It
is definitely exciting times for Indian Cinema, and enticing to see more and
more Indian Film Makers open to adopting great pieces of Literature, and transforming them into good cinema. “Lootera”, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane,
partly adopts O Henry’s beautiful short story “ The Last Leaf”, to tell a heart aching love story, weaved beautifully through some brilliant art. Vikramaditya , who had earlier directed the very hard hitting and at your face, Udaan, manages to tug strings of your heart, through his current rendition.
The fact that the antagonist of the film also happens to be the hero, and the female lead is more expressive in love, makes it a more interesting watch. The chemistry between the lead pair is complex yet fascinating. Particularly the conflict scenes between two protagonists, not only against each other but at the same time, with self, are high points of the movie. At one point, one can’t stop wondering what magic; SRK-Kajol would have created, had they been cast in the movie.
However,
Lootera , being a period film, will not appeal to all audiences. Leisurely paced, it
unfolds aesthetically, capturing every frame beautifully and with precision to
finer details. From aesthetics to costume to look and feel, Vikram reminds of his
mentor Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Though the latter was more obsessed with the art
rather than the story and characters itself. Lootera too suffers from that
syndrome occasionally, but by and large, the director manages to convey
emotions strongly, restraining the beautiful canvas, as a perfect background
only.
Like
all recent cult films, Parineeti , Kahaani, Barfi, Lootera
too thrives on the Bong Connection – while the film first half and characters
are set in West Bengal, the second half shifts to picturesque Dalhousie. Set in
post independence era, the film gives an insight in life of Zamindar and their
sense of loss, at their dethroning from their position of power and prized
possession and moves on to explore how vulnerability of one human being becomes
weapon of another human to exploit. Amidst all this is an enchanting love story
between Varun and Pakhi, which grows from innocence to intense, inter-twined between
conversations and prolonged silences. The camera captures those silent glances
of love beautifully.
The fact that the antagonist of the film also happens to be the hero, and the female lead is more expressive in love, makes it a more interesting watch. The chemistry between the lead pair is complex yet fascinating. Particularly the conflict scenes between two protagonists, not only against each other but at the same time, with self, are high points of the movie. At one point, one can’t stop wondering what magic; SRK-Kajol would have created, had they been cast in the movie.
The
film can easily boast of, one of the finest camera work and cinematography, ever
portrayed in Indian cinema, with such finesse. The craft enhances the viewing
experience by several notches in this tale of love, betrayal and self-conflict.
Another high point of the film is the soulful music and background score of
Amit Trivedi, which simply is outstanding, portraying innocence and pain in
love, with equal measure.
The
characters in the film, being multi-layered appears real. The supporting actors,
be it Vikram Massey as hero’s friend, Barun Chanda as Pakhi’s dad or Adil as
police inspector are superb. However the young protagonists of the movie should
be truly credited to ensure that the film rises above just being a picture perfect,
to portray the tale of strong conflicting heart wrenching emotions. While
Sonakshi as Pakhi is quite a surprise and complete revelation (her best work till date) , Ranveer Singh is
exceptional in an intense role, which he downplays beautifully. Watch the
emotions in the eyes of Varun and Pakhi in the 2nd half, from hatred
to despair to love and hope, it pretty much conveys the graph and mood of this
heart-wrenching love story.
The
film adopts portion of “The Last Leaf” well into its screenplay although one wished the director would have relied a little more on Indian audience’s intelligence and not
dropped so many hints, from much before, on the beautiful climax, than it actually unfolds. Those who have read the book can relate how the final reels of the movie, transforms those scenes of the book into exotic visuals and at the same time equally depicts strong under currents
of emotions. While the film falters in story telling in second half with some glorious
flaws but full kudos to Vikramaditya for overhauling those glitches and managing to deliver yet another emotional
master-craft. Come with a peaceful mind…and enjoy the experience!!!!
