UberReelz ..CRITICal Stuff !!

Movie : Dhobi Ghat ( Hindi/English) 2011

Director : Kiran Rao

Cast : Aamir Khan , Prateik Babbar , Monica Dogra , Kriti Malhotra

There was so much hype preceding the release of Dhobi Ghat , you would have been forgiven if you were expecting an absolute gem of a movie. After watching it a bit late after it's release , I felt it was not a gem of a movie , but it's definitely a superbly crafted one .

Dhobi Ghat is all about 4 varied , different characters : The reclusive lonely painter Arun ( Aamir Khan ) , an NRI Banker Shai (Monica Dogra ) who decides to take a break in Mumbai to capture it's people through photographs , a dhobi/washerman Munna ( Prateik Babbar ) and a young married lady whom we never see in the "real" world , Yasmin played by Kriti Malhotra . The movie portrays how the maximum city Mumbai acts as a giant canvas to paint the lives of these 4 people.

The story starts with Yasmin , whom we only see through a self-filmed video camera , which she uses to convey messages to her brother . Married off to a silent moody husband , Yasmin uses the camera as a medium of escapism , recording the smallest things in her day-day life sometimes , and intending to send it across to her brother. Arun , accidentally stumbles upon these tapes , when he moves into the house where Yasmin used to reside.That's when the connection starts building up.

Shai on the other hand , has a one-night stand with Arun . She then meets Munna and the bond between them starts growing. Not quite love , not quite friendship , but it's a simple connection nevertheless which accounts for some of the finest parts of the movie and also provides for some witty humorous situations .

There is not much of a story or plot to write home about. It's a single dimensional portrayal of a multi-dimensional city and it's people . The movie takes it's time to establish it's characters for the most part , and it is only in the last half an hour or so , that we begin to comprehend certain truths and realities and how the characters cope up with these .

Sometimes , the absence of a concrete story or plot , makes all the difference between a bad movie and a good one . but there are movies which manage to keep the viewer interested , although they don't have too much of a plot. Dhobi Ghat is one prime example of this rare breed . The portrayal of the characters is what takes the movie forward . Characterization is another aspect which differentiates a good movie and a bad movie. And this is where Dhobi Ghat scores by a huge margin .

Brilliant performances from the cast . Prateik Babbar is a complete natural , as the aspiring actor and the sequence where Shai does his portfolio, is simple , understated brilliance . Munna is one character you will remember for quite some time . Monica Dogra is completely convincing in her role as the NRI complete with an accent , who explores the maximum city's lesser known faces . Aamir Khan , as always is a class-act. There has been a lot of talk and criticism about his portrayal , saying all he does is frown . But come on , what more can a reclusive painter do ? The last few minutes of the movie where he realizes the truth about Yasmin and his subsequent reaction to it , one of the finest and subdued performances from one of India's best contemporary actors.

But is the character of Yasmin , which steals hearts . Kriti Malhotra does a fine job , never in front of the actual camera , but a character whom we always see only through her self-recorded video camera . She portrays a range of emotions , from love , longing for home , depression etc . The innocence of her character , bowls you over.

The screenplay does seem to be a bit on the slower side , owing to the non-existent story . But viewers who prefer a bit of art-house , sensible cinema , won't mind. But the "Singh is King" generation audience might not find it interesting .

The Achilles heel of the movie , if there is one , has to be it's over-emphasis on it's characters and not the canvas , the city . When a movie is tagged with the title - Mumbai Diaries , I definitely expected something else. Yes , this movie is all about the city's people and not the actual city , and I loved it . But then , when you have such a wide canvas as Mumbai to paint upon , it could have helped to use it to it's maximum . No complaints though , as the wonderful characterization makes up for it's flaws.

I would not go so far as to say that you would fall in love with the 4 characters , but it is a fine attempt nevertheless . Maybe I was able to relate more to the movie as I am relatively new to Mumbai myself , and have fallen in love with the city and it's people. There is LIFE in the city . I am a bit of a photo-maniac like Shai , also a bit of a recluse when I feel I need to spend time with myself , Arun . A bit of a loser , Munna and also maybe someone who seeks a different form of escapism like Yasmin . I think looking back at the movie , maybe we all have a shade of Arun , Shai , Munna and Yasmin within us , knowingly or unknowingly. After all ,the human species is a crazy one , isn't it ?

On the flip side again , the movie leaves a couple of questions unanswered . The motive behind placing the character of an old silent lady as Arun's neighbor ? Does Arun go back to his ex-wife ? What happens after Munna gives a piece of paper to Shai ( Lemme not tell you what the paper contains ) ? I don't intend to say these are negatives , but definitely the director could have come up with an epilogue sort of ending , if nothing. Maybe a " 10 years later" kind of clip.

Apart from the acting the movie scores heavily with it's finer moments . The scene where Yasmin writes on the beach sand diligently again and again , even though she is aware the letters will be washed away by the waves in no time . The movie sequence where Munna tries hard not to place his arm over Shai as they enjoy a movie . The sense of jealousy when Munna sees Shai meeting Arun . These are the kind of moments which have made me fall badly in love with the visual medium over the past many years .You might not remember the movie for what it is , but small pearls like these are to be cherished and savoured.

It might sound contradictory to what I had stated earlier , but it is a good thing again , that too much emphasis has NOT been placed on the city and it's charms . Thank God we don't get to see any typical Mumbai stereotypes like vada-pav , the local train traffic , the hijras etc . This is a different perspective of the city , more of it's people , rather. I just wish maybe the Director could have struck a fine balance between showcasing the city , and it's people. That would have made this one gem of a movie.

A haunting background score by double Oscar winner Gustavo Santaolalla ( Brokeback Mountain , Babel ) adds to the flavor. Cinematography is another plus point with varied shades and tints being used. Completely shot on location , the camera work adds an element of simplicity to the movie. I have stood quite a few times on the same spot near Mahalaxmi station looking over Dhobi Ghat , losing myself in it's charm . Been fascinated by the never ending Mumbai monsoon and amazed at the intricacy of the structures at Elephanta Caves .

I particularly liked one dialogue in the movie , where we also get to have a glimpse of the city's people , apart from the 4 leads. The one where Yasmin explains how people in the city are always in a hurry , observing the antics of her neighbors through her video-cam. However , if am asked to mention the stand apart scene in the movie , it has to be the one where Yasmin's servant-maid and her daughter appear in front of the video camera . Completely natural expressions , and by far one of the most simple and poignant scenes I have seen in mainstream Indian Cinema .

The movie grows on you step by step , and maybe it deserves a second viewing to appreciate it even better . To me , it felt like a wholesome meal , with the Dessert missing . But it is a delightful meal , nevertheless.

People who are in love with Mumbai like me , will dig this movie. Those who have an inclination towards art-house cinema will like it . Those who just want to lose themselves in the magic of characterization , will love it , in all probability . But if you are the type who wants to watch a movie with a gang of friends , replete with never ending SMS'es from your mobile , or if you belong to the "Tees Maar Khan / Singh is King / Golmaal " loving sect , stay clear from Dhobi Ghat . Sadly the Indian audience still is not mature enough to appreciate movies like these , and a classic example is when the theatre was in splits , laughing uncontrollably when Aamir Khan reacts in pain and anguish after he finds out the truth about Yasmin . As a person who would love to see Indian Cinema make it big on the global scale , it disgusted me . But maybe , people are unique and what seems to be a classic piece of acting to me , might appear unintentionally funny to others . Fair enough . But like they say : It happens only in India.

I will have to judge this movie from different perspectives , owing to an internal conflict of interest in my mind .

As an average movie-goer - 2.5 / 5 ( Can watch )

As an Aamir Khan fan - 4/5

As someone who is in love with Mumbai and it's people - 3/5

As an art-house cinema lover ( This is not quite "art" anyway ) - 3.5/5

For the "I want to enjoy my time at the theatre" type - 1/5

Overall , if I were asked to rate it keeping in mind my expectations , I would go with 3.5 / 5 . This is definitely not India's entry to the global world cinema league . We still have a few miles to go , a few gaps to be filled , but Dhobi Ghat is undoubtedly a step in that direction .