The Dirty Picture

A fat lady from a humble background struggles and succeeds into making waves for her seductive moves in the silver screen. The above sentence it self creates a lot of hype and curiosity when transformed into silver screen. But not all films are equally great on screen as it is on paper. The Dirty Picture is one such film which could have been far better if the writer chose to be more risky like Silk herself. Silk Smitha is known to almost all Indians of different age groups who have satisfied their inner fantasies through the videos of this dusky seductress of 80s.Its a huge task in bringing out a character as challenging like Silk who death was as mysterious as her life. Coming to the film let's dissect it to figure out both the extremes. What went right :- Milan Luthria and Rajat Arora were totally successful in recreating the mindless era of 80s. The aging heroes used to play college kids, the settings were outlandish, the songs were bizarre with unique blend of eccentricity in the choreography and over all executions used to be loud with capital "L" – that summarizes the 80s films. All these elements were rightly incorporated in the film. The scene were the aging hero plays the role of college student and the way director says "fine shot sir" reflects the scenario of those times. But within such setting audience used to find entertainment,entertainment and entertainment thus a new star got created. With sensuality and boldness Silk rocked the milieu and rose to peak of stardom very early in her career. The growth of Silk has been portrayed with utmost sincerity and kudos to Luhtria for casting Vidya Balan arguable the Best actress of current bollywood. Rajat Aurora should be applauded for the gutsy dialogs which forms the crux of the film and provides ample 'entertainment" to the janata. The shallowness of 80s is rightly depicted in a subtle manner and evergreen hypocrisy of Indian people has been aptly portrayed. So what went wrong? Probably to provide 'entertainment" more emphasis has been given to the dialog baazi rather than a coherent script. The characters behave in a inconsistent manner. The reason for Abraham's hatred towards Silk is not convincing and neither his change of heart. In fact Luthria's dig on art cinema seems contrived. The narrative falls in the second hour following similar cliché loop. The psychological dip of Silk was shown in a hurried manner which doesn't evoke pathos and climax is one of worst scripted in recent times. What could have been a movement transformed into plain mediocrity. Like his other films Luthria's choice of subject is superb but every time he loses the scope of a masterpiece by playing it to the gallery. Coming to the acting department Naseeruddin Shah was average as aging superstar Surya. He started off in a brilliant way but then seem to be sleep walking throughout the film. Tusshar Kapoor is wasted in a insignificant character and he didn't rise above it either. Emraan Hashmi had a half baked character but he did justice to the role of Abraham who hated Silk. In fact the conversation between Abraham and Silk brought spark on screen whenever they crossed their path. Rajesh Sharma as Silva Ganesh was superb. Earlier seen in small yet significant roles in Khosla ka ghosla and No One Killed Jessica Sharma got a meatier role here. And as the successful producer with a unique mannerism he did better than the male star cast. .. Anju Mahendra was adequate in a small role of gossip journalist.And the main hero of film is Vidya Balan. As mentioned earlier one of the fine actress of our times Vidya simply rocked as Silk. Bold, inhabited oozing out ample amount of flesh and cleavage the territory was unknown for Vidya but she did justice to the role. Credit should be given to costume designer Niharika Khan and Moiz Kapadia, Vidya never looked vulgar even though she was playing dirty. Stupendous job by Bobby Singh, whose lens never tend to titillate the audience. Under able hand and being a powerhouse of talent herself Vidya showed the energy she had within. In every screen she was looking like the character and her voice only added to the gravity. Be it in the sequence when Vidya seduces a crowd in front of the journalist's house or giving a speech in the award function she showed confidence in herself as an actress. She is bound to sweep all award for her role in this film and No one killed Jessica. The other hero of the film is "ooh la la". Sung by Bappida himself the song is a time machine ride to the by gone era. And Pony Verma's choreography had the nostalgic feeling to it. Already breaking the music charts 'ooh la la" is a phenomenon. Sadly overall music album by Vishal-Shekhar is disappointing. Ishq Sufiana may be good to the ear but was totally forced in the film. Overall Vidya Balan excels in a weak film which had the potential to be a classic. But one thing which the film did succeed is showing the hypocrisy of Indian janata who openly criticizes sleaze but enjoys being dirty under close doors. Indeed a slap on the "clean" Indian society.

Just before the opening credits, a disclaimer stating that the film is completely fictitious and that resemblance to anyone living or dead is coincidental. Really? So this isn't based on the life and death of Silk Smitha? Is it really a coincident that the lead character is called Silk? Anyway, after seeing the preview, I expected this to be a sleazefest using the late Silk Smitha's tragic story as a marketing tool.

However, I was wrong. I don't know how accurately it depicts Silk's life (as not much is known about her personal life) but it does tell a humane story about a woman who aspired to be a star and fearlessly made it to the top even though she was considered to be 'cheap, trashy, dirty, shameless' and what not, basically everything that 'go against the values of a typical Indian woman'. The writing is surprisingly good. Dialogues are witty and funny.

This is perhaps Luthria's best film to date. I had found his previous film 'Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai' to be pretty boring and the less said about his other films the better. But, 'The Dirty Picture' proves that the director does have what it takes.

The art direction is superb. The 80's milieu is captured superbly. The songs also bring about that 80's essence and are situated properly. I only thought the 'Ishq Sufiana' song should have been left out as it's misplaced and frankly, there's no place for it in the film.

I had initially thought that Balan was an odd choice for the role. But, Vidya Balan is at her sexiest. Yes, she's put on some weight for the part but so what! She definitely beats these Priyankas and Katrinas. Balan has really matured as an actress and she appears completely comfortable under the skin of her character. Her brave and uninhibited performance is spontaneous, natural, and transcendent. Her depiction of ambition, sensuality, loneliness and despair is spot on. This, along with her role in 'Ishqiya' showcase her talent as an actress and they are among the best performances seen in recent Hindi cinema.

Naseeruddin Shah is excellent as a spoof of those aging actors who were still considered big stars in the 80s and paired up with actresses less than half their age while playing sons to former female leads (yes this includes the likes of the Amitabh Bachchans, Rajesh Khannas, Dharmendras and Feroz Khans). Emraan Haashmi springs a surprise and actually delivers a convincing performance. Tushar Kapoor is quite annoying but less so than in his other flicks. The supporting cast is good.

As mentioned earlier, I'm not sure how much of it is accurately depicts the real story of the late South Indian actress but in some ways it shows her respect by portraying her as a human being who had stengths and weaknesses and just wanted to be loved rather than as a promiscuous shameless slag (as many liked to call her) who just about slept around with anyone. At the same time, it also depicts her as a woman who gave in to the casting couch which I doubt was something the real Silk Smitha did to make it big. Anyway, a standing ovation to Ms. Balan for giving another career best.

Expectations for this movie were totally 'Tharki'. The nation was set on fire since the trailer was launched. Vidya Balan is the hot topic in every corner for her flaunts and oomph. Emraan's something new avatar was also noticed. Shortly, people who were keen to see 'The Dirty Picture' were either waiting to see what Vidya had still to show or some very delicate people were impressed by the centralized theme of the movie.

Silk Smitha was a heartthrob of her time, not for her acting but her skin-show and sex-appeal. Describing her life is nothing so important as she as totally washed out from many minds. But I would praise Director Milan Luthria's 'one step forward' thinking and make such a mind-blowing movie on Silk. I mean, Silk would have got amazed if she could watch the movie and realize how interesting her life was to many people.

Ekta Kapoor is a producer of some different movies like "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai", "Love Sex Aur Dhoka", "Ragini MMS". 'The Dirty Picture' is a 'hatke' and 'sexy' attempt to bring a rage in Indian movies.

Reshma (Vidya Balan), a girl who had big dreams in her mind sets off in a journey that will lead her to vulgarity, betrayal and impure fame. Her career stars with being 'Silk' and ends when the 'Reshma' in her rises. Suryakant (Naseeruddin Shah), Suryakant (Tusshar Kapoor), two siblings were the two obstacles in her 'want to be' good life. Ibrahim (Emraan), who looked upon Silk as a vulgar, dramatic actress and personal enemy, finally finds that what she is doing is not intentional. Real Life V/S. Movie - the difference is shown in this film and by whom it's shown is late Silk Smitha.

No Two penny comments on performance by Vidya Balan. She has shown everything where what should be - 'Body' and 'Herself as a perfect performer'. I can say with extreme surety that she will win 'Best Actress' award in every function (can get a national award as well). The sex content in her role, horny expressions, dialogs (that can shut any person up) - everything made Vidya Balan the show-stopper, simply marvelous. Next to her whom I liked very much is Emraan Hashmi, a small wonder. His role was thin and short but his carrying out was commendable and deserves applause. Naseeruddin Shah was fantastic as a rude, selfish and villain-ish person. Tushaar Kapoor was first-rate in his gentle turned evil role. Rajesh Sharma deserves some points. Others like Anju Mahendrum, Mangal Kenkre & Shivani Tanskale are fine.

The One thing which I liked most in the whole was kick-ass dialog was heroic, crude and strong. Some sexual references were hilarious. Nearly every Dialog is a stunner. Awesome work on dialogs as well as story and lyrics by Rajat Arora. Cinematography by Bobby Singh was good as he covered 80's wonderfully. Costume by Niharika Khan was top notch. Making Vidya Balan look sexy in her big tummy was hard but costumes covered much. Music by Vishal-Shekhar is average. 'Ooh La La" and "Ishq Sufiyana" are the only ones that one can enjoy in a situational position.

On the whole, The Dirty Picture is the best movie of this year so far as it has every ingredient perfect in it. From Story to script to dialogs to performances - everything is just fantastic. Even the Sex-quotient is very high and vulgarism is over the top, still this movie shines for his genuineness and strength in plot and lead actors. Moreover, This movie is a grand success for it's three elements "Entertainment, entertainment and entertainment". Finally I would state that, If you skip "The Dirty Picture", it will be one of the biggest mistakes you've ever made. Please, watch it! P.S. - This movie is 'Strictly', not for kids and under-ages.

Inspired by the life of the late Silk Smitha, an actress noted for her erotic roles, 'The Dirty Picture' is decent biopic on the late sex-symbol. The main reason why this biopic works, is because of the On-Screen Silk, played terrificly by Vidya Balan. She stands out!

'The Dirty Picture' is a tale of pain, desire, ambition, struggle, and darkness. It's about Silk & her entire journey. It's a complete look at the rise & fall on the late south-siren.

Cinematically, 'The Dirty Picture' is a decent effort, that has enough potential to earn itself a viewing. Of course, the Second-Hour could've been better, but otherwise, there is no major flaw in here to point out. Rajat Aroraa's Screenplay is generally good, but it definitely could've been stronger in the Second-Hour. A special mention for the superb dialogues. Milan Luthria's Direction is passable. Cinematography, Editng & Art Design, are mention-worthy. Music by Vishal-Shekhar, is good

Performance-Wise: Vidya stands out from Scene A to Z. She delivers a terrific performance as Silk. This is Her Bravest & Best Performance to date. Emraan Hashmi is first-rate. Naseeruddin Shah is his usual self, while Tusshar Kapoor deserved more footage. Rajesh Sharma & Anju Mahendru are simply fantastic in supporting roles.

On the whole, 'The Dirty Picture' is a decent effort. Watch it for Vidya's Performance!

Great first half! So so Second half! Typical Milan Luthria movie, 80s setting, 80s music, people don't speak normally but in couplets. Vidya Balan outstanding, others mediocre. Naseeruddin Shah looks ugly but that's what the movie demands from him. The movie starts well with a young girl who is fascinated by movies and glamor. She runs away from her move a day before she is getting married. Turns up in Madras and tries to get to act in movies. She stands in queue for junior artists outside studios without luck. Then one day she gets a chance to finally do a song which no one else is willing to. And from there her career looks like taking off. But a minor setback almost forces her to go back. But not to be and she becomes 'Silk'. Vidya Balan as silk has done great work and the movie is all about her. 3.5/5