Sunday, 20 January 2013

MATRU KI BIJLI KA MANDOLA




They say that the title defines the essence of a film.
Mr. Vishal Bhardwaj does his best to stay true to the above mentioned line.
So yes, MKBKM is as whacky  as it sounds. Or even a bit more, maybe.
Mr. Bhardwaj attempts at making a social satire with various political and economical elements syncing in with the main plot.

One thing that a viewer expects from a VISHAL BHARDWAJ's film is wonderful characterization (the Witch of MAKDEE, Abbaji of MAQBOOL, Langda Tyagi of OMKARA, Bhope Bhau of KAMINEY, to list a few) and sparkling dialogues. And Mr.Bhardwaj does not disappoint at all.

So there is Harry Mandola (Pankaj Kapur) who suffers from a split personality disorder.
(He visions to take over the farmers land and industrialize his village when sane, and, leads protests against himself with the villagers, when drunk.)

Imraan Khan plays the role of Matru. He does appear to be out of place at times but is bearable.
(Any actor, for that matter, seems out of place when sharing screen space with Mr. Pankaj Kapur)

Anushka Sharma does what she has been doing for quite some time now. Though she does fairly well playing the role of a high voltage, bubbly and outspoken girl Bijli, it's time for her to look out for something different.

To watch Shabana Azmi perform on screen is sheer delight. In fact it's the chemistry between Shabana and Pankaj which is more vibrant than that of Anushka and Imraan.

I will have to say that PANKAJ KAPUR will make you stand up, applaud and salute him for his acting abilities . I dont find myself competent enough to review his performance.


Technical aspects have been handled well. Cinematography visually appealing and catches the rustic charm of Haryana. Editing is fine.
MKBKM boasts of some really fine music. Indian classical, Haryanvi Folk and African Folk! W.O.W mahn!! 
And to top it up, there is Gulzaar sahab. One has to admit that be it the nonsensical lyrics (oye boy charlie, beedi jalaile, dhan te nan) or the more sensible ones (naina, khamakha, bekaraan), Gulzar delivers a gem everytime he works with Vishal Bhardwaj. These two indeed form a formidable pair.
KHAMAKHA and OYE BOY CHARLIE are the best tracks in the album. BADAL UTHIYA will please the patrons of Indian Classical music.


Vishal Bhardwaj had, is and will continue to surprise the audience with the kind of movies he makes. Though 7 KHOON MAAF was not captivating, it was still very different.
MKBKM is like a platter filled with delicacies from different cuisines.
It might look tempting at the first instance but to digest all of it is going to be a difficult task for the audience.
MKBKM is a good movie but it comes with its share of flaws.
The screenplay meanders along, touching upon weakly built subplots, diverts from the main issue and slows down the movie considerably, thereby irritating the audience at frequent intervals during the 1st half.
The film is a masterstroke. No questions about that. But the director over indulges in filming some sequences. His command is extremely evident, as almost every scene in the movie is very well executed. Some of the scenes are just fantastic.


"YOU MIGHT TAKE VISHAL BHARDWAJ OUT OF SHAKESPEARE BUT YOU CANNOT TAKE SHAKESPEARE OUT OF VISHAL BHARDWAJ."


Yes there is a bit of the Leftist Movement, UFO's,  Drunk (plane) DRIVING, ZULU Tribe being gifted by Arya Babbar to Anushka Sharma and there is GULABO. The PINK Buffalo. 
Yes it is that kind of a movie.
This movie could well have been the new age JAANE BHI DO YAARO.
It is a complete web of some amazingly creative scenes and situations. But to understand every bit of this creative brilliance becomes a bit problematic at times. Or rather, to sink in so much creativity is a tough task.

Overall, MKBKM is a very good movie which offers a bit too much to be digested at one go. Do watch this film for the performances and some solid wit and humor.

I repeat again-
PANKAJ KAPUR IS A MASTER ARTIST. PERIOD.


3.5 STARS


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