Tamasha

I was damn excited for a movie with the deadly combo of Imtiaz Ali and Ranbir Kapoor including AR Rahman (cherry on top). I loved Rockstar, it was among one of my favorites in 2011. Which automatically made Tamasha my most anticipated movie of 2015 and damn was I spot on.

Tamasha is a visual treat, a movie with a PURE soul attached to it. There was a constant smile stuck on my face throughout its 139 min of runtime. Ranbir Kapoor's performance literally gave me awe-bumps (you know like goosebumps). Dayum, he's an excellent actor cum artist. Deepika was magnificent. And the songs, man. Each and everyone of it is bound to snug around your ears throughout the year.

Now let me get this straight, those who criticize this masterpiece are the same audience who disliked Rockstar, not because it was bad or something, it's just that they don't get it. They do not understand these kinda films. It's a piece of art. And I don't blame my fellow Indian audience to not to get along with these musical dramas, 'cuz they're way more inclined to commercial movies and the basic recipe of Bollywood masala crap. It's their comfort zone, and these movies make them uncomfortable.

Well, I'm shocked seeing negative remarks or even mixed reviews on such an extravagant cinema. But well, worry not 'cuz Imtiaz Ali's works are always slow burners and within a week or so Tamasha will begin. ;)

My Rating : 8/10

This is rather experimental for a Bollywood rom-com and I found it to be very enjoyable. The second half is on another level for a movie from this genre.

Some very good cinematography, brilliantly edited, the songs are well-placed and fun, the acting is awesome, all in all : a REALLY good Bollywood rom-com is what you have here.

Highly Recommended.

The film begins with an act of a ‪Tamasha‬ whereby we get introduced to a joker who is laughing at a robot having stuck between Dil & Duniya. The robot symbolizes most of us, our mechanical existence whereby we are killing our dreams each passing day by being unwillingly part of a routine life which we abhor but then we need the money.. The stage is set for another Imtiaz Ali extravaganza ----- On analyzing Imtiaz Ali film we can see he has an inclination towards characters that are aberrations to societal rules and traditions. They are not anti-social or asocial but are non-conformist in nature. Be it mild nature Viren Oberoi from Socha Na Tha or cutely hyper Geet from Jab We Met or rebellious Janarthan from Rockstar his protagonists are different who antics influences their contradictory counterparts thus shaping into an unusual love-story. And for someone like me who distants himself from mushy romance are attracted by Imtiaz Ali's characters who comes across as free-spirited and hatke.

With Tamasha he brings back his non-conformist lead in the form of Ved but unlike Janarthan Ranbir Kapoor's character is an apparently soft- spoken dreamer who is a byproduct of materialistic societal existence. He is bored & wants to get rid of his mundane daily life which brings him closer to a bipolar personality. Well I guess majority of us can connect with him as he webs several stories and lives each of them in his mind. The world of dreams kind of gives him a freedom and there begins a fairy tale journey which culminates into self-actualization with Ved realizing his potential through the eyes of Tara Maheshwari.

Last month Vikas Behl tried to narrate a similar tale but the surreal setting and quirky humour boomeranged. Imtiaz Ali tried the same story but gave it a dark & poetic tone, dealing with the complexities of human emotions. Ali dares to experiment with the narrative as it goes past, present and future as he paints 3 phases of Ved's life. He dexterously uses mirrors and shadows (as props) to reflect the inner conflict of the central character. In several sequences he proved why he is one of the finest directors around. One of my fav is the repeated scenes with cut shots of the following frames - his alarm clock waking him in the morning, brushing teeth, having breakfast, getting stuck in traffic, getting into office lift, swapping his card and settling at his cubicle. The gloominess of monotony and monstrosity of lifeless survival is effectively displayed which probably haunts 90% of those watching the film. Ali deserved accolades for many sequences like the one in an auto which leads to "wattu watu" songs is creative or the one where he confronts his father "lecture" on responsibility and blah blah blah... Ved's blabbering in client presentation or the scene where he confronts his boss. But honestly few frames looked manipulative and the one where his father's heart showed a change in the pre-climax seemed hurried and badly written.

Ranbir simply puts his teeth into the role and proves why he is one of the best actors around. He should be also applauded for choosing this film. The complexity of bipolar Ved comes alive through him and the vulnerability of the character could be felt. Personally I wish this film at least works in the BO to give him confidence to select more bolder scripts. Deepika Padukone is one actress who had simply taken all the criticisms seriously in her early stage of career. Over the years she has improved a lot and after Piku this is another performance for her to cheer. Piyush Mishra's voice has a narrator is an apt one for a script which deals with human ambiguity. A.R Rehman's music, Ravi Verman's cinematography and Aarti Bajaj's editing compliments Ali's vision.

Tamasha is not for those who are looking for a popcorn rom-com, but it is not a pessimistic film either. What make me delighted about Tamasha is that it hits on the plastic "holier than thou" society & urges people never to lose the child within one and try to follow one's heart. I couldn't dare to follow my heart but at least I can surely say that the child within me is very much alive And as the story-teller old man (a brilliant Piyush Mishra in a cameo) confronts Ved he gives a valuable life-lesson - there is no point in cribbing, end-of-the-day it is your own story and you have to find a resolution. Indeed, the pursuit of happiness continues

SPOILER FREE Review :)

Tamasha is indeed an invigorated tale in today's times of fatuous films! It is clichéd, yes... It is flawed, yes... its story is nothing new, but the way Imtiaz presents the story in the form of musical narrative, and the manner in which lead protagonists, Ranbir and Deepika mark that presence is truly commendable.

Tamasha is all about the journey of Ved (portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor) and Tara (portrayed by Deepika Padukone) through self-discovery, love, passion, contend and vivacious emotions. Its screenplay is non- linear, mind you, which might make some uncomfortable for a love story, but Tamasha is not only about romance, if you're wondering.

Film's technical aspect is class apart. Ravi Verman's stunning cinematography deserves a standing ovation. Editing is arguably good, but its not for everyone's mouthful. Ranbir and Deepika's performance is one of the biggest strengths of this film. Their chemistry is wonderfully captured and presented in a grand celluloid!

Another highlight of this movie is its music. A.R. Rahman delivers a grand soundtrack once again, and Imtiaz weaves those songs in a perfect manner carrying the story forward. Is Imtiaz-Rahman combo slowly becoming Mani Ratnam-Rahman combo?

Tamasha is not an easy grasp, at least not for everyone. The film will have mixed opinions, that's for sure. But if you find the connection that Imtiaz tries you to find through Ved's character (or to some extent Tara's character), you are in for a treat.

Watch out for: Ranbir and Deepika's Chemistry, Imtiaz's direction, Songs and Score, Cinematography

Imtiaz Ali's fondness with regard to exploring life and free rein was evident in all his films in the past may it be Highway,Jab We Met or Rockstar,and Tamasha too falls on the same line,nevertheless being a really intriguing piece of film-making that has trademark Imtiaz stamp throughout the narration.

'Agreed All The World's A Stage' as Shakespeare quotes in his famous play,but there's always a chance to decide or re-write your own story rather than waiting for someone to write yours and act in consequence - an interesting thought that's exploited many a times before have been recycled here,but with finesse by Imtiaz in this the movie that prompts millions like Ved (Ranbir Kapoor)to choose their own destiny-An inspirational affair in all means!

Ironically,Tamasha begins with a stage play about a robotic man caught between the mechanized life and his love,which symbolizes Ved himself as we get to know in the progress of the story.The film is all about protagonist Ved caught in the dilemma of identity crisis and his reinvention of himself after he make acquaintance with free-spirited Tara (Deepika Padukone).

The complexity in presenting the lead characters and their emotions goes a bit overboard unlike other films from Imtiaz,but manages to engage till the end,thanks to soulful score by A.R. Rahman,beautiful visuals by Ravi Varman and foremost the lovely chemistry that Deepika & Ranbir share with each other.

The movie can boast of some brilliantly shot sequences like the vibrant and quirky adventure in Corsica (Teja Ka Sona)hilarious conversation between Ved & his boss,Tara's catching up with Ved for the second time and Ved confessing his story to his parent that stands out in the narrative that's a bit lengthy around 151 minutes giving a feel of minor lag particularly in the second half.

The film is certainly not for the usual masala audience in the north who are more into thoughtless entertainers in the recent past,the reason why the movie is finding it difficult to register big numbers at the B-town box office.For someone who loves the medium called cinema and respects the genuinity of a film maker Tamasha and the lead characters are to find a place in the heart for sure.

When Ranbir steals the show with his matured portrayal of protagonist Ved,Deepika's charm and innocence will make anyone fall in love with Tara in no time.The quirkiness that Ranbir and Deepika instill to the characters whenever needed is unmatchable and lifts the mood when the storyline falls in the dark patch for an instant.

Songs and backgroundscore by A.R.Rahman couldn't get better and added another dimension to the narrative.All the songs were perfectly suiting the storyline,with my personal favorite being"Tum Saath Ho" rendered by Alka Yagnik & Arijit Singh.The cuts by Aarti Bajaj could have been better.Cinematography by Ravi Varman was impressive.

Overall,Tamasha is a wakeup call for finding our true self,an enjoyable fare that's worth the money invested.Longing to see Imtiaz try something hatke next time from this similar plot though.