Bombay Talkies - A Portmanteau Ode to Bollywood

Bollywood completed its centenary recently. And to mark this milestone, 4 directors well renowned for their adeptness in the craft of contemporary cinema come together to make a portmanteau film with abstract subjects. Right from the title of the film, which is the name of the first film company of India to the story of the four different short films making up the anthology, one finds Bollywood’s influence everywhere. If all this was not delectable enough to insinuate a must watch feeling, there is also this stellar star cast adding up to the menu. And so, floored by the offer, the viewer goes into the theatre with the expectation meter swinging far right. And through the movie, one finds himself going through vistas of contemporary Hindi cinema. Yes people, Bombay Talkies is worth all the expectations.

Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh – Karan Johar

Starring Rani Mukherjee, Randeep Hooda and Saquib Saleem, this segment directed by Karan Johar deals with the complex theme of homosexuality, lies and adultery. While the latter two are the director’s forte, he adds up the former into the theme for the novelty. Karan Johar’s stamp is evident throughout the 30 minute duration of his segment. But this time around, he packages the essence of drama in larger dollops. The result being a very thoughtful and graceful insight into the sexual turmoil caused due to living a lie and living against societal norms. Karan Johar masterfully weaves various scenes together and signs off with a subtle conclusion. He takes an oft bashed and cliched concept and shapes a simple tale of strained relationships from it. Very impressive and possibly, Karan Johar’s best work till date.

Star – Dibakar Banerjee

Starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Sadashiv Amrapurkar (after how long?), Dibakar Banerjee’s segment is the best among the four. It is a very simple story (Written originally by the doyen, Satyajit Ray) dealt with tender grassroot charm by the ace director. Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Sadashiv Amrapurkar excel in their respective roles of failed actors with expert grace. Dibakar Banerjee’s down to earth approach and the appropriate casting of the actors make a wonderful 30 minute look into a failed actor’s failing life and what happens when he gets a blink and miss role in a bigshot film. The director’s attention to the emotional core with subtle doses of quirky albeit sardonic humour provides charms and smiles galore. The conclusion may leave a lump in the throat for some, but for the others, it serves as one of the best conclusions to a short film ever. And yes, it was a delight watching Sadashiv Amrapurkar back on screen.

Sheila Ki Jawani – Zoya Akthar

Starring 2 child stars, an actress (whose names I shamefully do not know) and Ranvir Shorey, this segment written by Reema Kagti and co-written and directed by Zoya Akthar is the most uncomplicated of all four. It deals with the story of a boy from a middle class family who is struggling to reach his dream of becoming a dancer against the whims of both his father and the society at large. Zoya Akthar’s simple treatment of the very simple subject give it the charm of an olden day’s fairytale. The performance of the 4 member cast, especially that of the two kids will extend your smiley curve to the endless. Katrina Kaif gives a convincing cameo. The only disappointment lies in the way the film culminates. It is just too unconvincing and far fetched. Although Zoya Akthar makes you smile, the end leaves some disappointment. Yet, great work by her and Reema Kagti for making a simple smiley piece out of a seemingly ridiculous subject.

Murabba – Anurag Kashyap

The last in the list is Anurag Kashyap’s segment. It stars Vineet Kumar Singh and a well known face in the Indian soap opera world with a cameo by Amitabh Bachchan. Anurag Kashyap surprisingly delivers what must be his most lightweight fare. He adds in enough quirky moments and situations that elicit a few chuckles, even when the protagonist is going through the most hopeless time of his life. Anurag Kashyap proves that he is not all dark and harsh but can also tickle your funny bone if he is into the job. Written with apt pacing by the ace director, the most impressive part of this segment is the use of our own Big B as the plot driver. This may not be his best celluloid job and most of the admirers of his style will be disappointed to get a much too simple fare and an oft tread upon story from the offbeat director. But the others will chuckle to their heart’s content and leave with a big smile.

The Montage and the Song

And the portmanteau ends with the compulsory touch of nostalgia. Various frames are shown of the various actors and actresses from the Bollywood of times yore to the contemporary times. The only sore part of this montage is the title song that plays in the background, which though aptly worded, is very ordinary. But the sheer joy of watching all the glory of the Bollywood Celluloid as a montage is compelling.

The Technicalities

The technical ascpects of the movie are top notch with the camera work, the editing and the background music all being just perfect. The songs leave a lot to be desired. Even more because names like Amit Trivedi, Swanand Kirkire and Amitabh Bhattacharya are behind the music. But the songs turn out to be quite routine, with just one being easy on the ears.

Bombay Talkies is pure and blissful cinema. Though the subjects of all the four short films are skewed when compared to each other, the common tendril of Bollywood connects them into a seamless whole. All that is great about contemporary Bollywood is presented in a seamless way by the team of four directors. The portmanteau format has been successful in many cases in Bollywood. And here, it is no different. But we have the element of nostalgia as a bonus. For all those who love Bollywood, go treat yourself to a nice evening well worth being a celebration of the 100 years of Indian cinema. And for those who do not love Bollywood – You love cinema don’t you? If you do, go watch it.

A worthy tribute to our priceless repository called Bollywood and a clap worthy collection of mood pieces, this one is a show you must not miss. Directors should pay tribute to Bollywood more often.