Film Review- Thappad

It's a resounding slap to the patriarchy, and shows that men are not the only ones who propagate it. It's also the women who train their sons to perpetuate it, and their daughters to accept it and move on.

Very hard-hitting, but very understated. It's unusual to see a Hindi film without over-the-top acting, unnecessary frills or masala elements, and yet remain gripping in every scene. The discussion of the issue on hand is a moment of realisation that the heroine has, and her only supporters (apart from the lawyer who is supposed to as part of her job) seem to be her father, and her neighbour (Dia Mirza after long).

In the face of almost everyone trying to ask her to compromise, she does not. And in the process, inspires other women (including her lawyer) to introspect about patriarchy in their own lives, and do something about it. Taapsee Pannu rocks. I liked one particular dialogue of hers, when she says that as a young student, she had dreamt of only two things in life- respect and happiness, and even today, desires the same two things. The supporting cast is excellent, to the last man/woman/girl.

Inspiring, a must-watch, and even if it succeeds in changing a few lives because of watching it, completely worthwhile.

Naam Shabana- Film Review

This could have been titled Baby se Pehle, as it is a prequel to Baby which starred Akshay. This one stars Taapsee Pannu, who is worming her way into my heart with her performances in Chashme Baddoor, Pink and now, Naam Shabana.

She is quite credible as a secret agent, but also credible as a young lady with a mind of her own. She faces tragedy with guts, and comes out on top. That message itself would be enough to go make you watch this film. But the film also works as an action film (a la Bond), with good editing to keep you guessing till almost the end, as to what will happen next. The other actors-Akshay, Danny, Anupam Kher are useful to keep you interested. Manoj Bajpayee is very good, and so is the lady who plays Shabana's mom. The villain is Prithviraj, I think from Mallu films. The nondescript "cable guy" is hilarious, when he says "People love free offers."

I enjoyed the film. Get some popcorn, and get going. The combo would be worthwhile.

Pink- Film Review

Reminded me of some courtroom dramas that B.R. Chopra specialised in. A serious film about a serious issue, and well-made. No distractions, except perhaps the scenes with Amitabh's companion who has no relevance to the story.

When is a molestation a molestation, is the question that the film raises, but in the process exposes many of our wrong attitudes. Also does not show up the police in good light (films rarely do), nor the politically connected classes who bend the law. The judiciary is one which shines, here.

The ageing Amitabh Bachchan pulls off a pretty tough role, barring some unclear dialogues he mumbles early in the film. But in the court scenes, he comes into his own, despite a worthy competitor in Piyush Mishra (recently saw him in Happy Bhag Jayegi-he was brilliant there).

The MCP crowd may not like it, but it's like a sucker punch aimed at their jaw, so it's Ok. The rest, you must watch it. Taapsee Pannu is very good, and so are her two flatmates. The wrong assumptions about North-eastern girls are also highlighted, and Delhi itself doesn't come off looking too good. But then, what are mirrors for?