Raincoat

Finally, a lovely out-of-the-way movie by Rituparno Ghosh. Let me warn you, do not wait for anything to happen. Nothing will.

Its these little ups and downs of day-to-day life, that he has portrayed so well in the movie. The hero's hesitation in borrowing money, he being the idealistic Indian with that all too familiar ego and self-respect, portrays the director's deep analysis of the Indian psyche. The usually morose activities of everyday life are shown in greater detail, making them look deceptively simple to depict. The dialogues between Manoj(Devgan) and Neerja(Rai) are a delight. The focus has been rightly laid on individual performances by the cast(rather than the performance of the make-up artists and the dress designers...). It is extremely down to earth, no fantasizing about hero and heroine meeting again, no 'lived happily ever after' thing. None of the actors are glamourised in any way. Each has been shown with their faults and follies, but still accepting others as they are.

Devgan has been his usual best self. The subtlety of his acting is amazing. There is a scene where he takes out his mobile to answer a call. He has supposedly never used a mobile in his life, till his friend's wife teaches him how to use it. The way he fumbles with the instrument is in itself a master act. Rai has showed marked improvement in her expressions and dialogue delivery. Anu Kapoor is a viewer's treat, as usual.

There is literally no set prepared for the movie, just one run down house in kolkata. There are in all six characters in the movie. All six have a compelling presence in the movie. The abrupt ending leaves no room for second thought. One is forced to believe it could not have ended any other way (going by the 'down-to-earth' concept). This one is a stand-still, wholly enjoyable movie that has given the bollywood the much needed break from contemporary storylines. A must see.