based on the premise of something new and different, the majority still lives in stark contrast to these changes. The Indian society in reality is multi-faced with its culture, customs, traditions, orthodox outlook, communal bitterness, corruption and above all, hypocrisy. Delhi 6 is a mirror shown to us that portrays this Indian society in changing times. Now whether one chooses to believe that the image in the mirror is a story-less facade, a mockery or a genuinely vivid portrayal of the Indian kaleidoscope is a matter more of acceptance than of opinion.
Rakesh OmPrakash Mehra's 'Aks' was a bold venture into the indestructible evil but his distinct narrative style was incomprehensible by the majority. His next film claimed an iconic status for him and 'Rang De Basanti' became a cult movie with outstanding music, technical finesse, brilliant story telling and a soul stirring message. With 'Delhi 6', Rakesh Mehra gives us a view of his childhood locality in Delhi through the eyes of an NRI who finds the warmth and diversity appeal to him as he brings his ailing grandmother back home. Soon he discovers the hypocrisy and backwardness that lies underneath the surface of the society that first gave him love but now leaves him in disbelief of the reality around him. There is a subtle meaning behind every dialog, a satirical take on every reality, a brilliant visual for everything beautiful, a metaphorical implication for our inner selves in parallel plots, the meaningful and unique compositions of Prasoon Joshi with AR Rehman's genius and a narrative so powerful yet subtle in context and delivery. Rakesh Mehra proves yet again, that he is a class apart from the rest.
The narrative is like a rich textured, painfully woven cloth made of fine individual threads of varied colors that exemplify the film's diverse characters. We see Delhi through the eyes of Roshan (Abhishek Bachchan) who shows maturity and greater understanding of the story than simply that of his character. Bittu (Sonam Kapoor-beautiful!) is the concealed modern face of an Indian Idol aspirant whose dreams are caged by her father's orthodox attitude. Waheeda Rehman plays Roshan's grand mom with her natural ability as a veteran actress while she munches on supari, Pan and dances to Genda Phool. Rishi Kapoor is at his charming best as Ali Baig, Roshan's uncle, a reputable citizen of Delhi 6 whose insight into the ways and customs of the society are both didactic and lasting in their impact. Gobar (Atul Kulkarni class act!), the simpleton who is always ridiculed by everyone has an impactive part to play towards the end while Pawan Malhotra and Om Puri play the roles of acrimonious brothers in a manner that is consistent with their brilliant acting prowess. The list of towering performances extends with Vijay Raaz as the typical corrupt and conceited policeman, Deepak Dobriyal as the rancorous victim of his society's inanity, Prem Chopra as the flamboyant moneylender and Divya Dutta as the outcast trash picker whose mockery of the hypocritical 'clean communities' pinches at the conscience of many.
Although the ensemble cast may seem like the film's highlight, it actually is Rakesh Mehra and Prasoon Joshi's script and screenplay that result in the entwined narrative leading to an analogous summation of the story. Running parallel to Roshan's discovery of India and its people is the plot involving the real life incident of Delhi's 'black monkey scare' back in 2001. This Kaala Bandar menace has shaken the very grounds of scientific and logical credibility while leaving the citizens in a fearful state. Who or what really is this Kaala Bandar?? And of what real significance is the symbolic Ramleela play?? The two aspects of the story have a deeper significance in the real message that Rakesh Mehra's nimble direction is trying to convey and is now clearly affirmed as the trademark in all his films.
AR Rehman returns in his best form after RDB. Every song bears resemblance to those of RDB's in an inconspicuous manner while remaining distinct and pertinent to Delhi 6's story. Prasoon Joshi gives us unique lyrics yet again that carry the deeper meaning which not all dialogs could convey. Genda Phool is the most imaginative song which has a rapper tune to it in the most Indian form ever heard. Rehna Tu, in true Rehman style is that one song in his album that remains the most melodious with his own voice.Bhor Bhaye and Tumre bhavan main are brilliantly rendered in classical style. Arziyan is a great composition with outstanding voices of Kailash Kher and Javed Ali. Delhi hai is the catchy theme song that shows Rehman's versatility with modern music and Kaala Bandar is like a musical story in itself in hip- hop style. Masakali is beautifully sung by Mohit Chauhan and the composition reminds us of what Gulzar would have written for a pigeon. Overall, Delhi 6 is the album that is a rare gem even by the maestro.
'Let us look at the mirror, in which we see a message, in which we see our wronged sides, our true conscience'. Delhi 6 is an honest thought; a philosophy that is truly a reflection of what is around us but which we tend to disregard in our own arrogance or ignorance. The movie's true hero is the crazy Fakir who roams around with a mirror in his hand while narrating the film's enduring philosophy "zarre zarre main usika noor hai, jhaankh khud main, woh Na tujhse door hai .." Rakesh Mehra's film- making embodies sheer brilliance in story telling, running parallel narratives, strong and witty script, superlative screenplay that does equal justice to an ensemble star cast and in the end leaves a deductive message that one can ponder over for quite sometime. Just go watch it.
Rakesh OmPrakash Mehra's 'Aks' was a bold venture into the indestructible evil but his distinct narrative style was incomprehensible by the majority. His next film claimed an iconic status for him and 'Rang De Basanti' became a cult movie with outstanding music, technical finesse, brilliant story telling and a soul stirring message. With 'Delhi 6', Rakesh Mehra gives us a view of his childhood locality in Delhi through the eyes of an NRI who finds the warmth and diversity appeal to him as he brings his ailing grandmother back home. Soon he discovers the hypocrisy and backwardness that lies underneath the surface of the society that first gave him love but now leaves him in disbelief of the reality around him. There is a subtle meaning behind every dialog, a satirical take on every reality, a brilliant visual for everything beautiful, a metaphorical implication for our inner selves in parallel plots, the meaningful and unique compositions of Prasoon Joshi with AR Rehman's genius and a narrative so powerful yet subtle in context and delivery. Rakesh Mehra proves yet again, that he is a class apart from the rest.
The narrative is like a rich textured, painfully woven cloth made of fine individual threads of varied colors that exemplify the film's diverse characters. We see Delhi through the eyes of Roshan (Abhishek Bachchan) who shows maturity and greater understanding of the story than simply that of his character. Bittu (Sonam Kapoor-beautiful!) is the concealed modern face of an Indian Idol aspirant whose dreams are caged by her father's orthodox attitude. Waheeda Rehman plays Roshan's grand mom with her natural ability as a veteran actress while she munches on supari, Pan and dances to Genda Phool. Rishi Kapoor is at his charming best as Ali Baig, Roshan's uncle, a reputable citizen of Delhi 6 whose insight into the ways and customs of the society are both didactic and lasting in their impact. Gobar (Atul Kulkarni class act!), the simpleton who is always ridiculed by everyone has an impactive part to play towards the end while Pawan Malhotra and Om Puri play the roles of acrimonious brothers in a manner that is consistent with their brilliant acting prowess. The list of towering performances extends with Vijay Raaz as the typical corrupt and conceited policeman, Deepak Dobriyal as the rancorous victim of his society's inanity, Prem Chopra as the flamboyant moneylender and Divya Dutta as the outcast trash picker whose mockery of the hypocritical 'clean communities' pinches at the conscience of many.
Although the ensemble cast may seem like the film's highlight, it actually is Rakesh Mehra and Prasoon Joshi's script and screenplay that result in the entwined narrative leading to an analogous summation of the story. Running parallel to Roshan's discovery of India and its people is the plot involving the real life incident of Delhi's 'black monkey scare' back in 2001. This Kaala Bandar menace has shaken the very grounds of scientific and logical credibility while leaving the citizens in a fearful state. Who or what really is this Kaala Bandar?? And of what real significance is the symbolic Ramleela play?? The two aspects of the story have a deeper significance in the real message that Rakesh Mehra's nimble direction is trying to convey and is now clearly affirmed as the trademark in all his films.
AR Rehman returns in his best form after RDB. Every song bears resemblance to those of RDB's in an inconspicuous manner while remaining distinct and pertinent to Delhi 6's story. Prasoon Joshi gives us unique lyrics yet again that carry the deeper meaning which not all dialogs could convey. Genda Phool is the most imaginative song which has a rapper tune to it in the most Indian form ever heard. Rehna Tu, in true Rehman style is that one song in his album that remains the most melodious with his own voice.Bhor Bhaye and Tumre bhavan main are brilliantly rendered in classical style. Arziyan is a great composition with outstanding voices of Kailash Kher and Javed Ali. Delhi hai is the catchy theme song that shows Rehman's versatility with modern music and Kaala Bandar is like a musical story in itself in hip- hop style. Masakali is beautifully sung by Mohit Chauhan and the composition reminds us of what Gulzar would have written for a pigeon. Overall, Delhi 6 is the album that is a rare gem even by the maestro.
'Let us look at the mirror, in which we see a message, in which we see our wronged sides, our true conscience'. Delhi 6 is an honest thought; a philosophy that is truly a reflection of what is around us but which we tend to disregard in our own arrogance or ignorance. The movie's true hero is the crazy Fakir who roams around with a mirror in his hand while narrating the film's enduring philosophy "zarre zarre main usika noor hai, jhaankh khud main, woh Na tujhse door hai .." Rakesh Mehra's film- making embodies sheer brilliance in story telling, running parallel narratives, strong and witty script, superlative screenplay that does equal justice to an ensemble star cast and in the end leaves a deductive message that one can ponder over for quite sometime. Just go watch it.
- 9.29 on a scale of 1-10.
Well-executed.
Amyth4713 May 2019
My Rating : 7/10
Has a very authentic desi-feel to it, I would certainly recommend it for viewers who like old-school Bollywood masala in a middle-class family setting.
Good songs, great cinematography, the ending is it's weakest link - overall very entertaining and engaging to watch.
Has a very authentic desi-feel to it, I would certainly recommend it for viewers who like old-school Bollywood masala in a middle-class family setting.
Good songs, great cinematography, the ending is it's weakest link - overall very entertaining and engaging to watch.
Monkey Man misses the mark !
ThironthoramDude21 February 2009
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, after creaming out the rebel in all of us, shoots out another 'out of the box' drama. This time though , he misses the mark. If Multiple story lines running parallel to the main plot failing to converge sums up the first half , a highly ambiguous n hard to digest climax mars the second half.
The movie had a head start with some awesome music by A R Rahman, already creating sensation, but to say that it was underused would be an understatement. Roshan (Abhishek) comes back to the gullies of Chandini Chowk, to leave his ailing Dadi ( Waheeda Rahman) home. Here he meets character played by Rishi Kapoor (who once loved Roshan's mother) who helps him out, every time he runs into trouble with the local cop. The two fighting brothers ,played by Om puri and Pavan Malhothra , have perfectly affable families with lots of gossips and pleasantries being exchanged. Sonam Kapoor plays the female lead as Bittu ( a wannabe Indian Idol). The old Lala has a 2o-something wife who cheats on him. There is Jelebi(Divya Dutta), the untouchable of the society and last but not the least the Gobar( Athul Kulkarni), the simpleton temple worker.
The movie was complicated in itself with so many sub plots woven together, but the director seemed to pull it off with stunning ease. The monkey man episode, which was once a headline of the past was used quite ably by the director to show that the love and brotherhood that we as people have can vanish in the matter of seconds. It was all shaping up well until the messed up climax. The story with 'message' took a thorough beating. The complication was compounded with a hard to digest superlative sentimental drama in the end and to tell the truth, I felt cheated after being offered so much for around 110 minutes.
My final verdict is that, I would have preferred watching the movie without the bizarre excuse in the name of a climax !
The movie had a head start with some awesome music by A R Rahman, already creating sensation, but to say that it was underused would be an understatement. Roshan (Abhishek) comes back to the gullies of Chandini Chowk, to leave his ailing Dadi ( Waheeda Rahman) home. Here he meets character played by Rishi Kapoor (who once loved Roshan's mother) who helps him out, every time he runs into trouble with the local cop. The two fighting brothers ,played by Om puri and Pavan Malhothra , have perfectly affable families with lots of gossips and pleasantries being exchanged. Sonam Kapoor plays the female lead as Bittu ( a wannabe Indian Idol). The old Lala has a 2o-something wife who cheats on him. There is Jelebi(Divya Dutta), the untouchable of the society and last but not the least the Gobar( Athul Kulkarni), the simpleton temple worker.
The movie was complicated in itself with so many sub plots woven together, but the director seemed to pull it off with stunning ease. The monkey man episode, which was once a headline of the past was used quite ably by the director to show that the love and brotherhood that we as people have can vanish in the matter of seconds. It was all shaping up well until the messed up climax. The story with 'message' took a thorough beating. The complication was compounded with a hard to digest superlative sentimental drama in the end and to tell the truth, I felt cheated after being offered so much for around 110 minutes.
My final verdict is that, I would have preferred watching the movie without the bizarre excuse in the name of a climax !
Good Attempt
krishnapreethika15 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Delhi-6 is a great attempt aimed at bridging the illusory Hindu-Muslim divide amongst an otherwise co-existent community of Hindus and Muslims using 'kala monkey'. It makes sense that Roshan was created to bring forth the blend, not only as someone born of a mixed marriage between a Hindu father and a Muslim mother, but also of someone who is far from such illusory divides (that India still goes through) as an outsider, an American.
There were other sub-plots like the unbelievable superstition Indians steep themselves with and the romance, which converges at the last moment ... this must appeal to the intellectual movie- goers (although loosely in my opinion), if not the masses.
Delhi-6 is an icing over films like Kya Dilli Kya Lahore and Anwar, which were either bridging attempted between two individuals of separated nationalities across the border or none at all. We need many more such integrating themes, which makes people think before they act foolishly.
There were other sub-plots like the unbelievable superstition Indians steep themselves with and the romance, which converges at the last moment ... this must appeal to the intellectual movie- goers (although loosely in my opinion), if not the masses.
Delhi-6 is an icing over films like Kya Dilli Kya Lahore and Anwar, which were either bridging attempted between two individuals of separated nationalities across the border or none at all. We need many more such integrating themes, which makes people think before they act foolishly.
Delhi - 6 fails
VeekeyBharti27 February 2009
Not going deep inside the story and plot because till end I could not find a single rational storyline, not even parallel one, not eve an askew one. NRI returns to Chandni Chowk from Amrika with his ailing grand-ma (her last wish). The boy definitely like any firang desi is amused at everything. The traffic jams, cows giving birth in middle of the road, padosi behaving, interfering and yak-yakking like family members, the narrow lanes adorned with gazillion shops. Almost everything. His NRI mind is looking for an identity in the chaotic assembly. He is confused soul. So much so that by the middle of the movie he imagines one whole song where Amrika and Delhi are mixed. Watch it to believe how grossly that was shot.
The infamous 'Monkey-Man' that created a menace in Delhi few years back is the central character. Others are just supporting cast. Great performers but sadly irritating after some point of time. There are so many characters that director is busy introducing them right till the end. Zoya recently showed truck loads of them but you can identify them and remember them in LBC. In this case, you get assaulted. There is nothing that you carry when you walk out. Music? Yes, to an extent. The music no doubt is outstanding one, this truth is already established. But, the songs are placed so absurdly you almost feel sorry for A.R. Rehman. 'Rehna tu' in particular (which is a soft romantic number) will disappoint you the most.
ROPM tried to preach us the lesson of unity in diversity but he failed. Abhishek and Sonam's much talked of chemistry is invisible. Bilkul thanda, barf jaisa. It is sad to watch artists like Sheeba, Supriya, Om Puri, Pavan Malhotra, Rishi Kapoor being wasted. Mass assassination. And the preaching that every human has monkey inside along with the god doesn't go down well. I did not feel for any character or situation. Waheeda's stubbornness of not returning to Amrika gets a jolt when her grand-son yells at her and she gets teary-eyed. I did not feel sympathetic towards her. Abhishek gets shot. I did not care whether he lives or die. Sonam who looks gorgeous in any outfit is totally wasted. She gets to howl again like Saawariya in the end and this time it's for real yet I did not feel anything for her. Few scenes here and there brings in some moments but then that's long forgotten by the time you try to finally listen to Mr. Director and look for monkey inside you. But it's too late by then and the show is over.
The infamous 'Monkey-Man' that created a menace in Delhi few years back is the central character. Others are just supporting cast. Great performers but sadly irritating after some point of time. There are so many characters that director is busy introducing them right till the end. Zoya recently showed truck loads of them but you can identify them and remember them in LBC. In this case, you get assaulted. There is nothing that you carry when you walk out. Music? Yes, to an extent. The music no doubt is outstanding one, this truth is already established. But, the songs are placed so absurdly you almost feel sorry for A.R. Rehman. 'Rehna tu' in particular (which is a soft romantic number) will disappoint you the most.
ROPM tried to preach us the lesson of unity in diversity but he failed. Abhishek and Sonam's much talked of chemistry is invisible. Bilkul thanda, barf jaisa. It is sad to watch artists like Sheeba, Supriya, Om Puri, Pavan Malhotra, Rishi Kapoor being wasted. Mass assassination. And the preaching that every human has monkey inside along with the god doesn't go down well. I did not feel for any character or situation. Waheeda's stubbornness of not returning to Amrika gets a jolt when her grand-son yells at her and she gets teary-eyed. I did not feel sympathetic towards her. Abhishek gets shot. I did not care whether he lives or die. Sonam who looks gorgeous in any outfit is totally wasted. She gets to howl again like Saawariya in the end and this time it's for real yet I did not feel anything for her. Few scenes here and there brings in some moments but then that's long forgotten by the time you try to finally listen to Mr. Director and look for monkey inside you. But it's too late by then and the show is over.
I'm sorry Mr. Mehra, I underestimated you
JoshLaver25 March 2013
I remember the time the song "Masakkali" hit our TV screens. I felt a good vibe about this movie, later found out that it was from the same director who did RDB, one of my favourites. Being a regular IMDb user, the ratings below 7 barely encouraged me to watch it though. Obviously, the movie never achieved the popularity status anywhere near to that of RDB.
But for some reason, almost 4 years later, I decided to give it a try and I have to apologise Mr. Mehra for underestimating him. It is nigh impossible to emulate RDB but Delhi 6 shouldn't have done his prospects any harm. If there was anything like an Indian Oscar, Delhi 6 would have been a strong contender, considering the paucity of quality movies that get made in the biggest film industry in the world. As someone who is relatively familiar to the ways of Indian society and mentality, it was a stark depiction of the intricacies that form the gullies and chowks. The colours and noise and the varieties of personalities just illuminates the first half or so. The latter half shows the dark side, naivety, greed, ignorance, pettiness which can quite easily ruin a society.
Nothing compelled me to write something here other than the fact that moviegoers have decided to rate it 6, which is a pity. No wonder, movies like Dabangg seem to reap financial rewards and recognition and the ones like Delhi-6 are left to stray into oblivion. I loathe bollywood in general, not so bollywood music, but Delhi-6 gives me hope.
But for some reason, almost 4 years later, I decided to give it a try and I have to apologise Mr. Mehra for underestimating him. It is nigh impossible to emulate RDB but Delhi 6 shouldn't have done his prospects any harm. If there was anything like an Indian Oscar, Delhi 6 would have been a strong contender, considering the paucity of quality movies that get made in the biggest film industry in the world. As someone who is relatively familiar to the ways of Indian society and mentality, it was a stark depiction of the intricacies that form the gullies and chowks. The colours and noise and the varieties of personalities just illuminates the first half or so. The latter half shows the dark side, naivety, greed, ignorance, pettiness which can quite easily ruin a society.
Nothing compelled me to write something here other than the fact that moviegoers have decided to rate it 6, which is a pity. No wonder, movies like Dabangg seem to reap financial rewards and recognition and the ones like Delhi-6 are left to stray into oblivion. I loathe bollywood in general, not so bollywood music, but Delhi-6 gives me hope.
A well intended venture that loses the plot (slight spoiler)
sagnik_sahu21 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Rarely one comes across a Hindi movie where almost all the punch-lines are delivered by the non-lead characters. It was a novel idea. This movie was showing all the signs of being a cute collage of interesting characters and their lives in Chandni Chowk. There were beautiful moments in it which would have left its indelible footprint on your memory. Just then, the director, all of a sudden, decides to preach the audience about the values of communal-harmony and about the danger of the evil-spirit (in the guise of a "Kaala bandar") that resides in all human beings in general. This is where the movie loses the plot (in the last half hour). The sequence with Amitabh Bachchan was uninteresting to say the least.
However, it would be unfair on my part if I do not mention the commendable performance by an ensemble cast. Vijay Raaz as Inspector RanVijay, Sheeba Chaddha as Rajjo, Aditi Rao as Rama bua shine like pearls. Rahman's music is mesmerizing as usual. But the real star of the movie is Sonam Kapoor who makes every frame that she is a part of, a visual treat. She slips into the character of the aspiring singer with nonchalant ease and makes it absolutely charming.
However, it would be unfair on my part if I do not mention the commendable performance by an ensemble cast. Vijay Raaz as Inspector RanVijay, Sheeba Chaddha as Rajjo, Aditi Rao as Rama bua shine like pearls. Rahman's music is mesmerizing as usual. But the real star of the movie is Sonam Kapoor who makes every frame that she is a part of, a visual treat. She slips into the character of the aspiring singer with nonchalant ease and makes it absolutely charming.
Another Disappointment of 2009
vishimax20 February 2009
Dilli 6 was another disappointment of the year. Not only because I went in with huge expectations but also because the movie is not up to the standards by any means be it story, acting, editing or even the direction.
The story did not real appeal to me. I believe they could have chosen some better topic than Kala Bandar. The story went haywire with monkey man on one side and Abhishek's tourist visit on the other side. First half seemed like a documentary on Delhi especially Chandni Chowk with abhishek roaming around the streets of delhi doing Motorola promotions by clicking photos. Second was still better but was not at all synchronized with the first half.
The music of the film is amazing but unfortunately most of the songs are wasted in the movie. The songs are inserted anywhere and everywyhere. Rehna Tu came out of nowhere like an Aandhi and Toofan Ki Tarah Gayaab Ho Gaya lol
Coming to the acting I wasn't really impressed with any of the actors. Abhishek Bachchan hardly spoke in first half and whenever he spoke he was carrying American accent. He made some impact in last 15 minutes but was not enough to impress me.
Sonam Kapoor was wasted . I think she looked better in Saawariya .In Delhi 6 I found her character a bit mentally unstable the way she danced and spoke was a bit weird and believe me I will never fall in love with such a girl in real life.
Waheeda Rehman did quite a decent job. Rishi Kapoor didn't had much to do but impressed me whenever he came on screen. Vijay Raaz did well along with Ompuri. Vijayraaz and Abhishek Bachchan scenes were good. Abhishek and his grandfather scene cud've been avoided easily.
Dialogues were not gr8 only a couple of dialogues by rishi kapoor were good and in the end abhishek's dialogues were impressive to a certain extent.
The editing is below standard and I was disappointed by the way editing was done. There were some a couple or more scenes where I asked myself why these scenes or dialogues were included?
The story did not real appeal to me. I believe they could have chosen some better topic than Kala Bandar. The story went haywire with monkey man on one side and Abhishek's tourist visit on the other side. First half seemed like a documentary on Delhi especially Chandni Chowk with abhishek roaming around the streets of delhi doing Motorola promotions by clicking photos. Second was still better but was not at all synchronized with the first half.
The music of the film is amazing but unfortunately most of the songs are wasted in the movie. The songs are inserted anywhere and everywyhere. Rehna Tu came out of nowhere like an Aandhi and Toofan Ki Tarah Gayaab Ho Gaya lol
Coming to the acting I wasn't really impressed with any of the actors. Abhishek Bachchan hardly spoke in first half and whenever he spoke he was carrying American accent. He made some impact in last 15 minutes but was not enough to impress me.
Sonam Kapoor was wasted . I think she looked better in Saawariya .In Delhi 6 I found her character a bit mentally unstable the way she danced and spoke was a bit weird and believe me I will never fall in love with such a girl in real life.
Waheeda Rehman did quite a decent job. Rishi Kapoor didn't had much to do but impressed me whenever he came on screen. Vijay Raaz did well along with Ompuri. Vijayraaz and Abhishek Bachchan scenes were good. Abhishek and his grandfather scene cud've been avoided easily.
Dialogues were not gr8 only a couple of dialogues by rishi kapoor were good and in the end abhishek's dialogues were impressive to a certain extent.
The editing is below standard and I was disappointed by the way editing was done. There were some a couple or more scenes where I asked myself why these scenes or dialogues were included?
Not for people who only like movies to pass the time
cooluone31 March 2009
I normally very strongly dislike Hindi films. Most people who like intelligent, artful, deep films usually hate films from "Bollywood", and with good reason. There's a reason why Hindi films aren't seriously considered when there is a discussion of great films. Slumdog Millionaire doesn't count for obvious reasons.
Delhi 6 is a film which finally made me believe that there IS potential in India, and a desire to make a film which isn't just meant to be spoonfed to the audience.
For people who have spent their entire lives, watching films which are only what they are at first glance and nothing more, this film will be undoubtedly annoy and bore them. That probably means most of the Indian audience, unfortunately. And that unfortunately means, this film will not do well financially, and will discourage producers from making a wonderful film like this.
Delhi 6 will not make sense to people who take EVERY SINGLE THING in a film literally and don't dig deeper to try and understand the implicit meanings. This film is wonderfully directed, acted, and very evidently produced with heart and love.
I would definitely submit this film as the selection from India for the Oscar foreign film section. It's *that* good.
Don't watch this if you're looking for a "masala" movie. If you're looking for a film which will make you believe in India's ability to make excellent movies, this is it.
Delhi 6 is a film which finally made me believe that there IS potential in India, and a desire to make a film which isn't just meant to be spoonfed to the audience.
For people who have spent their entire lives, watching films which are only what they are at first glance and nothing more, this film will be undoubtedly annoy and bore them. That probably means most of the Indian audience, unfortunately. And that unfortunately means, this film will not do well financially, and will discourage producers from making a wonderful film like this.
Delhi 6 will not make sense to people who take EVERY SINGLE THING in a film literally and don't dig deeper to try and understand the implicit meanings. This film is wonderfully directed, acted, and very evidently produced with heart and love.
I would definitely submit this film as the selection from India for the Oscar foreign film section. It's *that* good.
Don't watch this if you're looking for a "masala" movie. If you're looking for a film which will make you believe in India's ability to make excellent movies, this is it.
Feel Good Film
messiaah20 February 2009
Delhi-6 isn't an autobiographical take on Rakeysh Mehra's childhood days in the capital city as it was made out to be . That's because the story is set around the monkey-man episode that made headlines in Delhi some years back . Of course do not expect a thriller treatment with the monkey-man chapter but rather consistently inventive, funny, entertaining and life-affirming cautionary tale .
The film centres around Roshan (Abhishek Bachchan), born and raised in America, who returns to Delhi to leave behind his ailing grandmother (Waheeda Rehman . He falls for a free-spirited but conflicted woman (Sonam Kapoor , who is preparing to become next Indian Idol.
But the film is not just about two young people. It seeks to capture the bigger picture of a neighbourhood. Its episodes capture a raft of conflicts involving families, politicians and two religious communities, Hindus and Muslims. The film creates a wonderful world of a vast neighborhood in old Delhi. But its concerns including how the fear of the black monkey is manipulated by one community to punish the minority community .
As Mehra says of his film that while it is firmly centered in old Delhi and is filled with local color, its concerns are universal.
Despite Abhishek and Sonam's romantic entanglement being a major part of the film, its appeal is enhanced by half a dozen glorious performances. Mehra deftly exploits the comic talent of Vijay Raaz , who is far more amusing here than in his earlier characters , as the pompous, corrupt and opinionated police officer. And then there is Rishi Kapoor's character, who cannot forgive himself for not having had the courage to declare his love years ago and who will now make sure that Roshan won't repeat his mistake.
Sonam Kapoor not only looks alluring but has also grown into an actress who delivers a seasoned performance for her second film . Whether she is doing a comic scene, or dancing to the feisty Masakali song or executing an act of rebellion against her family's plans for an arranged marriage, she hits the right notes. It is indeed not an easy thing to hold your own in a film filled with a great cast.
There is a sequence in the film which also serves as a powerful reminder of generational and faith gap between two people who love each other, and who can indeed tolerate each other's opinion.
The climax, which also involves the black monkey, serves a good moral ending and send viewers home in a happy mood.
The film centres around Roshan (Abhishek Bachchan), born and raised in America, who returns to Delhi to leave behind his ailing grandmother (Waheeda Rehman . He falls for a free-spirited but conflicted woman (Sonam Kapoor , who is preparing to become next Indian Idol.
But the film is not just about two young people. It seeks to capture the bigger picture of a neighbourhood. Its episodes capture a raft of conflicts involving families, politicians and two religious communities, Hindus and Muslims. The film creates a wonderful world of a vast neighborhood in old Delhi. But its concerns including how the fear of the black monkey is manipulated by one community to punish the minority community .
As Mehra says of his film that while it is firmly centered in old Delhi and is filled with local color, its concerns are universal.
Despite Abhishek and Sonam's romantic entanglement being a major part of the film, its appeal is enhanced by half a dozen glorious performances. Mehra deftly exploits the comic talent of Vijay Raaz , who is far more amusing here than in his earlier characters , as the pompous, corrupt and opinionated police officer. And then there is Rishi Kapoor's character, who cannot forgive himself for not having had the courage to declare his love years ago and who will now make sure that Roshan won't repeat his mistake.
Sonam Kapoor not only looks alluring but has also grown into an actress who delivers a seasoned performance for her second film . Whether she is doing a comic scene, or dancing to the feisty Masakali song or executing an act of rebellion against her family's plans for an arranged marriage, she hits the right notes. It is indeed not an easy thing to hold your own in a film filled with a great cast.
There is a sequence in the film which also serves as a powerful reminder of generational and faith gap between two people who love each other, and who can indeed tolerate each other's opinion.
The climax, which also involves the black monkey, serves a good moral ending and send viewers home in a happy mood.
Entertaining first half. Too preachy second half.
akhil0271 August 2021
I don't really understand the reviews here. This movie tries to explain the metaphor so much to the the point that it becomes just bad. It's not a masterpiece. It's not really bad either.
It's a mildly good movie with really messy screenplay and editing.
The scenes are cut abruptly and there's no flow in the editing. Characters doesn't have much depth and there's way too many characters as well. The climax was so weird and almost ridiculous. Or too dramatic.
The first one hour of the movie was really enjoyable though.
It's a mildly good movie with really messy screenplay and editing.
The scenes are cut abruptly and there's no flow in the editing. Characters doesn't have much depth and there's way too many characters as well. The climax was so weird and almost ridiculous. Or too dramatic.
The first one hour of the movie was really enjoyable though.
A simple mirror of complex images
shashikrishna21 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
The movie starts off by coming to the point right away. We are told that an ailing old woman (Waheeda Rehman) has only a few months to live and sitting beside her in a quintessential American clinic somewhere in New York is her America-born confused desi grandson Roshan (Abhishek). Having become the bird of migration over the last few years, the old woman now wants to die in the arms of her biological mother Delhi. The city that is a vital part of who she is. Thanks to her rightfully scorned son who has vowed never to return to that fateful and unfriendly place which threw him out because of his love affair with a Muslim girl (an always effervescent Tanvi Azmi), Roshan takes it upon himself to leave his grandmother back in her natural nest.
The two reach Delhi amid rampant reports of a bizarre 'monkey man attack' epidemic which is causing mass hysteria in the city. An amusing sighting, Roshan feels, as he dives head first into an ocean of notoriously friendly 'jalebi-wallahs', openly hostile policemen, overtly affectionate friends of his family and of course, the obliviously arrogant love of his life. The life in Delhi-6, Chandni Chowk, engulfs him in one single sip. Surrounded by a mirage of characters who are so unpretentious Roshan finds himself wondering who is now family and who is not. Almost everyone seems more than ready to help when needed, regardless of caste, faith or gender. An observation I particularly found quite endearing in India's context.
The real beat of 'Dilli 6' picks up pace in the second half. What catches you unannounced is the rapidness with which the same friendly, affectionate and unashamedly well meaning 'janta' turns shockingly menacing overnight at the slightest hint that the famed 'monkey man' could be a Muslim and that what is now a proud Islamic establishment was probably a temple a couple of centuries ago. All this, at the saying of a nameless God man who comes to the place to 'fix' the menace but ends up becoming the cause for one. It is in this deep seeded hypocritical and culturally oversensitive vein of India, that Mehra explores real pain and suffering. The good old 'Jalebi-wallah' is beaten black and blue in broad daylight as communal violence spreads faster than the invisible shadows of the infamous 'Monkey Man'. The epitome of Hindu faith, the old tree where people tie bells so that their wishes may come true is set afire one quiet night as several parallel subplots run amok as Roshan prepares for a final showdown.
'Dilli 6' attempts to do a lot of things in the limited frame it is given, which to some, might come across as a little hasty on Mehra's part. The dozen subplots that run along with Roshan's story do not necessarily harm the main narrative but do little to amplify the love story that he finds himself becoming a part of with Bittu. An angle that, I thought, could have used a few more sensitive and emotionally subtle scenes. After all, Dilli is the city of dil-wallahs is it not? So a little more attention to carefully woven 'dil-wallah' scenes between Roshan and Bittu would have served well. But looking past that, 'Dilli 6' is a wonderful attempt at capturing some complex human emotions against the backdrop of a fakir's broken mirror. It is a tribute to the simmering pot of frustrations and endless grievances middle class India has to go through which is always ready to explode in the face at the slightest provocation even if it is a fictitious one.
Performances wise everyone chips in their bit in this enterprise. Abhishek does a good job as Roshan who seems unsure about where he really belongs but slowly becomes more convinced with each altercation with something that opposes his belief system. Sonam is alright albeit she doesn't get a lot of scope to display histrionics given the generous cast in the mix. Some extremely talented folks make an appearance in pivotal roles the legendary Waheeda Rehman, the flawless Om Puri, the talented Vijay Raaz and Atul Kulkarni and of course the quite underrated Pavan Malhotra. There are also a host of new/recognizable faces who add more substance to the storyline. Music is the best part of the story, as it was with RDB too. Rehman excels with every composition but the one I loved the scenes for the most was 'Dil gira dafatan ' where Roshan gets up in a dream sequence and walks through a cloud of imaginary backdrops that mix Old Delhi and New York beautifully on a vibrant canvas with scenes from his past and present. Simply beautiful. Editing could have been a bit more natural in some vital places that I found a little hard to digest given the rather smooth flow of the narrative.
On the whole 'Dilli 6' may seem a tad preachy and philosophical to some towards the end but it does not say anything out of the ordinary but simple reminds us of what we as Indians become when put to test at the stake of religion. A grim reflection of the kind of cultural bondages we are told we belong to whereas the only one that would eventually matter is humanity. Or as the crazed fakir puts it, '...look in the mirror for the answers ' So go ahead and check out 'Dilli 6'. You might find a mirror that fits you too.
The two reach Delhi amid rampant reports of a bizarre 'monkey man attack' epidemic which is causing mass hysteria in the city. An amusing sighting, Roshan feels, as he dives head first into an ocean of notoriously friendly 'jalebi-wallahs', openly hostile policemen, overtly affectionate friends of his family and of course, the obliviously arrogant love of his life. The life in Delhi-6, Chandni Chowk, engulfs him in one single sip. Surrounded by a mirage of characters who are so unpretentious Roshan finds himself wondering who is now family and who is not. Almost everyone seems more than ready to help when needed, regardless of caste, faith or gender. An observation I particularly found quite endearing in India's context.
The real beat of 'Dilli 6' picks up pace in the second half. What catches you unannounced is the rapidness with which the same friendly, affectionate and unashamedly well meaning 'janta' turns shockingly menacing overnight at the slightest hint that the famed 'monkey man' could be a Muslim and that what is now a proud Islamic establishment was probably a temple a couple of centuries ago. All this, at the saying of a nameless God man who comes to the place to 'fix' the menace but ends up becoming the cause for one. It is in this deep seeded hypocritical and culturally oversensitive vein of India, that Mehra explores real pain and suffering. The good old 'Jalebi-wallah' is beaten black and blue in broad daylight as communal violence spreads faster than the invisible shadows of the infamous 'Monkey Man'. The epitome of Hindu faith, the old tree where people tie bells so that their wishes may come true is set afire one quiet night as several parallel subplots run amok as Roshan prepares for a final showdown.
'Dilli 6' attempts to do a lot of things in the limited frame it is given, which to some, might come across as a little hasty on Mehra's part. The dozen subplots that run along with Roshan's story do not necessarily harm the main narrative but do little to amplify the love story that he finds himself becoming a part of with Bittu. An angle that, I thought, could have used a few more sensitive and emotionally subtle scenes. After all, Dilli is the city of dil-wallahs is it not? So a little more attention to carefully woven 'dil-wallah' scenes between Roshan and Bittu would have served well. But looking past that, 'Dilli 6' is a wonderful attempt at capturing some complex human emotions against the backdrop of a fakir's broken mirror. It is a tribute to the simmering pot of frustrations and endless grievances middle class India has to go through which is always ready to explode in the face at the slightest provocation even if it is a fictitious one.
Performances wise everyone chips in their bit in this enterprise. Abhishek does a good job as Roshan who seems unsure about where he really belongs but slowly becomes more convinced with each altercation with something that opposes his belief system. Sonam is alright albeit she doesn't get a lot of scope to display histrionics given the generous cast in the mix. Some extremely talented folks make an appearance in pivotal roles the legendary Waheeda Rehman, the flawless Om Puri, the talented Vijay Raaz and Atul Kulkarni and of course the quite underrated Pavan Malhotra. There are also a host of new/recognizable faces who add more substance to the storyline. Music is the best part of the story, as it was with RDB too. Rehman excels with every composition but the one I loved the scenes for the most was 'Dil gira dafatan ' where Roshan gets up in a dream sequence and walks through a cloud of imaginary backdrops that mix Old Delhi and New York beautifully on a vibrant canvas with scenes from his past and present. Simply beautiful. Editing could have been a bit more natural in some vital places that I found a little hard to digest given the rather smooth flow of the narrative.
On the whole 'Dilli 6' may seem a tad preachy and philosophical to some towards the end but it does not say anything out of the ordinary but simple reminds us of what we as Indians become when put to test at the stake of religion. A grim reflection of the kind of cultural bondages we are told we belong to whereas the only one that would eventually matter is humanity. Or as the crazed fakir puts it, '...look in the mirror for the answers ' So go ahead and check out 'Dilli 6'. You might find a mirror that fits you too.
Failed to translate on screen
AvinashPatalay7 July 2009
Too many big names associated with this project. Apart from the mammoth star-cast, please pay attention to the three "intellectual pool" of writers contributing to the ahem... broth. The answer lies somewhere in between "Brainstorming exercise gone haywire" or "paradigm shift went overboard".
Juxtaposing is a tried and tested method for Mr. RO Mehra. The autobiographical attempt is presented with the narrative concept from Malgudi Days and juxtaposing the socio-economic Mini-India. Noble intentions indeed, sadly attempted too early considering his single-digit film-making career. There are shades of great directors in the attempt however the plot fails to connect.
I will refrain to comment on performances and this is because the character seems "small" and the actor for the part "big". Practically, everybody seems grossly under-utilised. There is hardly any actor that stays on your mind after you walkout of the cinema. Just a second, it just struck me that Rishi Kapoor was in the movie as well.
Music is innovative and loaded with good tracks. However owing to the pot-hole the Malgudi Days drops everybody into, the songs are truncated big time and lose their very purpose. Well under-utilised there again.
The last 15-minutes takes a complete mickey out of the audience. Whoever came up with it let me assure you it was a monkeys idea. Not removing the mask at the very least saved further damage. And yo - from where did the flat-liner bit seep in?
With "Aks" Mr. RO Mehra learnt a valuable lesson about the importance of screenplay. The debacle of D-6 would have contributed to the learning curve I am sure.
PS:: Jr B's accent - nay!!! Should have let him be... or watch Siddharth Makkar in "Straight" from as a reference point.
Juxtaposing is a tried and tested method for Mr. RO Mehra. The autobiographical attempt is presented with the narrative concept from Malgudi Days and juxtaposing the socio-economic Mini-India. Noble intentions indeed, sadly attempted too early considering his single-digit film-making career. There are shades of great directors in the attempt however the plot fails to connect.
I will refrain to comment on performances and this is because the character seems "small" and the actor for the part "big". Practically, everybody seems grossly under-utilised. There is hardly any actor that stays on your mind after you walkout of the cinema. Just a second, it just struck me that Rishi Kapoor was in the movie as well.
Music is innovative and loaded with good tracks. However owing to the pot-hole the Malgudi Days drops everybody into, the songs are truncated big time and lose their very purpose. Well under-utilised there again.
The last 15-minutes takes a complete mickey out of the audience. Whoever came up with it let me assure you it was a monkeys idea. Not removing the mask at the very least saved further damage. And yo - from where did the flat-liner bit seep in?
With "Aks" Mr. RO Mehra learnt a valuable lesson about the importance of screenplay. The debacle of D-6 would have contributed to the learning curve I am sure.
PS:: Jr B's accent - nay!!! Should have let him be... or watch Siddharth Makkar in "Straight" from as a reference point.
Nice Nice Nice !!!
rairaunak19 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
The movie starts at New York where Roshan is with his parents and grandmother . His grandma doesn't have much time left , and her last wish is to go back to Delhi where she spent her entire life . So she and Roshan come to Delhi .
Now in Delhi , a serial killer is on the loose - a monkey man .( This actually had happened in Delhi - i.e. the rumors actually were circulating a couple of years back ) Their neighbors over there is Bittu who aspires to be a star . However , her Dad is really strict and wants her to get married but she's against this .
Roshan gets a taste of Delhi - the traffic , the Delhi ka Dil i.e. their hospitality , gets to know about religion , beliefs , traditions , lifestyles , the caste system and also about his parents past lives in India . He also starts liking Delhi . Now he also comes to know of Bittu's dreams and feels sorry for her .
Much of the movie revolves around Raam Leela i.e. Ramayana play . This is done very nicely . Also the Serial Killer / Monkey man is integrated well into the story . Also some parts are really funny .
One thing leads to another , and Roshan and Bittu fall in love , but her Dad has other plans for her . So this is where the love story aspect comes into play but it isn't boring and it its shown nicely - not the typical Bollywood fake love lame crap
Just as Roshan gets to see the unity between the Hindus and the Muslims , he also gets to see the hatred between them . and just as he experiences Delhi's hospitality , he also feels its hostility .
SO, will Bittu become a star ? Will Roshan run back to New York with his tail between his legs ? Will Bittu and Roshan get to be together ?
Oh come on .... I wont tell you everything .. go watch the movie for yourself . But i promise you , its a really nice movie . Definitely worth watching .
Audio / Songs : The songs in this movie are good . I can't call it fantastic .Masakalli is a great track .so is - Rehna Tu . Genda Phool is different .Rest of it - ordinary .
Review Sky - 4 / 5 .
Now in Delhi , a serial killer is on the loose - a monkey man .( This actually had happened in Delhi - i.e. the rumors actually were circulating a couple of years back ) Their neighbors over there is Bittu who aspires to be a star . However , her Dad is really strict and wants her to get married but she's against this .
Roshan gets a taste of Delhi - the traffic , the Delhi ka Dil i.e. their hospitality , gets to know about religion , beliefs , traditions , lifestyles , the caste system and also about his parents past lives in India . He also starts liking Delhi . Now he also comes to know of Bittu's dreams and feels sorry for her .
Much of the movie revolves around Raam Leela i.e. Ramayana play . This is done very nicely . Also the Serial Killer / Monkey man is integrated well into the story . Also some parts are really funny .
One thing leads to another , and Roshan and Bittu fall in love , but her Dad has other plans for her . So this is where the love story aspect comes into play but it isn't boring and it its shown nicely - not the typical Bollywood fake love lame crap
Just as Roshan gets to see the unity between the Hindus and the Muslims , he also gets to see the hatred between them . and just as he experiences Delhi's hospitality , he also feels its hostility .
SO, will Bittu become a star ? Will Roshan run back to New York with his tail between his legs ? Will Bittu and Roshan get to be together ?
Oh come on .... I wont tell you everything .. go watch the movie for yourself . But i promise you , its a really nice movie . Definitely worth watching .
Audio / Songs : The songs in this movie are good . I can't call it fantastic .Masakalli is a great track .so is - Rehna Tu . Genda Phool is different .Rest of it - ordinary .
Review Sky - 4 / 5 .
Liked the black monkey theme but not attitude towards India
AishFan15 March 2009
Warning: Spoilers
After hearing rather mixed reviews for this film, I expected the unexpected walking into the theater. Good thing too. I'm sure a lot of you thought that the whole "black money" gig was a bit absurd, but as pathetic as it sounds, something like that has actually happened in Delhi as I watched on the Indian news channels. If you're planning on seeing the movie, let me warn you that this so-called "black monkey" terrorizing the city of Delhi is pretty much what the majority of the film deals with. That would be fine, however, the film has 2-3 different tracks and suddenly goes from one to the other without any common point or smooth transition.
The first track I'm talking about is Abhishek's experience of an Indian-American visiting India for the first time. The second obviously is the "black monkey." Then there is the love story between Abhishek and Sonam Kapoor. The screenplay has these three tracks mashed into this film with the writer seeming confused about which to focus on as none of three have absolutely anything in common.
Abhishek-Sonam's love story kind of pops up out of nowhere and has no significance. I understand why they choose Abhishek to be an NRI visiting for the first time. He has double identities--an American and an Indian, a Hindu and a Muslim. The madman's mirror served as a very interesting symbol as Abhishek was forced to confront himself and ask himself who he is. By having this double identity, he is able to identify the hatred within the dueling religious groups of Chandani Chowk.
The "black monkey" serves as a symbol for the Devil that lies within each one of us. The riots that occur in the movie are all due to stories, incidents, theories, self-interest, fear, fanaticism, and imaginations running wild about a black monkey. Our passion for something may be so strong that when we lose it, we let out the black monkey on a rampage. The attacks on Abhishek dressed up as the monkey is just a product of the entire community's hatred, fears, and lies for political and economic interests--not due to any external force. This symbol is really beautifully projected, and the climax is extremely powerful.
While the ideas in this movie are really nice, what I do not like is that throughout the movie India is shown as inferior to the U.S.--that the black monkey only exists in India and Abhishek does not have to deal with it in the U.S. True, such an occurrence would never happen in the States, but Americans are not a bunch of angels by any stretch of imagination. Each one of us has a black monkey in us.
Even though it is a bit disjointed and has a slight "Slumdog attitude" towards India, all in all, it's a good movie with a really nice theme. Sonam Kapoor is absolutely great--much better than Saawariya. It's surprising that someone could extract a better performance from an actor than Bhansali. Abhishek also suits the role well and does a great job. Music is disappointing except for Mashakali.
The first track I'm talking about is Abhishek's experience of an Indian-American visiting India for the first time. The second obviously is the "black monkey." Then there is the love story between Abhishek and Sonam Kapoor. The screenplay has these three tracks mashed into this film with the writer seeming confused about which to focus on as none of three have absolutely anything in common.
Abhishek-Sonam's love story kind of pops up out of nowhere and has no significance. I understand why they choose Abhishek to be an NRI visiting for the first time. He has double identities--an American and an Indian, a Hindu and a Muslim. The madman's mirror served as a very interesting symbol as Abhishek was forced to confront himself and ask himself who he is. By having this double identity, he is able to identify the hatred within the dueling religious groups of Chandani Chowk.
The "black monkey" serves as a symbol for the Devil that lies within each one of us. The riots that occur in the movie are all due to stories, incidents, theories, self-interest, fear, fanaticism, and imaginations running wild about a black monkey. Our passion for something may be so strong that when we lose it, we let out the black monkey on a rampage. The attacks on Abhishek dressed up as the monkey is just a product of the entire community's hatred, fears, and lies for political and economic interests--not due to any external force. This symbol is really beautifully projected, and the climax is extremely powerful.
While the ideas in this movie are really nice, what I do not like is that throughout the movie India is shown as inferior to the U.S.--that the black monkey only exists in India and Abhishek does not have to deal with it in the U.S. True, such an occurrence would never happen in the States, but Americans are not a bunch of angels by any stretch of imagination. Each one of us has a black monkey in us.
Even though it is a bit disjointed and has a slight "Slumdog attitude" towards India, all in all, it's a good movie with a really nice theme. Sonam Kapoor is absolutely great--much better than Saawariya. It's surprising that someone could extract a better performance from an actor than Bhansali. Abhishek also suits the role well and does a great job. Music is disappointing except for Mashakali.
Aamir Khan directed Rang De Basanti
pankajthuain5 March 2009
Rakesysh Omprakash Mehra was on dope when he made Delhi 6. In fact all the coke and dope from Dev D is not enough to make something as crappy as Delhi 6.
Rang De was simply perfect and superb. Beyond imagination. Now I know why Aamir Khan is called a perfectionist. His creative inputs make a film successful. I wish he would have agreed to do a cameo in Delhi, as even that was enough to encourage some changes to the script -- script which is not even there right now.
Coming to Delhi 6, The entire film can be summarized in one term ...or may be two terms - UTTER CRAP.
The very fact that I have not gone back to Delhi 6 music after watching the film, shows how the movie has ruined even the musical experience.
The story is half baked, characters never grow, scenes end abruptly, and there's a justification for everything. For instance, Abhishek Bachchan starts jumping from one roof to another for no reason..till at the end you realise that he would be behaving as a kala bandar and jumping around. What logic...bravo! The love story never begins..never progresses....in fact where is the love story. There was no romance. Did anyone see any chemistry...not even biology.
The beautiful song Rehna Tu is better viewed in trailers....rather than the film where it has been disgraced royally.
As for the other songs....less said the better. Thank God A R Rahman was basking in the glory of Oscars, while his wonderful music as being massacred on the silver screen.
Trying to do a Swades 2 with metaphors and metaphors....that's what Delhi 6 is about.
So many moments when you feel that the story is leading to some high point, but alas...it never happens. You leave the hall with a distorted view of Delhi (not a single word from the song Ye Dilli Hai Mere Yaar has been translated into visuals).
Every frame is fake, characters lost and the film - Trash packaged with strong PR and hard selling.
onestly, can't write beyond this, as even thinking about Delhi 6 disgusts me right now. probably mite continue it later.
Rang De was simply perfect and superb. Beyond imagination. Now I know why Aamir Khan is called a perfectionist. His creative inputs make a film successful. I wish he would have agreed to do a cameo in Delhi, as even that was enough to encourage some changes to the script -- script which is not even there right now.
Coming to Delhi 6, The entire film can be summarized in one term ...or may be two terms - UTTER CRAP.
The very fact that I have not gone back to Delhi 6 music after watching the film, shows how the movie has ruined even the musical experience.
The story is half baked, characters never grow, scenes end abruptly, and there's a justification for everything. For instance, Abhishek Bachchan starts jumping from one roof to another for no reason..till at the end you realise that he would be behaving as a kala bandar and jumping around. What logic...bravo! The love story never begins..never progresses....in fact where is the love story. There was no romance. Did anyone see any chemistry...not even biology.
The beautiful song Rehna Tu is better viewed in trailers....rather than the film where it has been disgraced royally.
As for the other songs....less said the better. Thank God A R Rahman was basking in the glory of Oscars, while his wonderful music as being massacred on the silver screen.
Trying to do a Swades 2 with metaphors and metaphors....that's what Delhi 6 is about.
So many moments when you feel that the story is leading to some high point, but alas...it never happens. You leave the hall with a distorted view of Delhi (not a single word from the song Ye Dilli Hai Mere Yaar has been translated into visuals).
Every frame is fake, characters lost and the film - Trash packaged with strong PR and hard selling.
onestly, can't write beyond this, as even thinking about Delhi 6 disgusts me right now. probably mite continue it later.
Black Monkey
deeprise198816 October 2010
One of the most underrated Indian movie. Deals with custom tradition corruption overall Black Monkey inside us that spoils our society through us. Yes it is one of the underrated movie with the underrated star Abhishek Bacchhan. The layer are so thick in this film that you have to observe and should take conclusion from it. It is old as well very contemporaneous. We should contemplate the message delivered in this movie. It is very nice movie.
Roshan has visited Delhi 6 the native place of his Grandmother who wants to live her some life here before she dies. Roshan gradually likes the culture and the people around.
He falls for the girl Bittu who's father want her to marry soon. Unknown creature is haunting the city The black monkey Who is black monkey and it's consequences on the society that is the story. Movie is good with good messages. Music is another highlight of the movie with great composition by A R Rahman.
It is nicely made movie but most underrated Indian movie.
Roshan has visited Delhi 6 the native place of his Grandmother who wants to live her some life here before she dies. Roshan gradually likes the culture and the people around.
He falls for the girl Bittu who's father want her to marry soon. Unknown creature is haunting the city The black monkey Who is black monkey and it's consequences on the society that is the story. Movie is good with good messages. Music is another highlight of the movie with great composition by A R Rahman.
It is nicely made movie but most underrated Indian movie.
A film without an editor!
hrk_walt24 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I had gone to see this movie with low expectations.. but there was a small part of me which still hoped that it would be good, because of the experience that was RDB. But this movie simply doesn't work. It is about the life of people in Delhi 6 and interwoven is a love story of an NRI and a middle class girl and aspiring singer who wants to make it big and escape, in short the pigeon "masakkali" symbolism. And the "kala bandar" fiasco is there too which ends up becoming what the film is all about. The premise was good.. but nothing held the film together.. its like they had an idea and started shooting random scenes without a script. The first half is full of misfit scenes and songs after every 2 minutes(which do nothing for the movie), which made me feel that they didn't hire an editor for this film. They couldn't make it flow. And Abhishek's character and motivations were paper thin to say the least. They knew their Delhi folk alright.. but didn't get the perception of an NRI right in my opinion. And the line "India works, because the people make it work." was one of the worst I heard, because I couldn't see why Abhisek's character would say that after what happened. How does it work? Care to explain, 'cause I couldn't understand... And the scene at the end with Amitabh Bachchan was cringe worthy and ruined the movie further. But the good points include the Delhi characters which felt straight out of real life.. even if a bit exaggerated to make a point. The hypocrisy of Indian people is aptly shown that we call someone brother and don't think twice before destroying his shop. It goes to show how we Indians excel at having multiple faces. And when Abhishek was talking about our laziness and dependence on God, I literally felt like whistling. Also, the kala bandar fiasco, inspired by a true incident shows correctly how we make hills out of ant mounds. The acting was good by pretty much all of them, except Abhishek's American accent sounded fake. Special mention to vijay raaz, divya dutta, waheeda rehman and the person who played "gobar", who excelled in my opinion. Rishi Kapoor didn't have much to work with, and Sonam managed well with looking pretty and delivering her 10 lines. Rahman's music is excellent but feels wasted at unwanted places. In short, the movie is a good collection of short snippets of life in Delhi 6 without anything holding it together except kala bandar, representing our inner evil. And if the message wasn't clear enough, they announced it again and again in the end just to make sure that the audience don't miss it. It would make no difference if u watch this or not, because the message doesn't stay with you like it did with RDB.
A bad movie
nitinjain_nitin21 February 2009
A lot was expected from Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra after the phenomenal Rang De Basanti but Delhi 6 was a disappointment. He was not able to deliver this time and he has to learn that RDB like endings aren't going to work every time although the hero did eventually came back to life after visiting heaven in this one. I must say that the Bachchans are running a package deal in the industry. In the recent Abhishek movies I remember only Dostana (given that I did not had guts to watch Drona) where I did not saw Amitabh. However about the movie....
It did not had a story at all, and I don't know why was it named Delhi 6 as it could have been made anywhere (meaning there was no Delhi feel in the movie). There were riots, there was Monkey man, there was ramlila all over in the movie but there was no story. Although Mehra did try to give a message through Monkey man but I feel he went overboard with him. Sonam looked fabulous although she did not much of a role in the film and Abhishek was OK. Vijay raj was brilliant in his role as the inspector although other very good actors like Om Puri, Supriya Pathak, Waheeda Rehman et al were underused. The songs have to be good as they are A R Rehman's. They might make the movie an average hit. The only time it felt that the movie was shot in Delhi was when they showed Red fort, Jama Masjid and India gate. Overall a very big disappointment. I expected a lot from Mehra, but he failed to deliver.
It did not had a story at all, and I don't know why was it named Delhi 6 as it could have been made anywhere (meaning there was no Delhi feel in the movie). There were riots, there was Monkey man, there was ramlila all over in the movie but there was no story. Although Mehra did try to give a message through Monkey man but I feel he went overboard with him. Sonam looked fabulous although she did not much of a role in the film and Abhishek was OK. Vijay raj was brilliant in his role as the inspector although other very good actors like Om Puri, Supriya Pathak, Waheeda Rehman et al were underused. The songs have to be good as they are A R Rehman's. They might make the movie an average hit. The only time it felt that the movie was shot in Delhi was when they showed Red fort, Jama Masjid and India gate. Overall a very big disappointment. I expected a lot from Mehra, but he failed to deliver.
A movie to understand.
sidharthgiri9 April 2012
I think the excellent movie till date from abhishek and great movie with great music ....a "GREAT SCRIPT" nd a great acting from everyone... a very nice movie and ll just say that a must watch movie for all Indians.
NOT just watch the movie but to understand it deepness hidden in it.just wanna say that m not very good in movie criticizing but if i can understand the movie with it deep thought so that every normal human can also understand. I think more of this theme movie also need to make in Bollywood instead of just crap movie with fighting and no story line just with action in them . request to all to like and support this kind of movie and encourage the director for this kind of masterpieces.
NOT just watch the movie but to understand it deepness hidden in it.just wanna say that m not very good in movie criticizing but if i can understand the movie with it deep thought so that every normal human can also understand. I think more of this theme movie also need to make in Bollywood instead of just crap movie with fighting and no story line just with action in them . request to all to like and support this kind of movie and encourage the director for this kind of masterpieces.
Could have been a great movie but a decent movie nevertheless
totalsiddharth21 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Firstly, I had very very high expectations from this movie. I assumed the movie will be remarkably outstanding given its ensemble , the music and the director.But, i was disappointed, not because the movie was bad but because it could have been so much better.
I would give Om Prakash Mehra three cheers because he has done a marvelous work given the odd and complex concept of the movie. Performance wise - the movie had a near perfect ensemble of actors - except Abhishek who failed to impress here - but thats mostly because other actors of the movie performed exceptionally well. If i had to select the cast for the movie i certainly wouldn't have taken abhishek - he doesn't even looks like an NRI.
Technically the movie had a good concept, bad screenplay, good direction and pathetic editing.One of the most beautiful and my favorite song of the movie - "Rehna Tu" was used in the background while abhishek and rishi were playing pool . What was that???????? It was a small thing but i was so disappointed with that.There were other things also that were out of place - that song in new york and amitabh bachchan.How did they managed to put both of them in the movie when the movie had so much to show already - caste system,communal violence , black monkey and of course the love story.
I don't have words to describe the music of the film but i know for sure i am getting addicted to rahman. i don't even like to listen to any other music director.Thank god for giving us a r rahman.
I read somewhere that the movie has boring start, but i don't think the movie was boring at all. The movie did had a slow start but not boring thanks to a very good mix of humor that was there through out the film.
I would suggest , you bring your expectations to rock bottom before watching the film. My verdict - 2.5 out of 5
I would give Om Prakash Mehra three cheers because he has done a marvelous work given the odd and complex concept of the movie. Performance wise - the movie had a near perfect ensemble of actors - except Abhishek who failed to impress here - but thats mostly because other actors of the movie performed exceptionally well. If i had to select the cast for the movie i certainly wouldn't have taken abhishek - he doesn't even looks like an NRI.
Technically the movie had a good concept, bad screenplay, good direction and pathetic editing.One of the most beautiful and my favorite song of the movie - "Rehna Tu" was used in the background while abhishek and rishi were playing pool . What was that???????? It was a small thing but i was so disappointed with that.There were other things also that were out of place - that song in new york and amitabh bachchan.How did they managed to put both of them in the movie when the movie had so much to show already - caste system,communal violence , black monkey and of course the love story.
I don't have words to describe the music of the film but i know for sure i am getting addicted to rahman. i don't even like to listen to any other music director.Thank god for giving us a r rahman.
I read somewhere that the movie has boring start, but i don't think the movie was boring at all. The movie did had a slow start but not boring thanks to a very good mix of humor that was there through out the film.
I would suggest , you bring your expectations to rock bottom before watching the film. My verdict - 2.5 out of 5
Disappointing and confused movie.....
Lover-UD21 February 2009
Disappointing !! Expectations raised with the promos and trailers broke into pieces ! Horrible endeavor of picturing such a serious topic of Hindu-Muslim communal tension by Mr. Rakesh Omprakash Mehra. From very beginning movie confuse you about its subject. Still pulling my hairs, why the heck, the sections of movie showing families having conservative thinking and belief in old myths. What was he actually trying out by this? Characters of the movie were not defined, plot drives you confused, whether it is a love story, or a drama showing old India and its culture or movie with a message for communal tension. After a movie like "Rang De Basanti" this can be worst you can think for from Mr. Director. The pleasing part of movie is only the music. Truly Refreshing and ear pleasing. Abhishek and Sonam proved to be fillers at the end. Number of dialogs by Sonam can be even counted on fingers. Abhishek had nothing much to act in the movie. Above all his acting of an NRI does all the injustice with the character. Movie could be a bit better if Mr. director would have been tried for a art movie instead of commercializing it. Finally A bad and confused effort !!
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