Reviews

While this film is far from perfect, it's still a great experience for those who hope for a revival in Indian cinema. The storyline is relatively simple - I haven't read the book it's based on, but can only assume that it was relatively dumbed down for the film. But what makes it special is the entire "package" - no over-the-top acting here, great period sets, smooth narration and actors who give a good dimension to the characters they portray.

I think Pradeep Sarkar and Vinod Chopra have to be given due credit for producing this little gem. It's nice to see that their artistic integrity has been (relatively) not compromised here. That's not to say that the film would not appeal to the masses, it has all the elements of a love story in the "Bollywood" genre - song, dance, family melodrama, happy ending etc. - but all these are delicately interwoven into the narrative without losing focus on the story or rather the strong characters. The only complain I had was from the "product placements" that seemed forced and totally out of place in the film :)

I am amazed that a film this good was overlooked, by the selection committee, for an entry to the Oscars this year. I am not saying this is a "Pather Panchali" but amongst what was available, it could be argued that this film stood a better chance to find appeal amongst an international audience.

My vote – 7 out of 10... definitely worth your time!

PS: Like another reviewer pointed out here, watch this film on the big screen or its original DVD release that does complete justice to the beautiful cinematography and art direction!

... but this film does let you down like most "sequels" do... I came out wishing the makers of the film had not bothered at all with this!!

What made the former special was it's originality, spontaneity and raw energy that appealed to almost everyone - mostly Indian techies like me in the US who could relate to lots of it! The sequel on the other hand just prods on, quite aimlessly for the most part, and never really builds the pace to keep your engrossed or care for the characters on screen!

However, there are moments that are genuinely funny - mostly involving Nagesh's government employed buddy Sanjeev and his wife Seema - I am surprised I have not seen these 2 in more mainstream movies. Production quality though is below average and so is the acting; with Nagesh's success with more superior work like "Teen Deewarein", I was surprised with the "home movie" feel this film had.

That said, the few good moments don't really hold the movie together or make it nearly as charming as the former. I surely would not have missed anything if I had decided to skip this one entirely :-)

The film, out on DVD now, does have it's moments but what surprises me is that Stellan Skarsgard actually appears awkward thru most of the movie. Now there are moments when Naseer and Stellan actually seem to bring the lackluster script to life but for the most part the film just prods on, rather unsteadily, despite the presence of some fine Indian actors.

However, as one of the earlier reviews point out, the movie does bring about the look and feel of a city like Bombay and all it's paradoxes. It's touching to see remnants of a culture perched against a back drop of the South Bombay skyline that's amongst the most expensive piece of real estate in the world. WHile a film like this would not help western audiences, looking for an insight into Indian culture and rituals, it does provide entertainment in the form of mannerisms, superstitions, culture specific behavior (like Ghote's middle-class Maharashtrian background, the Goan wedding event taking place in some suburb in Bombay) that are so uniquely Bombay - a place with such an amazing identity and diversity that it leaves a permanent impression on you!

I don't wish to be mean but seriously, what's all the fuss about?? This appears to be just another pseudo-intellectual fare (I didn't quite see the point of Virgin Suicides either!) ...and, as some other reviewers pointed out - had it not been for her lineage her films would have never come this far (sadly!).

That's not saying Sofia lacks the talent or does not have what it takes to make masterpieces like her daddy. But this is no masterpiece! The film does have it's moments but does not really go anywhere and at times appears completely lost (no pun intended)!

Someone from the NY Times suggested that it's about time Bill Murray got his Oscar recognition for this one coz comedy was a serious affair. And I agree with that statement, albeit partially. If Murray had to receive his Oscar nod for this one then that would be really unfair.

And as far as Coppola's nomination goes - I hope they are not serious in considering her a strong contender. And I hope that for her sake and ours ;)

I had expected this to be another pretentious drama with stereotypical Indo-American characters and all the identity issues that they face while growing up in the US. But this turned out to be a little less preachy and clichéd, and treated the characters as individuals than caricatures of the culture they represent.

The story revolves around the familiar subject of US born Indians, their immigrant parents and all the values that they feel torn between. Movies like American Desi, Hollywood Bollywood have treaded on this path earlier, albeit on a lighter note, and have never really come across as anything more than entertaining. Mitr and ABCD were perhaps more of a serious study on the subject although poor acting and direction seemed to have doomed Mitr right from the start. ABCD on the other hand was an honest effort with believable characters that came off surprisingly well. This film may have set out on the lines of ABCD with big names thrown in for commercial viability but falls short of being convincing.

The central character is a teenager who comes from a rather unconventional family (unconventional in Indian terms) wherein his parents are both separated and have found new partners to live with and go on with their lives. They appear to be successful in terms of career, their adaptation to the native culture and pretend to be comfortable with their choices and arrangements - all in the name of freedom and individuality. But they somehow still seem to cling on to their roots of tradition and conservative thinking which manifests hideously when they realize that their boy is having an affair with his teacher, played with finesse by Dimple Kapadia. The mother (a good come-back performance by Deepti Naval) desperately tries to break this with a whole deal of emotional drama which goes to show the real insecurity behind the superficial image of modern thinking and liberate views that she portrays! But in the process the characters are made aware of their own shortcomings and insecurities that bring about a sea of change in all of them to eventually help the movie end in a pleasant note!

The actors play their parts with relative ease and do not seem too awkward. Visually the movie is charming with good cinematography and art direction that's done tastefully. The editing is also crisp and the soundtrack with lyrics by Gulzar and playbacks by Jagjit Singh and Shubha Mudgal, amongst others, seems to blend well without really sticking out as a sore thumb. It's finally the narration and the script that limits this effort from really evolving into something meaningful and serious. The film eventually comes across as a half-baked effort that loses purpose as it progresses and a script that never acquires that serious tone or pace to keep you completely engaged.

But all said this still seems a step in the right direction for serious Indian filmmakers. The Indian community is often looked upon as made up of successful individuals in fields of commerce and education but never really presented seriously beyond the boot polish smeared faces of Peter Sellers and other Hollywood actors. These films perhaps would pave the way for an entry into the mainstream foray by Indian filmmakers.

This may not be in the league of Monty Python or some other classic British TV series out there but it definitely has it's own cult following. I noticed one reviewer here mentioning of the shows popularity in India and that's really true. My friends from India, who had watched this back in the 80's, still claim it to be amongst the best TV shows ever. Some of them went so far as taping them all (to save it for some good laughs on a rainy day, I guess!).

If you are looking for some profound depth here then don't even bother with this. But if you think the mixing of folks from different cultures, in a British classroom, can be funny then you won't be disappointed. It's good, harmless humor, a little dated perhaps, but in situations that people may encounter in a foreign land due to language barriers mainly. Some bits may be exaggerated but is mostly hilarious and does not use any of the plots or characters as a pretext to demean any culture or race!!!

Wish it were available on DVD in the States!