Haider (2014)

Easily the best of both Shahid Kapoor's and Vishal Bhardwaj's careers. Shahid's acting prowess is on a whole other level here, and I really can't wait for the day my man starts doing good films again. Yes, I said my man- I am unstable enough to revive my long-suppressed crush on Shahid Kapoor. What about it?

As for Vishal Bhardwaj: first of all, I cannot help but admire him for choosing this story to tell. I cannot think of a mainstream Hindi movie that presents such an honest picture of Kashmir, and seeing how things are right now, I don't think we'll get such honesty anytime again soon. Technically too, he is in full control of the narrative, and takes his audience along with him so effortlessly that despite all the horrifying things happening on screen (sometimes graphic in nature), you really never want to look away. Everything else comes together beautifully too- the music is just perfect, and every single person in the cast gives it their 100%. Tabu as Ghazala is... I honestly don't even have the correct words for this woman. She is so hypnotising yet so real; she makes you want her like everyone around her wants her, yet she repels you too with something you can't even define. Tabu doesn't just act here, she gives a full-blown masterclass in acting. I had been feeling quite restless and missing her, so of course, one of her most critically-acclaimed performance was the way to go. Also, I cannot believe that they decided to give the National Award to Kangrat when Tabu as Ghazala was right there... the tastelessness was evident right there. Apart from Tabu, Irrfan Khan and Kay Kay Menon both deliver performances that easily fit into the Top 5 category of their respectively illustrious careers. It is also kind of unbelievable how Tabu and Irrfan literally had one scene together, and even in such a short time, they had "chemistry". Or maybe I just really will never get over the fact that we won't get another movie with them ever again. One of the two. 

About the film's politics- I don't think I can say anything that hasn't been said before. The only thing I think I am capable of saying is that it left me feeling so strange and disoriented that I couldn't even imagine watching anything else for the rest of the day. Also, if you really do want to read about its politics, I'd suggest looking up Kashmiri people who have written about the topic. Their discourse will obviously be more authentic and relevant than mine in this regard.

In conclusion, a true modern classic of Indian cinema. And once again, I am convinced that no one does Shakespeare like us. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Shyam Singha Roy (2021)

There is honestly nothing more annoying than a movie that has flashes of being a good movie, but turns out to be a bad one anyway. Not only have you watched a bad film, but you have also been cheated of all hope and it's exhausting, to say the least.  Also, when this movie is a first day first show, you can't help but feel betrayed. Full "I trusted you!" moment only.  The first half was so tedious to sit through, I genuinely thought of leaving after the interval at one point. I didn't though, because Sai Pallavi only made her entry in the second half, and let's face it, she was the real reason for me to go watch it anyway. I mean, Nani was a huge pull factor too, but after Tuck Jagadish (2021) and V (2020), I was a little wary of trusting this man completely. As I should, because look what he made me sit through... again! (I swear to god, if the Nazriya film isn't good, I just might never watch a Nani movie ever again). Back to Pallu though- she is the onl
Read more

Aasai (1995)

My only regret is that I wish I knew absolutely nothing about this movie before watching it. I know I'm 26 years too late to the party, but honestly, not knowing the basic premise would have made things even more scary and messed up, not that there wasn't enough of those sentiments already. But to watch it unfold like the psychotic drama it was on the big screen, while innocently expecting another cute sweet love story featuring foetus Thala... I would give anything to have that experience. I know we love poking fun at Prakash Raj for being the evergreen villain, but it takes an Aasai for one to truly understand why he's earned that reputation. He really brings to life the evil but powerful psychopath who can manipulate people and situations to get what he wants, and I swear I was shaking a little when the movie ended because he is just that good at driving the point home. That's the thing about well-written thrillers- they work excellently as horror movies because you
Read more

Pokiri (2006)

Sairam, thank god I had forgotten the "twist", despite having seen Bhai's Wanted (2009) when it came out. Not only was I majorly zoned out (so much that I don't even remember for sure if I slept for sometime in the middle) but I have also actively tried to erase all memories of it. Which is why I was shocked enough to legit scream when the big twist came along.  From what I have heard about Pokiri , it sounds like some kind of cultural reset. And going by that, I must say that it totally lived up to that hype. Prince Mahesh seems to be at the peak of his career, and it's a performance that is memorable in more ways than one- he really shines through as the cool, stylish hero who outsmarts villains and beats them up. Of course, he needs a solid story and some killer dialogues as well, both of which are amply present here. I loved how understated his commitment dialogue was, especially in comparison to Bhai's exaggeration, the memory of which still gives me war
Read more