Lekin...

I was completely mesmerized by Lekin and especially by the castle and Dimple's haunting character who took over the screen whenever she materialized. It brought back memories of Ugetsu, one of my favorite Japanese films. The photography, the music, story, acting was all top notch and I am definitely going to have to see what else Gulzar did. The desert, itself, was as much a character as any of the actors.

I would have given Lekin a 10 but, since I do not know Hindi, I have to rely on subtitles and, periodically, the subtitles were a little hard to follow unless you are a speed reader. Also, my biggest gripe with a lot of great Hindi films is that they do not include the subtitles to the songs which was the case on my DVD. I was unable to see for myself why Gulzar won two awards for best lyrics that year. It was also frustrating because, when Dimple's character sang, I am almost certain that knowing the lyrics would have only added to the enjoyment of the film. I still gave Lekin a 9 but if anyone can tell me where I can easily find the lyrics, I would be very grateful.

The lines of time are very blurry. Past, present and the future are merged into one another in a very fascinating manner. So are the lines of conventional philosophies. What is life? What is death? Where does one end and the other begin? What is in between? According to Gulzar's Lekin, in between is this eternal search for moksha, in between is this struggle against the ghosts of life, where time stands still, till the spirit is free.

Gulzar's 'Lekin...' is a spellbinding experience. He is already very well-known as one of the finest storytellers in the history of Indian cinema and 'Lekin...' is no exception. The movie is like a great book that once you start reading, you can't put it down because it has such a hold on you that you want to reach the end. Gulzar also left some parts of the story open to interpretation. The whole reincarnation element was suggestive and while the film revolves around supernatural elements, the director does not reject science or spirituality but instead he explores possibilities. His attention to detail is impressive.

While the story is gripping, Gulzar makes fine use of the cinematography that gives the setting a life of its own like it did to the desert and the 'mahal' (palace). Hridaynath Mangeshkar's baffling music is an integral part of the movie without which 'Lekin..' would be lacking. Lata Mangeshkar's haunting voice and Gulzar's magical lyrics and Asha Bhosle's vivacious voice in the mujra number are among the highlights of the song. In addition, the background score is simply fabulous.

Vinod Khanna is brilliantly cast as the good hearted Sameer who is 'enchanted' by a mysterious 'gypsy'. Amjad Khan is first rate as the best friend. Beena Banerjee provides good support. Hema Malini has graceful presence. I used to think of Dimple Kapadia as a below average to average at best actress but after seeing 'Rudaali', 'Krantiveer' and a few other films I now respect her as actress. I am so glad Gulzar cast her in the lead because she really captivates the viewer with her haunting performance.

'Lekin...' is pretty much like an enigmatic poem. Like Sameer, the audience is also left wondering and trying to figure out the truth of Reva's existence and is affected and heartbroken by her tragedy and Sameer's search for answers. By the end, one experiences the same feeling like after having read a fabulous book.

I think what makes this film great is its timeless music.Hridaynath Mangeshkar came up with a masterpiece with Lekin. The story provided the backdrop for a classical Hindustani-based music score and the result is a combination of hummable folk songs and classical numbers which are pure magic. The songs definitely add on to the story, but have such strong character themselves that they have their own identity even outside the film.

Asha Bhonsle's 'Jhoothe Naina Bole' is my personal favorite.The sting she manages to put in the song is unparalleled.The beautiful rendition by Asha does justice to the music and to the words.

So even if you do or do not manage to see this movie,do NOT miss the music, since that is bound to stay with you longer.

This is a Hindi language film starring Vinod Khanna and Dimple Kapadia.

Technically you may categorise this as a horror film, and yet there are no scary scenes in the film. The film is definitely haunting, because it'll stay with you forever after you watch it. Brilliant story, direction and performances are the highlights of the film. The lyrics by Gulzar (who was also the director) and singing by Lata Mangeshkar (who was also the producer) won National awards. Vinod Khanna, Dimple Kapadia, Amjad Khan and Hema Malini are excellent in their roles - Vinod Khanna stands out! Set in the deserts of Rajasthan, Gulzar is at his best with his directorial skill - the story keeps moving while seeming slow, and doesn't feel boring at the least - instead keeps you intrigued until the end.

The film is about a government officer who has come to evaluate a palace in ruins. Strangely he able to connect and communicate with a spirit that is unknowingly stuck in time. How he goes about redeeming her and the challenges faced form the crux of the him. The questions and contradictions throughout including the end of the film justify the title.

A must-watch!