Scraps Stuffs - Random musings from apun ka desh

After a long time I watched a Hindi movie that wasn't lifted (I believe the Bollywood term for this is inspired) from a Hollywood movie or that didn't feature the same old, boring Bollywood themes. I enjoyed the movie but as usual I was underwhelmed. I should seriously stop reading all the hype.

The movie did feature a good cast however and one that acted very well too. Alice Patten did a good job and so did Kunal Kapoor, Atul Kulkarni and Siddharth. Aamir Khan did a fine job too but then he can perform these roles in his sleep now. Soha Ali Khan cannot be mistaken for anyone but Sharmila Tagore's daughter, so striking is the resemblance. A meatier role is required for displaying talent however.

I liked how they depicted the friendship between all the members of the gang. Very warm camaraderie and most college going kids will be able to relate to them very easily. The change from an easy going lifestyle to one that takes a good hard look at situation around them is truly what the movie is all about. And its depicted nicely too. I have a vague feeling that the ending of the movie could have been improved but don't know exactly how!

The only criticism I have is that the first half could have been shortened a bit. Also there isn't much "background" information on Soha Ali Khan's character and also Sukhi, no mention of their families unlike the others, but this is a minor point, a niggle actually.

The music was nice, the pathshala song was fun and captured the essence of a carefree lifestyle very well. Rubaru was nice as well.

The ending really makes you feel sad at the wasted talent (although its not entirely their own doing). Although the movie makes you think about what sacrifice means and what doing something for your country is all about, the point will be lost on Indian audiences who only want escapist movies. Swades is a typical example.