3 Deewarein

From the very first frames 3 Deewarein grips you and won't let go. This very well may be the best movie of its kind I have ever seen an *any* language. In fact, apart from the subtitles, you might just forget that you're watching an Indian film. Even the normal liberties that Bollywood normally takes with the concept of "suspension of disbelief" (and that Bolly fans have come to accept) are mostly absent from this movie. The characters are deep, intense and best of all completely credible. Others here have hailed 3 Deewarein as Juhi Chawla's comeback film, and she certainly shines in her role. But perhaps more surprising to me was Jackie Shroff's performance. Shroff's typical roles haven't impressed me one way or the other -- as especially good or bad -- in most other movies I've seen him in. But his portrayal of "Jaggu" here definitely made me sit up and take notice. And left me wondering how much of my former indifference was due to Jackie, and how much was due to the scripts he's been working from. Nasserudin Shah presents another complex and lovable character in "Ishaan". While not quite as endearing as the title role in "Shree 420", "Ishaan" certainly shares some qualities with that character.

The story might be best compared to a pointillist painting. In the beginning we see very narrow views from very close angles. It's only as the plot unfolds and we back away from the canvas that we see the actual picture. And the canvas itself is impressive and elegantly understated. The opening sequences -- shot in blue-toned monochrome -- introduce the story in very short order (the entire run time of the film is listed at 120 minutes, which by Bollywood standards almost qualifies as a "short subject") and there is nothing wasted during the exposition. And it's because of this that you are drawn in immediately and rooted for the duration.

I cannot bring myself to write anything that would hint at the ending of the story. To do that here would be to do you and the film a grave injustice. Let it suffice to say that the ending was not even *remotely * what I expected.

If you're only a fan of "Masti-Masala" fare, don't watch this movie. You will be disappointed. But if you can spare two hours to be engrossed by a story that is at times grim, and times heartwarming and most of all surprising you *need* to see this film. From casting to camera to script, this is an astonishing work.

This is a very different film from the usual bollywood love and action crap, it might take some influences from the Shawshank Redemption and other American prison films but overall it is a very original and fresh film. Naseeruddin Shah really shines and the ending is good. The film is basically about an amateur filmmaker (Juhi Chawla) that wants to make a documentary about 3 prisoners on death row. They are on death row for murder, accidental or premeditated. As the film progresses you learn more about each of the prisoners and how prison has affected their life. Overall it is a pretty damn enjoyable film, and it has NO SONGS

This is an excellent art film. This is by no means your typical Bollywood offering of songs, romance, action, and masti. This movie takes an in-depth look at the lives of prisoners and the corrupt political system. Juhi wonderfully plays the role of a documentary filmmaker and a woman standing up to her abusive husband. One would think that a movie on the lives and feelings of three prisoners seems pretty hopeless, but a good script and profound and mysterious dialogues complete this film. An interesting twist at the end adds to the story and Juhi's powerful role and performance.

An absolutely flawless screenplay which makes the acting look so simple. At least that is what you would think while you are watching the movie but then the acting is super.

To me the whole movie is like a work of art. When an artist begins his painting, you have no clue where he is going. He would begin with something and start to draw lines which don't make any sense and yet as they say "patience bears fruits", while you wait patiently, there emerges the unexpected master piece which you could not even imagine. And that is what exactly happened to me while watching the movie.

I am personally not a good critique myself but I could not hold myself from writing this.

Sadullah

Definitely Nagesh Kukunoor's best effort to date.

Frankly i went in expecting another average fare from Nagesh, cos i havent liked his earlier films. I thought Hyderabad Blues was hugely hyped, not to mention shoddy. Rockford was a good idea gone horribly wrong and the only reason i sat through Bollywood calling was Om Puri (outstanding).

With this background i set out to catch 3 Deewarein. Actually the glowing reviews (which as an afterthought i think were completely justified)pushed me further towards the theatre. Not to mention Juhi Chawla who i have always believed is one of our most underrated actresses. And what an experience it was!

3 deewarein is a very good film. Why? Let me give you 2 reasons:

1. The script is near to brilliant. Though the narrative is slow paced, your interest never wanes. The story unfolds slow and leads to a mind-blowing climax. Least expected but a shocker of a climax. Like my buddy aptly described it - super wicked cool!

2. Performances, every actor is amazing. While its expected that Naseer will shine (he doesnt disappoint one bit!) its Jackie Shroff and Juhi Chawla who take you by surprise. Jackie is subdued and puts in a very restrained performance. Juhi Chawla is splendid. With minimal makeup and looking absolutely fresh, she puts in a career best effort here. Check her out in two scenes: The first when she gently threatens the hell out of her abusive husband and the other when she tells Ishaan (Naseer's character) that she may be in love with him. Kukunoor himself is a good actor, but he is a better director. Special mention to Bad man Gulshan Grover who puts in a good man performance here.

So if you are looking for a well directed film with a strong story and a couple of good performances, 3 deewarein is the one!