Saturday 6 July 2013

Movie Review: Lootera

The film set in the year is 1953, is a love story of Pakhi (Sonakshi Sinha) and Varun (Ranveer Singh).
 Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane

Starring: Sonakshi Sinha, Ranveer Singh, Vikram Massey, Arif Zakaria and Divya dutta.


 Story:The year is 1953. Pakhi,, a Zamindar, in an aristocratic world. In this tranquil existence enters an archaeologist, Varun, seeking help from the Zamindar with a letter from the Archaeological Society of India. With his remarkable knowledge of books and music, and expertise in his own field, Varun impresses the Zamindar, stealing his way into the life and heart of the family; especially Pakhi’s. As love blossoms, Pakhi is drawn towards Varun’s captivating reserve and easy-going charm. Following a series of inevitable uncertainties and misunderstandings, she comes to terms with her feelings for Varun on the eve of his departure. She shares them with her father and Varun finds himself agreeing to marry Pakhi.But strange are the quirks of fate, queer the vicissitudes of misfortune. A shocking realization about Varun shatters Pakhi’s life. She turns reclusive.Pakhi struggles to move on with her life, determined to forget him and their relationship. Until one day, he lands up at her door-step under the most extraordinary circumstances.


What it's about:
Period films usually mean big budget bonanzas which overwhelm you with expensive sets, elaborate costumes, a big star cast, computer graphics and other paraphernalia. In that Lootera is different. But that's not the only thing that's different. For starters, the film doesn't attempt to overwhelm you in any way. Lootera charms you and slowly (pun intended) draws you into its lost world.
Lootera set in the year is 1953, is a love story of Pakhi (Sonakshi Sinha) and Varun (Ranveer Singh). She lives with her father, a Zamindar, in an aristocratic world. Along comes Varun, an archaeologist and impresses the large-hearted noble landlord enough to host him and his friend during their stay in their town. It's a matter of time before he wins over the confidence of the zaminar and Pakh's heart. A date for marriage is set but misfortune strikes. With Varun gone, Pakhi attempts to move on with her life in a new town. Then one day, he lands up at her door-step. Will she forgive him? Will she take him back? Does she hate him? Those questions are as much on Pakhi's mind as they will be on yours are you get engrossed in her world.

What's good:
It is clear from the start that this film is the kind of romance that can't be rushed, and won't be rushed. Director Vikramaditya doesn't dazzle you with great dialogues or attempt to impress with fifties' nostalgia. He is content just telling the story and bringing his old world characters to life. Lootera has all the right rhythms and it moves along without losing its conviction, and casting it's hypnotic spell. Before you know it, you are part of this bygone era.  It's a world where there is art and antiques, paintings and music, books and babus. Motwane does a wonderful job of letting the audience understand the nature of his characters -- the good and the bad. You feel the helplessness of the Zamindar's secretary about the impending doom about to destroy his employer. You feel the Zamindar's loss when he looks at the empty shelves in his house, you can almost reach out and touch the old radio playing Yaad kiya dil ne kahan ho tum. You can sense Varun's dilemma, and experience Pakhi's pain. Lootera is fetching filmed (Mahendra Shetty)  and wonderfully acted. The music by Amit Trivedi is a huge plus. Varun's friend deserves a special mention. Ranveer Singh is a revelation. He is wonderfully restrained, effortless and delivered a gimmick-free performance. But the star of the film is undoubtedly Sonakshi Sinha. What a mature and refined performance. She lives the character body and soul. One film she can and should always be proud of.

What's not:
The fault, if you can call it that lies in the fact that the audience who've been fed on a steady diet of masala fare, will find this slow and tedious. This won't  appeal to the fast food and romcom generation.  It is a different beast. It is a nuanced movie that doesn't have the bite but it has the beauty that you will find appealing but you have to surrender yourself to it.   

Music:
 The music and background score for the film is composed by Amit Trivedi with all song lyrics penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya. The music of the film is set in the styles of old Bollywood era. The composer opted to keep two "antras" followed by a "mukhra" in the songs, matching to the 1950s styles of composition. The composer recorded Chennai String Orchestra for the score for the film.The fourth song of the album "Monta Re" has its musical influence from the Baul Musical Tradition of Bengal. The complete film soundtrack album was released online on 29 May 2012.The audio was launched at PVR Cinemas, Juhu in Mumbai on June 7, 2013. The music composer quoted, "The music of this film is a tribute to R. D. Burman in terms of melody and orchestration." He performed the song "Zinda" and songs "Sawaar Loon", "Manmarziyan", "Monta Re" were performed by singer Shilpa Rao and lyricist-singers Amitabh Bhattacharya and Swanand Kirkire, live at the event.

1 comment:

  1. d flick should be praised for its honest canvassing of love on celluloid, it never was meant to be a 200 crore breaker or made to suffice d masses. neither was udaan a gr8 hit but d same developed cult status as time passed. n both being d products from the same man, guess he must be given credit for his beautifully directed movie... nor was much invested on ites production, a meagre 32 crores , of which it already has collected 19.. dis is one of those flicks to be enjoyed with your loved ones on a lazy sunday noon over a cup of tea ... laud him for making 2 not so known as good actors, give a commendable performance... Even lakshya was penned down by the audience but it waas n will always remain 1 of the gr8test acts enacted by an actor onscreen....

    ReplyDelete