Serious critics will pretend to love it. It always happens with a Vishal Bharjdwaj movie. How can you not enjoy a Vishal Bharjdwaj movie? You’d be dumb to not like it. I’ve not yet seen Maqbool and I thought Omkara was overrated. But this time I was looking forward to watching Kaminey. I somehow felt good about Shahid’s look and his lisp-ness in the promos. I wasn’t disappointed, not for the first half at least. For the better part of the movie, it keeps you engrossed, it surprises you and the tight crisp script keeps you edgy. But later somehow, it just flattens out. The brilliant screenplay somehow nearing the end loses steam and just wants to get done with. And the surprising part is that the lengthy climax scene wasn’t really necessary. The movie could’ve ended before the climax began but I dunno why, all the characters gather in a chawl in Mumbai and the climax goes to party with blazing guns. It feels like suddenly Vishal went for a loo break and Priyadarshan took over.
There are some outstanding moments though. Bhope’s conversation with Mikhail is funny, fascinating and chilling all at once. The background score at that point, the dark lighting in the room, the dialogues, everything about that scene is almost perfect. Then, there’s another scene where Charlie and his friends discover they’ve screwed up at the hotel. The understated humor in the circumstances is just too good. Even the romantic angle between Shahid and Priyanka and the political issue is a nice complete subplot in itself, not at all belittled by the crime thriller going on at the other end. Priyanka in her role as bold and beautiful Sweety is remarkable. She is a wonderful actress and with her performance she almost single handedly carries the parallel plot to conclusion.
Shahid Kapoor has finally grown up. This has to be one of his finest performances to date. He plays a double role and though, as Guddu he is his regular chocolate boy self; as Charlie, he comes of age. Charlie the lisp will definitely be added to the most interesting characters in Bollywood – Ferioufly. His rugged look with unkempt long hair and stubble fit his character perfectly. He looks exactly what his character is – Bad guy but naïve, tough yet soft, greedy yet scared… There is something about Vishal Bhardwaj’s characters. Langda Tyagi in Omkara or Charlie in Kaminey or even Omi Shukla in and as Omkara, all his characters have depth, shades, typical mannerisms and that makes them a treat to watch.
I enjoy a movie with different characters and their personalities if it is woven tightly into the main plot but I’m not sure if a movie with so many characters appeals to a many people. I think a lot of audiences find such plots discerning and they loose the plot. There are numerous characters and a few sub-plots into the main plot but the script has been kept taut right to the end… almost. The last half hour is where all hell breaks loose, literally. All characters assemble at a location and start playing ‘Contra’. You don’t really understand who’s shooting who but people are surely dying. This sort of left a sour taste at the end.
But apart from this, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. The story is interesting, the screenplay has been kept tight, the humor is unassuming yet intelligent and hilarious and the music – a few songs are definitely very good. ‘Dhen te nen’ is already a club thumper. But I loved the slow title track sung by Vishal Bhardwaj himself. Technically the movie is awesome. Brilliant cinematography by Tassaduq Hussain; He was the same guy who won a number of awards for cinematography for Omkara and this movie similarly has warm overtones to the picture. Similarly the editing by Meghna Sen (again who won an award for Omkara) is equally good keeping in mind there are scenes where twin brothers fight each other.
After the glut of nonsensical fare being dished out, finally there is something to enjoy, something worth spending your hard earned money in the theatres. This time the critics might actually love it.
pehla nasha… ! pehla khumar…
dhan ta-na… !!!!!
I have not read the whole review as I want to see this movie.. will read it only after i see it… !! 😀
I am definitely going to watch this one.. I am in awe of Priyanka Chopra as an actress..I flipped for her performance in FASHION.. And Shahid has proven himself already..KAMINEY is like two wonderful actors coming together..
And I agree..too many characters confuse u..Ditto is the case with multiple short stories..
There is something about Vishal Bhardwaj tht puts him in a different league altogether..
Finally something seems to be in
store for us movie-goers 🙂
@Hitchwriter: No Comments…
@Dhiren: Yeah, I tend to do that as well. I never read a review before watching the movie (and writing my review). But do watch it.
@Swats: I thought multiplexes were closed in Mumbai? Yes Fashion was an amazing performance, I saw part of it today again. But I kinda like too many characters if they're as good as this one.
You review like a professional Rakesh. I am eagerly waiting to see this movie. And I am a huge Vishal Bharadwaj fan, absolutely loved Maqbool and Omkaara! Misse dteh blue Umbrella and waiting to watch that too!
Omkara was overrated????!!!!!!!!!!!
No way!!!!!
Yet to see Kaminey…I hope it lives upto the hype.
If the people in Mumbai stop being paranoid and we get back to the threatres, I might have a chance to see Kaminey!
Cheers,
Quirky Indian
@PG: I try telling this to Gulf News guys – they don't listen… I missed Maqbool and since it is banned in the UAE haven't been able to see a DVD either. Blue Umbrella isn't special. I found it boring.
@Reb: If you loved Omkara, you'll love Kaminey.
@QI: Finally I get back at you. I couldn't see DevD and Gulaal since these were banned in UAE 🙂
oh good! 🙂
I will watch this one..
What about Priyanka? she has acted well?
I like her. 🙂
Are you going to review Love Aaj Kal as well?
Agree, agree and agree!
Saw it on Saturday night. Loved the movie till the interval. Had no clue of the double roll so was further fascinated. Brilliant direction but the ending was crap. Kinda predictable in the end when you see everyone getting together at Bhope's place! Had to be a shootout and everyone except the hero and heroin die. Typical bollywood ending. They could have done it a lot better.
But apart from that, every aspect of the movie was brilliant. Priyanka acted quite well and ofcourse Shahid was standout. Finally he can claim to have arrived!!!
Btw, you should see Maqbool. It is by far, Vishal's best movie. That's what really got him to fame. Omkara was OK compared to that. While Kaminey is half decent in comparison. Do see it…and if possible, on a large screen. You'll love India cinema and be proud of it.
The song played during credits by Mohit Chauhan was also good…
I have watched only Maqbool – and I loved it. It brought back memories of Macbeth – his adaptation was superb!
From the promos, Kaminey looked good.. You do review movies very well!
@Pixie: Priyanka is amazing… No I haven't seen Love Aaj Kal. QI put me off.
@Masood: Did u miss the start? Coz. Shahid mentions there that they are twins.
Ya I have to see Maqbool, I need to get a DVD from India.
@Smitha: It thankfully lived up to the hype.
Vishal hardly goes wrong. I do not think Omkara was over-rated, Maqbool was his finest so far though. And with this he has gone a step ahead. The entire movie is shot brilliantly. I totally agree with all those high rated reviews published everywhere. The climax too was integral as I felt. Typical Tarantino style. never there was a Bolly movie like this. He has created history and it's up to rest to take it forward.
I flan to watch the movie 🙂 Will come back and comment again.. hope it is as interesting as you found it… as it is I like Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor.
I find many movies have fengthy climax scenes and what a pain such scenes are!
Fanks for the review. I flan to watch it in coufle of weeks. :))))))
Fahid looks better. Never liked him before because he used to look like a kiddo trying to be a man like now Imran Khan does. But seeing Kaminey promos, he finally looks good.
BTW did you review Love Aaj Kal? Did you like it?
Indiblogger is asking for 'indiblogger of next month' subject, I was thinking of suggesting movie reviews. Do submit your blog. Your reviews are good. 🙂
@Vee: This I agree that there was never a Bollywood movie like this. It may just become a cult classic.
@IHM: Yeah, check it out. Btw, he can say 'p' properly 🙂
@Solilo: You too? It'f 'Thankf' 🙂
Yeah, Fahid is great in thif one. I've farted going to the gym fince one week 🙂 Haven't feen LAK yet, QI put me off…
Thankf for the kind wordf 🙂
LOL 🙂 Oh he can? Fhankss for letting me know 🙂
I will find out anyway,swine flu paranoia is abating as suddenly as it started…
ohhh….yes, we missed the start…around 5 mins! thats why i was more intrigued by the movie….only at the interval that i realized they are twins!
"It feels like suddenly Vishal went for a loo break and Priyadarshan took over."
LOL only u manage to come out with such outrageous sentences;-D
Nice review:-))!!!!!
@Nancy: Vacations over? cool… So where are the funny stories… Can't expect anything serious from you can we? he he
I loved da muuuvveee!! 😀
It feels like suddenly Vishal went for a loo break and Priyadarshan took over.
Gosh! U said it all Rakesh! Seriously brilliant ! Second half when all those guns and ppl and gathering and what not!!!! Big reunion of everyone who possibly acted in the movie in the grand finale!!! Typical priyadarshan!!!
I violently agree on the dark shades that Vishal renders to his characters…
He captures the slight bend of mind, the veering towards insane, he paints perfect portraits…
I really liked his creation of Mikhail, he was insanely likeable, I think I connected.
Shahid was really something in this movie!!!
The interludes in dialogues…with silence or with score…. They were all fabulous na?
Vishal always manages to make a character that has a little bit of u in them! No?
I loved it! 🙂
And finally I am here!!!!!
It’s been a while since I declared u as new best friend for those kind words u wrote for me na? toh issi haisiyat se Rakesh…. Can I interest u in moving to WP???
Me gets in trouble at the blog spot comment section! 😦
It eats my comments, burps, and leaves me with a msg saying “ur comment cud not be published” ha! Obviously na! it ate it!!! 😐
And what about spamming??? How do I do that????
😀 😀 😀
Hugs!!!!
@Neha: Me too..
@Crafty: He captures the slight bend of mind, the veering towards insane, he paints perfect portraits…
You've said it better.
Insanely likeable – I could connect This kinda scares me 🙂
Ya, I guess, I've a little bit of Shahid in me 😉 he he… But no you're right, his characters are grey, never black or white.
I'd love to shift to wordpress once I can find time to adorn the page with a few nice gadgets. I've registered an account but can't find time to sit and work on it…
Oye.. thanks for the review.. i have been getting mixed reviews.. 🙂 I love the part where u say, "vishal went to the loo and priyan took over"! the climax does sound like hulchul! hehe..
I just love the song Dhan-te-nan.
But the entire movie wasn't what i can call 'fuperb'. But still…it was lot better than what crap we've been tolerating from bollywood this year. Shahid really did a great job.. doing justice with both the characters. Loved his 'Charlie boy' looks (now i have a crush on him 😛 ). The dialogs and set up were also pretty much realistic. But still there was something missing. The Climex was too much of hotchpotch and very much expected type. Another thing that pinched me was that Charlie and Guddu, both weren't given the same attention. Some how Guddu was little overshadowed by Charlie.
Anyways… as I said… still a lot better movie than other craps.
I quite totally don't agree with you Rakesh. I watched the movie and the climax scene did not remind me of any Priyadarshan. Rather I found the review in Batchmates (Quite good 'Kaminey') much more tallying with the cine experience.
Gosh Rakesh…u r becoming famous;-o…I mean u r getting anonymous comments;-D
So do u think its the gr8 Vishal Bhardwaj himself who wrote tht comment since it obviously hit him where it hurts[ie being compared to Priyadarshan LOL];-D
so you do recommend it,huh?In fact my husband went and watched the movie on friday…yep,leaving the mom-daughter duo at home…grrrr..and he loved it.he too felt the climax was a it over-the top.
I'm dying to see the movie.hope the dvd gets out faster.
My li'l one loves dhan-ta-nan…so do I!
Thanks for the review,Rakesh.
LOL @ "Gosh Rakesh…u r becoming famous;-o…I mean u r getting anonymous comments;-D" Nance you're a riot,'ferioufly' :))!!
@Tanu: Watch it, I think you'll like it.
@MIT: Definitely better than other crap that we've been watching. Welcome 🙂
@Anon: Yeah, go ahead, publicise your link. But not too many people drop by here!
@Nancy: VB himself? Gosh, what have I done. There goes my dream of landing a role in his movie 😛
@Deeps: Yeah, watch the DVD (Original – Stop Piracy ok) Even my lil one loves Dhen te nan… Watch his videos on my other blog :).
I wish what Nancy said would be true 😛
I loved the movie :)and the editing was superb. I hated Saif's Lagda Tyagi as its original.
Atlast I see one person who agrees Omakara was overrated. I felt that too.
But Kaminey was a total fun movie. So many delightful characters in the movie made it very enjoyable. Be it Tashi, or those three Bong brothers or the two cops. amazing characters!
Great review. Got here from Swaram's blog. Will visit again 🙂
@Pins: Welcome 🙂 Yeah, I liked the editing.
@Shruti: Yeah, the characters were great, each one of them. Welcome 🙂
I finally faw Kameenay and abfolutely loved it 🙂 I loved the political angle the beft… 🙂
loved Kaminey a LOT! 😀 😀
furefot hit it is 😀
and your review as ufual is fuberb and befteft 😀 😀
fawwrry for being fo corny 😀 😀
ah! I miffed out on an S 😀
I love corny 🙂 Especially coming for a pretty girl!!!
i enjoyed this movie better than shaid kapoors latest movie paathshala
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Will you make sure you drop me a e-mai?