Cast: Aamir Khan, Prateik Babbar, introducing Monica Dogra & Kriti MalhotraDirector: Kiran Rao
Producer: Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao
Rating: ***
Kiran Rao's directorial debut 'Dhobi Ghat' breaks the narrative structure mould of Indian cinema and offers a different experience for those seeking it.
The film narrates the tale of four individuals who belong to the different walks of life. Arun (Aamir Khan) is a reclusive painter who is grappling with his own personal issues. Shai (Monica Dogra) is a New York based investment banker who is on a sabbatical to hometown Mumbai for pursuing her most cherished hobby, photography. Munna aka Zohaib (Prateik Babbar) is Dhobi (laundry boy) who moonlights as a rat killer and aims to become an actor. Yasmin (Kriti Malhotra) is a newly wedded Muslim woman from North India whose story unfolds through her self shot video tapes that Arun finds in his apartment. After their one night stand, the loner, Arun bluntly discards Shai's advances of togetherness. But then her infatuation for him only gets stronger after rejection. Arun and Shai share a common laundry boy, Munna. How all of their lives get interconnected and what complications they further lead to forms the rest part of the plot.
In her very first film, Kiran Rao succeeds in establishing her own unique style of non-compromised filmmaking. Narrating her plot in a non-linear manner, Rao uses Mumbai city as the fifth character. Something that's also symbolised through Aamir's neighbour, the forever silent old lady's character, as well. Being a migrant to Mumbai herself, Kiran manages to give the perfect interpretation of the island city which is very much required from her film's characters' perspective. While Munna's aspirations make him endearing, Yasmin's poignant tale touches your heart. Arun finding an unlikely muse in Yasmin is also interestingly incorporated. Shai's high society life and friends and then the stark contrast with Munna's daily life comes across effectively too. However, there are a few flaws in the film too.
The first half an hour simply drags taking its own time to establish the characters and their motives. Also, despite its short interval-less running time of 95 minutes the film appears longer. Those expecting a proper opening and closure of a plot will be in for a disappointment. The drama is inconclusive. An unexpected disclosure about Munna's character also doesn't give the necessary shock that was expected.
Cameraman Tushar Kant Ray does a fantastic job by shooting majorly in guerrilla style with handheld cameras, capturing Mumbai in its true character. Rain soaked Mumbai never looked so real on celluloid before. Two times Oscar winner, Gustavo Santaolalla interprets the vision of the film right and delivers a haunting background score.
Prateik in his first major role puts up a convincing act but needs to work hard on his dialogue delivery. Monica Dogra gets her NRI Parsi act right and has remarkable screen presence. Kriti Malhotra impresses and displays her vulnerability effectively at times just through her eyes. Aamir Khan is never the star but Arun, the character. His silences speak volumes.
Dhobi Ghat is not your usual Bollywood fare, it is for those who seek cerebral entertainment and are willing to embrace open endings.
By Abhijit Mhamunkar / Sanskriti Media & Entertainment
