Random Musings

One is not going to miss a Vidhu Vinod Chopra directed film, especially one that comes after a seven year break. That is how, for a change, I did not wait to hear or read reviews and landed up in the theatre to see Eklavya.

And I liked this short (less than 2 hours) film. It looks like a period film, with palace / fort, the servants, guards etc. However some of the characters appear modern, and there are indications that the film is based in the 80s or 90s, in fact (there is a background shot of a film playing – that film was Parinda, which was an 80s release, if I am not mistaken). So in a way, it looked like a location where time forgot to tell them that the world has changed, and where the King still thinks that he rules!

Anyway, that apart, the taut story line has a lot of high strung emotions. Based on the value system of the royal lives, in a way! I mean, we have seen this in reality, haven’t we? The massacre in the Nepal palace is pretty recent, after all.

Amitabh is the best.
Yeah, what’s new, right?
But he’s pretty good, and its clearly his film, first and foremost. Amazing emotional communication without even opening his mouth. The twitches of his face, the eyes – they convey so much. The scene of the blind folded AB showing his skills is quite amazing.

Other than him, its Saif Ali Khan. Very mature role, well enacted. He has really come of age and should start getting more respect – like being treated as one of the Khans, along with Aamir, SRK and Salman!

They seem to be raving about Jackie. But I don’t know why. He is okay in a small role. Nothing particularly outstanding. The scene of his death is shown well. Vidya Balan looks good on the screen.. as usual, I may add!

And so now we have the Vinod Chopra regulars getting established. Amitabh was the key element here, but other than him, the regulars were there to see – Sanjay Dutt – Munnabhai, Parineeta, Mission Kashmir. Saif – Parineeta. Vidya Balan – Parineeta, Munnabhai. Boman Irani – Munnabhais. Jimmy Shergill – Munnabhais. And of course, the old and faithful Jackie Shroff.

As regards Eklavya, I think its worth checking it out.