No Smoking

Throw away the colorful clothes, all the expensive jewellery and welcome to realistic cinema.

A theme which is hard to make a movie on, attempted by a writer/director of many realistic movies like Black Friday and Satya.

What appears on the screen is true magic of a director who thinks a different way. A second of this movie cannot be missed, a minute is as good as not watching the movie.

Put on your thinking caps for a movie. See, visualize, enthrall.

This movie is a must-watch for those who love change, who love to think about every scene in the movie and analyze.

Commercial? -- 0% value.

Cinematic Experience? - 200% value.

It did take me two full times to watch this movie to understand the whole concept of this movie.

It did make me think 10 times before I touched my next cigarette.

I applaud you Mr Anurag Kashyap. Screw the critics who slammed you.

I watched this movie once and couldn't resist myself from watching it again only 10 mins later. A black metaphor of life, which poses some serious questions to the thinking mind. Lust, and how far can you go to pursue your lust? What if some supernatural entity is destined to stop you from committing the lust? And what if the darker side of nature forces you to commit it?

Questions answered and many others unanswered.. this is a movie brilliantly crafted; though at times the pace is slackened. And who says its a copy of the Game? The questions this movie asks and forces us to think is totally different from the game. The treatment of this movie is very different, but i am afraid this difference will become too much for the general audience to grasp or to digest.

Kudos to you Anurag Kashyap, for giving hungry people like me ( those who have hunger for watching movies which are a class apart) a classic movie to feast upon, on the risk of losing most of your other customers.

One of the best hindi movie John 10/10 Paresh rawal 11/10 Anurag 20/10 Vishal Bhardwaj Music 50/10

Anurag Kashyap is the wannabe maverick genius of Bollywood. (I say wannabe because the official maverick genius is Ram Gopal Varma :-). His films either do not finish, or do not get released or release years later. After the solid 'Black Friday', it was difficult to ignore his next release and so I went to watch 'No Smoking'.

No Smoking is a puzzle. It is a maze through the uncharted territories in Hindi cinema. Kashyap has donned a David Lynch hat this time. He unpacks a bag of questions on the screen for you which you have to find answers for yourself. And that, he backs up with excellent technical support from all other departments, so that you are not distracted in your search for answers.

I'll be honest. I did not really understand the film but I guess that is the way Kashyap wants it to be. He wants me to unravel the layers of the film as and when I have time. In that process, when I'd have soaked myself thoroughly in 'No Smoking', I'll let it go, not caring to be bothered by it anymore. Just like K (John Abraham's character) does to his cigarette.

a) Is cigarette a metaphor for all the things we lust for which only destroy us at the end? (I'm reminded of the line from 'Pulp Fiction' where Bruce Willis' girl friend tells him how things that are good to touch are not good to look at, referring to a pot belly) b) Is Paresh Rawal's character actually God? Is he the villain because he does not let us pursue our lust and plays by his rules - rules which cannot be bent or broken? c) In the end, does someone always have to really loose his soul and conscience? Can this world no go round if everyone owns his soul till the end?

I don't know if these are the questions that No Smoking asks. But it did force me to think of these.

The film is a technical accomplishment. The camera work, the set designs and graphics are all top notch. Tin cans were stacked up to create amazing visuals (you don't always need Switzerland :-). Music is in tune with the film and Gulzar, as always, has written lyrics that are sign-posts in this maze. Kudos also to Kumar Mangat and Vishal Bharadwaj for having the guts to produce such a film.

John Abraham is good. He always manages to do well in caught-on-all-sides characters. Paresh Rawal shines in his role. It was a relief to see him at some place other than a mindless Priyadarshan muddle.

No Smoking, no doubt, is at par technically with the best in the world but sadly enough, it has very little conventional entertainment value. It may be one of the milestones that Kashyap had to cross in his path to higher glories.

"No Smoking" is a unique cinematic experience that delves into the themes of addiction, self-control, and the complexities of the human mind. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, known for his unconventional storytelling, this film challenges viewers to reconsider their notions of morality and personal choice.

The film revolves around K (John Abraham), a narcissistic chain smoker who finds himself entangled in a bizarre world after attending a self-help seminar. As he struggles to quit smoking, he encounters a series of surreal and disturbing events, including a mysterious guru (Paresh Rawal).

John Abraham delivers a commendable performance as the troubled protagonist. His portrayal captures the internal struggle of a man caught between his desires and the urge to conform to societal norms. Paresh Rawal is hilariously sinister as the enigmatic guru. Other supporting cast also adds depth to the story, providing various perspectives on addiction and personal freedom.

Kashyap's direction is bold and unorthodox, employing a non-linear narrative that keeps the audience engaged and questioning. The film's visual style, complemented by a haunting soundtrack, contributes to its overall atmosphere. From stark contrasts to vibrant colors, cinematographer Rajeev Ravi skillfully encapsulates the turmoil within John's mind, allowing viewers to experience his highs and lows.

While "No Smoking" is undoubtedly ambitious, its complex narrative may leave some viewers feeling perplexed. The film's pacing can also be uneven, with certain segments dragging while others race forward, potentially leading to moments of confusion about its message. However, those who appreciate art-house cinema and experimental storytelling will find much to admire.

No Smoking was a commercial failure upon release, but it has since gained a cult following. The film's exploration of addiction and societal pressures remains relevant today, making it a compelling watch for those seeking something different.

"No Smoking" is not merely a film about quitting cigarettes; it's a profound reflection on human nature, individuality, and the incessant battle between desire and duty. It's a bold film that doesn't shy away from uncomfortable truths, making it a thought-provoking watch. If you're ready for a cinematic experience that challenges conventions and invites introspection, "No Smoking" is worth the experience.

In conclusion, No Smoking is a bold and ambitious film that demands to be seen. It's a cinematic experience that is both challenging and rewarding, and it's a testament to Anurag Kashyap's daring filmmaking style. His work challenges audiences to not just watch but to ponder - making "No Smoking" a distinctive entry in the realm of Indian cinema.