Kuttey

By definition "noir" genre in cinema refers to a movie with action at night mainly in dimly lit areas, plotting in shady night clubs with desperate and grey characters dealing with a corrupt system Most such movies have an intricate plot with more focus on cinematography, editing, sound and less focus on the narrative. Such movies have loud background music and pulsating/ rock music. The characters generally have a fatal fascination for daring action and eliminating adversies in a cruel manner. Keeping all this in mind this movie qualifies as noir cinema but not without its aberrations and shortcomings.

There is an ensemble of desperados, rather three groups consisting of both cops and criminals ( guys and dolls) who are after a van full of money unmindful of each other's mission. At one stage they face each other with cocked guns ready to fire on each other. The narrative is jerky and inconsistent but the pace is fast. Its all about greed for money, betrayal, back stabbing , blood, bullets, shady hotels and shadier deals.( As per the title the characters behave like dogs but surprisingly dogs are loyal and faithful which these characters are definitely not.) The plot line is divided into chapters like sab ka malik ek, Aati kya Canada ?, moong ki dal etc which does make things interesting. There is a" frog and scorpion" story told by one character indicating that a scorpion will bite whatever the circumstances because of its slimy character. An oblique reference to the desperate characters of the movie.

Director Aasmaan Bharadwaj in his debut assignment has done what his dad does best and maybe outdone him in parts . The signature tune of " Kaminey" keeps repeating throughout. There is some excellent cinematography and music to match the mood of the movie. An ensemble of top actors have pitched in to give fine performances. Finally the movie is too dark for average audiences and may prove off putting. Noir cinema is not for everyone.

When Konkona narrates the story of a dog,lamb and a tiger in the beginning of the film,I hoped the story would adhere to it for making the naming of the film as "Kuttey" justified and the epilogue significant. But the narrative doesn't even add up with that story,which is why I was wondering the importance of that fable told by Konkona throughout the runtime and at the end was disappointed with whimsical climax. The film is filled with cluster of events one after another which keeps you engaged but it feels like over-saturation after first half. The film follows a rashomon structure,and a labyrinth of perspectives and coincidences galore as it progresses. The screenplay lacks depth and fails to make the characters dark as the premise of the film demands. The visuals,score demands more grittier approach than the narrative follows,none of the characters were intimidating enough despite such a great ensemble. If you take out individual performances,none of them disappointed and again Tabu is a winner,what a brilliant performer. Kumud Mishra's character was given a gentle backstory which works well and the only character you could have a little bit sympathy for.

The visuals,the background score are terrific,also being a film school pass-out Aasman Bhardwaj intelligently crafts the action sequences and beautifully utilizes his knowledge of blocking in those. The one take action sequence during the heist evokes brilliance in terms of execution,and easily the best part of the film. Aasman's film is clearly highly influenced by the style of Tarantino,Guy ritchie and his own father's films. What I didn't get from this film is originality,which I was anxiously looking for. Aasman need to grow over his father's shadow and establish himself as an individual filmmaker. I assume he will grow as a filmmaker,because the sheer technical prowess he has regarding films ,what he needs is more polish in his narrative.

And last of all,Arjun Kapoor doesn't look like a sore thumb in the middle of a brilliant casting,he was not brilliant but certainly not someone who spoils the party,Aasman worked hard to bring out a credible performance from him.

Expecting more from Aasman Bhardwaz in future.

Dogs are filing pawtitions and pawsuits everywhere to misuse their name in their sh-ittier than rot-ten shi-t movie. Aasmaan Bharadwaj had everything - papa's money, decent budget, awesomest starcast, decent music, but what he did? He marinated them with rot-ten non-existent plot, directionless direction and decades old same old non-creative story. Clearly he didn't inherit any talent from his extremely talented parents just like Arjun Kapoor. And why on the earth he had to take Arjun Kapoor as a lead? Arjun Kapoor can turn any gold to rat-shi-t. 2 hours of my time that I am never getting back. Wish I was allowed to throw rotten tomatoes and stones on the screen! Seriously, what did I just watch????

Everyone in the movie is portrayed to be oversmart. Dialogues are bad. Its almost like 10 year old dialogues in a new wrapper. Mumbai police has been portrayed as corrupt from the inside out. I think Mumbai Police should object this utter nonsense portrayal. There is no entertainment whatsoever. The peon in my office looks smarter than Shardul Bhardwaj. What an absolutely waste actor. He is good for a spot boy. Maybe bhardwaj surname got him this role. Arjun kapoor n tabu's acting is horrible. Its a complete waste of money. Radhika, naseer, kumud are okay. Otherwise, its a really boring movie. Feels like the movie is 3 hours when its just one hour 45 mins.

So for the sake of timepass I went for this movie starring Lord Arjun Kapoor and other brilliant starcasts like Kumud Mishra, Tabbu, Konkana Sen, Naseerudin Shah, Radhika Madan,Ashish Vidyarthi etc. But After completion of this movie I felt little bit cheated from the angle of powerful starcasts and their utilizations. So I would love to say that, all such powerful casting were under utilized and make them uncomfortable to bark those bad words which was completely unnecessary. So in simple terms, you can leave this movie because it didn't impacted that much to the new age audiences despite having a good potential dark comedy plot and well known stars in it.

1st half of the movie was totally flat and just going here and there with it's storyline, But the 2nd part of the movie was interesting and the way the director connected all characters and their storyline in a single line was worth commending. Music was used properly and the screenplay was extremely tight so boring elements were little less. And the pre climax fight and the ultimate climax everything was cold and average. Modi ji's cameo was good and to the point as well. But somehow this complete plot was not that convincing for me. Even I will not consider it as timepass watch, you can leave or just go for once without having any expectations.

From my side it will be 5 Out of 10 Stars for it and It's definitely not a movie to go with family..