adityakripalani

The most personal film from AK in a while. The ending made me begin to weep like a child. The classical music was so beautifully used. Just for that I'm going to see it again. Is it just me or does Rahul Bhatt sound like AK in the film in some way. Either I'm projecting or it's intentional. Wherever the politics or the personal came in, the film was in its best gear. Thoroughly enjoyed it. There is a poem in the third act that reminds me so much of Hamlet. Apathy is the devil. That's my take away. And that's a lot to take away if you think about it. Anurag sir had taught me dialogue writing at FTII in 2004. Also, as a Side note, one of my cinematic heroes and me are now connected in a very strange way. The endings of one my most personal films and this film are so ridiculously and strangely connected that my mind is blown. It's something that's going to stay with me till I'm alive.

The pace of the story, the way it intertwines various relationships, the way it takes you up in its warp and weft, all feel like you're actually in a river. Really enjoyed the way this film looks, sounds and feels. My favourite moment though was between Jitendra Joshi and Mohit Takalkar. Kudos to Prajakt, the writer. And Nikhil and Jitendra Joshi. I also loved Gauri Nalawade. She's a find! Probably Jitendra joshi's best work yet. Hope he produces many more. Now you've got to go see Pune 52 on Amazon!

Watched Sherni on Amazon.

Really liked how the film talks about the forest. But also about the feminine. And how Vidya Vincent is pretty much the same in soul to T-12.

How the world of men around plays it's games of power and self interest. Except of course for Noorani, who interestingly was probably the only person from another minority.

I really liked that unlike classical Bollywood and Hollywood dramas the hero doesn't haven't to drive everything. And can be someone to whom things are done. Reminiscent of Newton. I only hope this doesn't become the filmmakers pattern as we all tend to fall prey to our own.

I really liked the ending. Realistic. Not waiting to deliver anything to you. I liked the small touches about Vidya like taking her jewellery off right before leaving for the urgent issue, in front of the in law and mom kinda saying 'ok now I'm done with keeping y'all calm. Now it's time for work'.

I really liked how Vidya embraced her mom despite having come from danger herself to calm her down. I really liked Jyoti and Vidya's bond. Made me get a bit emotional. Jyoti was beautiful. But I loved that Vidya Balan took this film and allowed herself to be used as a metaphor for the tiger. And also for the feminine. No one is really interested in the feminine. Just what they can get from it. And only another woman may understand the feminine. And connect. The same goes for the Sherni. Only another sherni can understand. And connect. I hope this changes.

I do wish some of the male Characters were less charicaturish.

Specially the husband.

And I loved how Neeraj Kabi's chatacter played out right from his first scene with the casual innuendo yo the end.

I also loved how Vidya delivered the word 'Pathetic'.