Udaan

Udaan (2010)

On the main level this is a gripping, realistic, deeply moving story of a sensitive boy with an abusive father growing up in a culturally complex India. This is the main point here, and the reason to see it. The leading part played by this boy, Rohan, is a magnificent acting debut for Rajat Barmecha. He was twenty playing a seventeen year old schoolboy, but he's convincing, and nuanced, with both great emotional vulnerability and flashes of rebellion and fire.

The other level to consider from this movie is as a cultural lens. I write from the U.S. and know only what I see from here, but it seems like a coming of age movie with the tinges of generation gap and young rebellion seen blossoming (in the movies and in life) here in the 1960s and 70s. Rohan's father is "old school" in that he's tough on his son, thinking the son needs discipline and hard work to grow up and be functional. The boy though is a writer at heart (there are several scenes where he recites poems or tells stories and they are spellbinding, if brief), and the father won't hear of that. Raising Rohan without a mother seems to give him so leniency for his stubbornness, but not for his violence, and Rohan, somehow, must react.

The third character of note is not a girl--a nice change from many young men growing up stories--but a little half-brother who Rohan ends up befriend and ultimately kind of mentoring. The little one is super cute and delicate, and the three males with all their problems and conflicts make for a rich, intense interplay.

The other cultural aspect (besides how young people might be seeing their morality shift from their parents and grandparents) for an outsider is to see contemporary India in a rather true, ordinary way. I mean, "Slumdog Millionaire" was amazing and sensational in its own way, but it pushed buttons and pushed boundaries. This movies stays within boundaries to that being edgy isn't interfering with the reality of the story and all its successive stages.

It's really great stuff overall. The one thing that will seem odd, maybe, to some is the inspirational feel-good music with lyrics written for the film. It's almost saccharine it's so idealistic, but then, it's probably when every struggling 16 year old in Mumbai or New Delhi or wherever needs to hear. That part of the movie is not for an outsider at all, which is okay. I think people see the American classic "The Graduate" and have similar problems with the coming of age problems being mid-1960s in flavor, and the music having a pretty tenor not always up a contemporary alley.

So see Udaan for what it is. Rooted in expert and conventional filmmaking and storytelling, but powerful stuff.

Quite often the cinema of India is unique to its cultures. On this occasion however, we're presented with a universal story. A taut relationship, often violent, aggressive, and abusive, between a father and his son, with two amazing performances taking centre stage. A picture, a perspective, a tale that will sadden and upset, but reflective of so many who have, and continue to find themselves in similar positions within any number of countries and cultures the world over.

You might find the poster of the movie a bit misleading – because the poster and the trailer of the movie seem to suggest that it is college- teen story. And Udaan is anything but that. It is, however, a intensely heartfelt movie with a strong emotional connect – and with so much realism, that I cant shake the feeling it is, to a large extent, autobiographical. Even though it is populated with largely unknown faces, set in a bleak industrial city, yet this movie will linger in your minds for a long time after you exit the hall.

The plot of the movie is essentially a two liner. A 17 year old is kicked out of boarding school for playing truant and is forced back to an apathetic father – and to a 6 year old half brother he didn't know existed. Stuck in a small town with no friends, forced to study engineering and work in his father's iron and steel works, Udaan is a story of Rohan's struggle with his loneliness and desperation. It is not pure entertainment, but it has got a lot of soul

The overbearing character in the movie is Bhairav Singh, played by Ronit Roy. A despotic father (with some probable army background, though its never suggested) – who does not listen to any opinion that doesn't match his own and runs his life with army-like discipline. He even insists his sons call him Sir. He stands starkly in contrast with his younger brother, the affable Ram Kapoor. He is the only beacon of light in Rohan's new world.

And amongst them, sitting quietly in a corner is his younger brother Arjun – who doesn't speak much, yet wins your heart.

Everything from the background music to the photography is perfect for the movie – Amit Trivedi's music melodious yet not distracting from the movie and the bleak shots of Jamshedpur accentuating the void that Rohan feels around him.

Udaan is a coming-of-age movie that you will identify with because of its honesty and sincerity. Newcomer Rajat Barmecha delivers one of the most subtle, yet effective roles in sometime – putting up a stoic face against the circumstances, yet showing us the vulnerable teenager within. The movie takes a slow pace, which in my opinion is essential for the viewers to share Rohan's desperation – but some of my friends thought otherwise. That is probably the only slight flaw in this fabulous movie. Highly recommended

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Udaan is simply a heart-warming tale..very good storytelling,particularly immensely engaging in the 2nd half,gr8 acting(the child actors has been a revelation)...and above all superb music..Vikramadiya motwane in his debut film has produced a stunner. Motwane and anurag kashyap's storytelling technique,as always has been impressive. The film has its own moments,particularly the evolution of the relationship between the brothers. The songs are also well placed. The Director carefully brings out the intricacies of teen age mind..Rohit and Aayan,both the actors has been above the mark...The story too ends on a high note..and to be mentioned...Ronit roy was a treat to watch...

Above all this was is a must watch...very few films of this genre are made in Bollywood.this is certainly one of the best of them..I am giving it 10 on 10..

P.S.-Was shocked as well as pained to see the cold response of viewers in the theatre..Perhaps for this only such films are scarce in bollywood.

For some reason I have been postponing watching 'Udaan' until finally I watched it last night. I figured, why shouldn't it be the first film I watch this year? I had only heard many good things about it but even then it surpassed my expectations. 'Udaan' is one of those rare Indian films that scores high on every component of filmmaking, be it, direction, writing, cinematography, casting, score... It looks authentic and it feels honest.

What particularly stands out about 'Udaan' is how true to life it is and at the same time it's not a documentary style film but one with a great big heart that tells an inspiring story of a teenager fighting for his dream to become the man he aspires to. Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap have done an outstanding job in the writing department. It's very detailed without being showy, poetic without being operatic, subtle without being too restrained and poignant without being preachy.

In addition, Motwane does a phenomenal job translating the words from paper to screen. The narrative style is superb and remains consistent throughout. The characters are very human and easily recognizable mostly because of how the relationships are depicted, with sincerity.

Shetty's cinematography works in a subtle way. Every frame is photogenic but not to the point of looking like a postcard or being distracting. Trivedi's score is used very efficiently, never intrusive but rather contributing by echoing the mood of the sequences. Kalra's editing is solid as never does the pace feel uneven nor does the film lose its focus at any point.

Now coming to the performances, each and every actor's portrayal is genuine. Starting with newcomer Rajat Barmecha who is spot on as he looks the part and acts sublime. Ronit Roy finally gets a role that showcases his previously unknown talent. This is definitely a breakthrough performance for the actor who's been in movies for almost two years. While his portrayal of the authoritarian father is haunting one can also sympathize for him as he himself is a victim of abuse and he really does believe that he's doing the best for his sons and yet shows signs of regret at some of the wrong decisions. Ram Kapoor is equally convincing as the supportive light-hearted uncle who is the polar opposite of the quick tempered father. And of course, last but not least, there is young Aayan Boradia who delivers one of the most accurate performances of a child. It's amazing how, mostly through non-verbal gestures, he displays Arjun's innocence, loneliness, quiet suffering and longing with such precision

While most of the first act and second act of the film depicts Rohan and Arjun's quiet suffering, the final act is excellently cathartic. I don't mean cathartic in the sense that events take an explosive turn that involves loud confrontations. Here it's rather matter-of-factly but at the same time energetic, invigorating and symbolic. Even though I was expecting what Rohan would eventually do for himself to escape his father's imprisonment, there are some precious little surprises that happen along the way, making 'Udaan' a one-of-a-kind gem.

'Udaan' is a celebration of the human spirit. I'm very glad I picked this movie to start the year.