Chandni Bar

Although I rented this movie on Video, I am still very moved by it. It was quite an experience. Hats off to the director and all the actors especially Tabu & Atul Kulkarni are very effective. The director has done a lot of non-routine stuff like the narration, the lights, the bar songs and background music etc. Hopefully the people get the right message the director wants to convey.

A riveting, extremely well-acted movie. Also, one of the most depressing I've ever seen. If you're looking for upbeat Bollywood fare, go elsewhere. This is an excellent film, but the main character is put through the ringer time and again, and the story takes you with her.

In the land of Bollywood, where movies are purely escapist fantasies of love everlasting, here is one film that isn't afraid to be realistic. Chandni Bar tells of the plight of young girl from a small town, who goes to sin city Mumbai where she works as a bar dancer to make both ends meet. There are several scenes in this movie which shine with brilliance, and Tabu shines in her role. The rest of the supporting cast also give expert performances, but particular mention must be given to Ananya Khare, whose portrayal of bar dancer Deepa steals the limelight from Tabu whenever both of them are in a scene together. Atul Kulkarni also gives a great performance as Tabu's criminal husband Potya Sawant. The film has a very realistic look in its portrayal of the gritty back alleys of Mumbai.

If you are in the mood for pure escapist fantasy, go watch Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. But once you get sick of the sugary sweet concotions Bollywood has to offer, give Chandni Bar a try. It's deliciously bitter!

Madhur Bhandarkar is amazing. Tabu is a glamorous Thespian! Not to mention Atul Agnihotri & Rajpal Yadav! Beautiful performances.

The emotion behind the life of a bar dancer in India and all the underlying difficulties - the ups and downs are depicted in this movie. The range (1886 - 2000) is narrated in a very effective manner.

The background aalaap, music, songs and all the rendition makes it a perfect movie.

The message her is so true that the audience really gets touched by it. With one of the few bold themes in the history of Bollywood, Chandni Bar stands out just like his other movies.

Be human, watch this and know how it feels to lead of life filled with utter baloney!

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? NO!

For more - bit.ly/TEJAS

Chandni Bar is an intrguing film and, to this day, remains Madhur Bhandarkar's best film. Bhandarkar gives us a glimpse into the filthy world of Mumbai's lower strata of prostitution, and it is a very truthful look at once. I'm not going to drag it, the one who gives the film its realistic edge and poignancy is its leading lady. Tabu is tremendous in this film - totally there, committed, real, and very credible. You really feel for her throughout the film and want her best interest. She lives her role rather than just playing it and even though she is at times lacking in energy, she is the film; nothing else in it works as well as her story and superlative performance. She is well supported by a competent Atul Kulkarni as the tough but kind husband, and Anaya Khare gives a remarkably realistic performance in a tiny short role with just a few scenes to deliver. Chandni Bar is gritty, gripping, and for the most part rings true, which is a surprise considering the director's other works. Sadly Bhandarkar seems to have fallen too much in love with the idea of showing "the dark side of" that his next projects revolved around similar ideas but focused on providing the viewers some shock value, with much less credibility. Chandni Bar is one piece he could always be proud of, it is worth a watch as a film, and the brilliant Tabu remains its prime asset.