Citylights : Where Art imitates Life !

#Citylights : How often do we come across an Indian cinema that accepts adaptation from a foreign film. Well, Citylights sets its intention clear by giving due credit to “Metro Manila” the British –Filipino film from which it has been adapted. Throughout Hansal Mehta stays true to his idea of cinema – it is not an escape from reality, instead a stark journey into the world so real that it disturbs you. It is a reflection of the times we live in- where innocent is often exploited. It is a tale of the dichotomy that exists in our society - where millions struggle in the pavements to make both ends meet, while a handful enjoy a life of bliss and binge. It is a story of the maximum city where obnoxious slum windows open straight into the skyscrapers built just opposite and about those helpless poverty ridden eyes. Beneath the superficial harmonious co-existence lies the vulnerable aspiration.

While Deeapk’s struggle is for a dignified survival, Vishnu’s despair is to make some quick buck. Having lived in a city where mean does not justify end, the path is not important for him. Mehta cunningly captures this contrast to transform an intense & realistic human story into an enthralling thriller. The first half of the movie is a poignant portrayal of a simpleton’s effort to survive. It will overwhelm you. There is a scene where Deepak’s wife played by debutante Patralekha decides to become a bar dancer to support her husband. She goes to the bar owner who checks her out .The unbearable helplessness in her eyes as she struggles to follow the order to smile almost makes you numb. This scene stands out for the way it has been directed and delivered. While till interval it is a reverting saga of human hope and despair, post interval it sharply turns towards being a thriller and tends to be dragging. This is where the screen play veers a bit. But Mehta pulls it off just in time to deliver a powerful film.

Rajkumar Rao gives yet another scintillating yet effortless performance. You just stand and marvel at his intensity. His eyes reflect his despair laden hope. You indentify with his anguish & feel his agony. Patralekha is a bundle of talent and plays perfect foil to Rajkumar. Rarely have I seen a debutant giving such a confident performance. Manav Kaul is a laudable in a role that projects toughness with vulnerability. Apurva Asrani who has edited films like Satya , Shaheed again goes on to show why he is one of the best in the business today. Jeet Ganguly’s music and background score compliments the screen play and Rashmi Singh’s lyrics becomes an integral part of the film. It’s deeply meaningful. As far as direction goes the film has Hansal Mehta written all over it.

The birds wake up in the morning. Struggle the entire day in search of food and come back to their nest in the evening. With the ever widening chasm between large metros and small villages – migration for existence has become a norm. However if the migration is just physical or the values are also getting diluted, will decide if we come back to the root unscathed or fade into the world of oblivion.

If Cinema for you is a succor from mundane intricacies of life then better watch the million dollar babies do Jhampin Jhapak in the name of cricket , but if for you it is a form of art that imitates life don’t miss Citylights.

I will go out with 3.5 out of 5.

An Open Letter to Mr. Modi

As India gets ready for a transformation of moving from an intellectual, yet mute and remote controlled PM to a Showman PM who is decisive yet divisive, whose pre election media campaign can put even big corporate to shame – I as a common citizen believe Modi’s biggest challenge will not be bringing India back to the developmental track, rather to have control on the Modi- Sena that if let loose can create havoc with their fundamental & communal mind set. Hence an open letter -

Dear Modi Ji,

Now that it’s crystal clear ‘Abki Baar Your Sarkar” let’s make our expectation clear at the beginning.

1.       The youth somehow confuses Modi as Messiah and expect you to bring in radical changes – from taking    India back to the top of the Economic spectrum to making India a super power with your 56 inch chest.   My expectation is simple – In a globalized economy, a country can’t grow in isolation. But the least a govt  can do is to fast track projects, remove unnecessary entry barriers and provide a level playing field.

2.       They say you will eradicate corruption. Come-on, whom are we kidding! Your own party had spent an estimated 5000-15000 Cr (as per media reports) in this election. The coffers have to be replenished. But we are sick and tired of the boring 2G to CWG scams G (Ji). Time to have some snooping encounter with scams. But please ensure the welfare plans reach the intended mass, the way your rhetoric reached the hearts of masses.

3.   By now we are all familiar with your hatred towards facing uncomfortable questions and walking out of interviews. But the Indian Voters have voted for Modi Sarkar & not a “Moody” sarkar.

4.    You love to corner internal opposition with an iron fist , as a PM we would love to see you handle our volatile neighbors with the same stealth  & resolve while playing a statesman’s role in handling foreign policy.

5.     However even if you fail to achieve the above , India still will survive , as it has been for years , but Mr. Modi if you fail to have control on few of your fanatic followers who feel communalism is a way of life , the nation will not pardon you. India has voted you on developmental agenda in spite of a not so glorious record of yours, it is better you respect that mandate and work towards creating a harmonious environment.  We know you don’t like to say sorry and we sincerely hope you would not have to in 2019.