Mithya

While the many reviews I have read described 'Mithya' as a multi-layered thriller, I found it to be quite simple in terms of story but very layered. Due to the dark themes, it does fall on the lines of last year's 'Johnny Gaddaar', 'Manorama Six Feet Under' and 'Ek Chalis ki Last Local' in some ways but at the same time it's a completely different experience. 'Mithya' is indeed a terrific accomplishment by Kapoor and Shukla. While the screenplay may be a little imbalanced especially the comedy and the thriller it works very well for the film. It drags a bit at some sequences especially the first half. The ending while abrupt (and predictable) remains powerful and strangely the film then felt very short in length. On the technical front, while 'Mithya' is a dark film, the limited (and sometimes) poor use of lighting was a little irritating but the cinematography works.

Now to the good stuff, I loved how Bollywood clichés have been used and taken a step further (unlike the so many Bollywood films where they just create more plot holes) leading to further twists and peeling off layers. Shukla and Kapoor did a fine job with the writing with the exception that some of the supporting characters could have done with more development. Sagar Desai's score is fantastic. I remember how much I loved his music in Rajat Kapoor's 'Mixed Doubles' and here he uses a completely different tune that is darker and less cheerful and does not disappoint one bit. I also liked how the dream/flashback and the 'search' sequences were shot. The film gives the similar feel of illusion as 'Manorama: Six Feet Under' but unlike 'Manorama' where it was quiet, warmly colourful and chaotic, here it is dark/cold-tinted, 'noisy' and chaotic. I liked the use of metaphors and symbols too e.g. the link between the most famous monologue in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', 'To Be Or Not To Be', and the drowning corpse(s) (Ophelia).

Here is one role that Ranvir Shorey has used to fully explore his acting. I cannot think of anyone else who could have done more justice to this multi-layered complex character as Shorey completely owned the part. It's perhaps a little too early to call it among the finest performances of the year but it's powerful nonetheless. Neha Dhupia oozes sex as she looks sizzling but her acting was mostly okay (nothing standout). Vinay Pathak and Saurabh Shukla are okay too (as the writing does not give them much scope). Iravati Mahadev makes the best of the little role she has which results in an impressive performance. Unfortunately, Naseeruddin Shah does not have much screen time but he makes the best of what he's given.

In a nutshell, I would call it a brilliant film by Shukla and Kapoor. Critics seem to overly praise it just for being different rather than for being powerfully amusing (which it is). Okay, I'll rephrase that: It deserves to be praised for being a phenomenal film rather than for just being different. But I suppose that allows the viewer to discover for themselves what they're in for. In my opinion, this is the first great Indian film of the year. Yes, there are flaws but the impact of its viewing is undeniable (at least for me).

I was feeling a bit low so wanted to watch a light and funny movie. The movie served the purpose really well. The cast is really good and the actors do justice to their characters. Simple, nothing fancy but will keep you entertained.

A movie that showcases the coming of age of Indian cinema. We've had a lot of movies of late that signify a promising future (Dil Chahta Hai, Bheja Fry, Rang De Basanti), and this one carries forward the future of Bollywood. Directed beautifully by Rajat Kapoor (who was also involved with Bheja Fry), this movie is all you want a movie to be- Crisp storyline, brilliant acting, entertaining dialogues, and riveting as a whole. Ranvir Shorey revels in the lead role, very smoothly fitting into the roles of V.K. the actor and Raje the Don, and he gets even better when he's playing both the roles in the same body! He is truly a great actor, and if this is the direction Bollywood chooses to take, then he will be at the helm of it. Vinay Pathak as usual gives a dedicated performance, funny with the tinge of darkness. His buddy (dunno his name) is also fantastic, and his dialogue delivery and accent are hilarious. Neha Dhupia excels at looking hot. Naseeruddin Shah doesn't have much of a role, and in the later stages, his character was overshadowed (in the story itself, and in screen presence too) by Saurabh Shukla. The locales are wonderful. The background score is perfect for the movie. The absence of songs pleases you. All in all, an excellent experience, and the last line of the movie makes you realise, that its not just a dark comedy. Go watch it!

The movie is about the life of a struggling actor VK (Ranveer), who finds himself in the middle of a gang war just because of his looks. This movie has a lot of twists and it will be unfair on my part to give away those here. In one line, the film is story of a guy who finds himself at the wrong place in the wrong time and how that changes his life. Although the movie is not a remake of Don, but this is how a Don remake could have been.

Rajat Kapoor and Saurabh Shukla have come up with a brilliant script, which is very unpredictable. Although I somehow knew the end, but the way movie reaches it's end is worth watching. The story has comedy, drama, action, romance, love, almost every element of a good script. Arindam Chaudhary has made up for his mistake (Rok Sako to Rok Lo) by producing this film. Rajat Kapoor has presented this brilliant script beautifully.

If we talk about acting, everyone in the cast has played his part beautifully. Ranveer Shorey has performed really well in a very demanding role. Vinay Pathak leaves his mark in a small but significant role. Other actors Naseeruddin Shan, Saurabh Shukla, Iravati, Brijendra Kala, Harsh Chhaya all are good in their part and have been suitably cast. Neha Dhupia has proved that she can act, if she is given good roles. By the end of the year, this movie will definitely find it's name among one of the best movies of year 2008.

I would rate this film as 8 out of 10 and would recommend every cinema lover to go and watch this film. I am sure you will be glad that you watched this film.

Mithya, a tragi-comedy , is film directed by Rajat kapoor. Rajat kapoor has really impressed in this movie though he didn't act in it..the story starts with showing how a simple man VK (ranvir shorey) tries his best to really make a mark for himself in the film industry. while attempting to really prove his mettle VK the simple man get caught into the web of murky underworld politics. He is cleverly manipulated by Nasserudin shah, Shaurabh shukla and their allies.the background music is wonderfully done. The film has dialogues from hamlet, which was intended for drawing parallel with a man who finally just becomes the pawn in the chess board. Mithya, is a wonderful and special because at certain instances the common man can relate to the characters of the film.there are times when one feels really bad for VK, who is to don the mantle of rajabhai the dreaded underworld mafia. The script is very crisp and fresh. there are comic relief and the film doesn't drag unneccesarily. Overall Mr.Rajat Kapoor has delivered a film that is worth watching.