Malaal

Writing my first ever review. Never wrote one in my life before. This movie is definitely 9/10. A must watch. A beautiful love story with a taste of classic love. Just love it. Maybe a very unexpected ending but....

Malaal, directed by Mangesh Hadawale, is a heartfelt romantic drama that marks the debut of Meezaan Jafri and Sharmin Segal. The film explores the themes of love, cultural conflict, and personal growth against the vibrant backdrop of a Mumbai chawl. Released in 2019, Malaal weaves a nostalgic narrative that captures the essence of young love and the challenges it faces.

Plot Summary The story centers around Shiva More (Meezaan Jafri) and Astha Tripathi (Sharmin Segal), who come from different cultural backgrounds and find themselves living in the same chawl. Shiva, a local Marathi boy, is carefree and rough around the edges, while Astha, a disciplined and studious girl from a North Indian family, is focused on her career. Despite their differences, an unexpected bond forms between them as they navigate the ups and downs of their budding relationship. The film chronicles their journey as they grapple with societal expectations, personal ambitions, and the complexities of their emotions.

Performances Meezaan Jafri delivers a commendable performance as Shiva, portraying the character's transformation from a rebellious youth to a devoted lover with authenticity and charm. His screen presence and charisma are notable, and he captures the essence of his character's vulnerability and growth.

Sharmin Segal, as Astha, brings a sense of grace and sincerity to her role. Her portrayal of a girl caught between her dreams and her heart is convincing and relatable. The chemistry between Meezaan and Sharmin is palpable, adding depth to their characters' relationship.

The supporting cast, including Sameer Dharmadhikari and Sanjay Gurbaxani, provide solid performances that enhance the film's emotional core. Their roles, though limited, add to the authenticity of the story's setting and cultural context.

Direction and Cinematography Mangesh Hadawale's direction shines in capturing the essence of Mumbai's chawl life, creating a vivid and immersive backdrop for the story. The film's pacing is steady, allowing the characters' emotions and relationships to develop organically. Hadawale's attention to detail in portraying the cultural nuances and daily struggles of the chawl residents adds a layer of realism to the narrative.

The cinematography by Ragul Dharuman is visually appealing, with vibrant colors and beautifully framed shots that capture the bustling energy of Mumbai and the intimate moments of the protagonists. The use of natural light and the depiction of the city's landscapes contribute to the film's nostalgic and heartfelt tone.

Music and Background Score The music of Malaal, composed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Shreyas Puranik, is a standout aspect of the film. The soundtrack features soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics that complement the emotional journey of the characters. Songs like "Aila Re" and "Udhal Ho" are particularly noteworthy, enhancing the film's narrative and leaving a lasting impact.

The background score by Shreyas Puranik subtly underscores the emotional beats of the story, adding depth to the characters' experiences and heightening the overall cinematic experience.

Themes and Impact Malaal delves into themes of love, cultural identity, and personal growth, offering a poignant exploration of how two individuals from different backgrounds can find common ground and transform each other's lives. The film's depiction of young love, with all its passion, challenges, and heartbreaks, resonates with the audience on an emotional level.

Conclusion Malaal is a touching and beautifully crafted romantic drama that showcases the talents of its debutant actors and delivers a heartfelt story of love and self-discovery. While it may follow a familiar narrative arc, the film's authenticity, strong performances, and evocative music make it a memorable cinematic experience.

For those who appreciate romantic dramas with rich cultural settings and emotionally resonant storytelling, Malaal offers a compelling and engaging journey into the complexities of young love and the power of personal transformation.

A pretty decent debut for Mezaan Jaffrey but what's wrong with the leading lady. No expressions at all. Blank face in the whole film. Khair, Mezaan Jaffrey has a bright future ahead if he keeps on working hard like his father. The girl needs to stick to her basics and learn some acting.

Master piece SBL. Soft and romantic movie. New actors done well here

This is a beautifully crafted movie which is delicately subtle. Its subtle in all its aspects - be it the location, its foundation, its content, the performances, and the music. In fact it can appear so mundane, that not everyone will be able to garner its beauty. The makers and the artists clearly have genuine love and belief in the story. A story does not have to be entirely unique to pass a qualification of a great movie. Special mention to both the debutants, Meezan Jaffrey and Sharmin Segal for the amazing, amazing performances. This movie needed debutants beause of the innocence inherent in the movie's theme and core, and they have done a wonderful job. Their honesty glows on the screen. It will be a pity for the Indian film industry if we don't see more of this talent in the future. Each of the artists that form the male protagonist's group of friends are extremely good as well and add so much to the story itself. The music is soothing, melodious, hummable (which we don't get much these days), and grows on you. Its also very much entrenched in its environment, its folksy, classic...beautiful! Another aspect that is superb is how the life of the chawl is woven so seamlessly with the love-story - again, it reflects how honestly the makers have build this story. I really want to thank Mr. Bhansali and the entire team for bringing out this movie exactly the way it is. This one is to stay in the heart for a long, long time.