The movie deserves much more success and following than it has. One of the lesser known projects by Anurag Kashyap but unlike his other movies - with a headline cast, music and a love story! Imagine, Martin Scorsese making a love story, yet with his stamp written all over it. Let's move to the review:
First the cons (this is very difficult since the film is stunning!):
(a) Length perhaps? No, I give up. Have no idea what moments could have been cut down. So tightly directed!
Pros:
(a) super script, great direction, tightly edited, completely engrosses you. Every scene was important, and every character complex, realistic and well crafted.
(b) background track, lyrics, dialogues are poetic and infuse intensity. The locale - Punjab and Kashmir, the culture, the social mileu is the canvas on which this film is pained. Silences are as powerful as the noise.
(c) on the performances, Tapsee and Vicky are as good as ever, shape shifters as they are and playing complex characters. The biggest surprise is Abhishek Bacchan who outperforms himself and channels some of the skills his father is known for! The acting cannot be faulted.
(d) common to many AK movies, there are Shakespearean influences (the twins, characters who deteriorate or change, fundamental human dilemmas, rich in existential questions).
(e) making a love story from a centuries old tale that grips you like this is in itself an experience. Exploring, love, lust, sex, heartbreak, commitment in this manner is quite something. With the exceptional music and song writing that ties into the movie, have the subtitles on!
Go and watch this movie! This is my third review on IMDb and i dont rate movies this highly often!
