Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Peepli

I usually don’t write movie reviews, but after a long time, I got to see a good and well made Hindi movie.
That is the best statement I could make for a movie like this.

 
In fact I was not keen on going for this movie. My wife is a big time fan of Aamir Khan so I agreed to go along. When I booked the tickets in the morning for  Sunday (last show) I was surprised to see that none of the seats were taken. (At the actual screening only 30 seats were occupied)


What is a good film? It is a combination of good direction, good editing and a good story (in that order) and this film has all the three in the right order.


Anusha Rizvi has done an excellent job in directing the whole thing, and it is evident that it was done with real passion. 

I just can’t believe that she wrapped up the complete shooting in 64 days. (heard that she had to take a break of 3 months for some legal problem)


 She has already won the award for the best first film at the Durban Film Festival.

(This movie will be released in UK today)

Some of the scenes are real hard hitting, like the old man who keeps digging and digging, just to make about 20 to 30 rupees per day (and finally that pit turns out to be his grave) 


Or the old lady who is bed ridden and just waits to have a swig from who ever is ready to give her a bidi.
 

Naseerudhin Shah was there for a short appearance and as usual just sailed through his small role.



Some where along the way I realized that I was laughing through out the movie, and I also realized that I was laughing at the state of our country.


 
Hope the movie pundits send this as the Indian entry for the Foreign Language Film at the Academy  Awards.

 
 

As for cinematography, it was well handled except for the last part where the camera's fast movement to the city was a bit jarring to the eyes. 

And finally I should say that if this lady (Anusha Rizvi) does not get the best director’s award this year then I may have to proclaim that I will have to commit suicide. 

Kudos to Aamir Khan for having the courage to  produce this movie.

31 comments:

Summer Ross said...

I haven't seen it. But I think from your review it might be fun

S. Susan Deborah said...

Many of them have recommended watching this movie. Incidentally the comment "I realized that I was laughing through out the movie, and I also realized that I was laughing at the state of our country," is also voiced by many who saw this brilliant work.

Thanks for the review. Should try catching it soon.

Joy always,
Susan

R. Ramesh said...

buddy u r right yar...v cant generalise on all youth..thanks for passing by..wish u d the best:)

subu said...

Hi! Although I wanted to watch the movie, some how, I still haven't. Hope to watch soon!

Jeannette said...

Based on your recommendation we have entered this movie into our list on a service we use called Netflicks. When the movie is released in this country it will be mailed to us. After we watch it, we mail it back.
Thank you for your review.

seema gupta said...

hi, thanks a lot for visiting my blog and droppimng your valuable comments. You have a wonderfull plateform over here with so much of creative work. Thanks for sharing your views about this new film.

Regards

Arundhati said...

Nice. Cynical me thinks a category called best *debutant* director might be introduced in some of the 'popular awards' this year.
I hear the movie ran to a full house in Bangalore, on the Fri it was released.

Karen Xavier said...

Hey, nice of you to stop by my blog. Been hearing rave reviews bout Peepli, but I doubt it will entered the Oscar list... its like you said, the state of the country is a laughing matter... the authorities wouldn't have the brains to nominate it.

Anuradha Shankar said...

Really good review! have been looking forward to watching this movie, but havent found time yet...

BK Chowla, said...

It is a slap on tne face of Indian media, politicians and the babudom.

Suruchi Puri (Author) said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and comment on it..

Really excellent review...

Amrita said...

This movie is getting rave reviews and this is increasing my curiosity about this movie... hope to see it this weekend.
:)

RGB said...

I've been wanting to watch it too. Watched a few promo clips and looked interesting!

anamika said...

Not seen the movie but dieing too..

Latha Nair said...

Been reading and hearing a lot of good
things about this movie. Your post has
helped me finalize my weekend plans:)

Christine H. said...

Based on your review, I will definitely go see it. It looks like it is showing in the U.S. now.

PurpleHeart said...

Read other rave reviews about the film too !! gotta watch.

Rachna said...

I really want to see this movie, and your review has strengthened my resolve.

vandy said...

i didn't get a chance to watch the movie :(

Shalini said...

wow...I didnt see the movie but will surely download it now!

hamaarethoughts.com said...

sounds interesting ...will see this!

chitra said...

Here to say hello to you. Shall see you soon.

kiran sawhney said...

I am new to your blog. You said, you do not do movie reviews but this is by far the best way a movie review has been done. I saw the movie and the way you wrote the review is so apt. You should do reviews.. And do not think about suicide. She will get the award.

Tomz said...

I dont see much Hindi films. But since I like Aamir I saw many of his movies including my most favorite Bollywood movie 3 Idiots. This articles makes me think about changing my attitude towards Hindi cinema.

Anonymous said...

I agree. I saw the film and loved the hilarity and the truth; depicted so so very well.

Brownie said...

I'll have to keep my eye out for this movie. It looks very interesting.

Rajesh said...

I have not seen the movie. But I have heard that movie is good.

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hello:)

You have made a wonderful review of the movie.I hope the lady gets the award.

You will remember Slumdog Millionaire got numerous awards portraying the filth and wretched life of Bombay slums:)

Best wishes:)
Joseph

Amrit said...

She will get awards but I did not like the movie. Hollow...only touches the surface...satire made people laugh rather than cry.

Lowell said...

I know very little about your country, but I did enjoy the photos and your commentary about this movie!

Casuarina said...

You know, my respect for Aamir Khan has increased of late. He not only does meaningful cinema, he also encourages making them.