Akele Hum Akele Tum

A strange amalgamation of Kramer vs. Kramer and A Star Is Born? Perhaps. Aamir Khan and Manisha Koirala fall in love, envisioning a life of following their dreams straight into success as recording artists. However, Manisha's goals get pushed to the side after the birth of her son. Fed up, and feeling suffocated, she leaves her home to pursue her own singing career.

As she becomes successful and discovered as an actress, she then seeks custody of her son.

I wasn't sure how I was supposed to feel about this movie. Aamir's character has the opportunity to get to know his son and build a relationship that he otherwise would not have had if his wife had stayed. At times she is villified, and at other times she is sympathetic. I think it was a brave attempt at tackling a deeper social theme about the roles of women, but it somehow just falls short. She gains the custody of her son through very unfair testimony and her lawyer twisting the facts around. Yet, at the end, when she comes to collect little Sonu, she tearfully tells Aamir that "this is his home" and no amount of her trying can change that. At which, Aamir tearfully responds "This is your home too." I will admit, I knew that line was coming and yet when I heard it, it was satisfying. I was crying. It was sweet. She turns and comes back to the center of the room and the family group hug that awaits. Honestly, as saccharine as that was, I didn't mind.

That's one of the things that I love about Bollywood movies... they typically end well. Not always... but typically.

But it feels like a movie that makes an attempt at a more serious subject shouldn't end like that. How does a popular actress live in a little flat in a middle-class area? How will her problems with her husband about who brings home the bacon resolve? Not with a group hug....

Reality isn't necessary to film, but in one that attempts a "grittier" subject it would have made a "better" movie.

Bunty Aur Babli

My life has not afforded me many opportunities for movies lately. I am moving and getting geared up for that.... I am a bit disappointed in my blog, not being able to take the time to do with it what I really wanted. Especially in the next two months, I don't know how often I will really get the chance to even glance at this page-- Or heck, watch a movie.

But last night, I did watch a Hindi movie (sometimes called Bollywood). Bunty Aur Babli was silly and wonderful. I thought that Rani Mukherjee was very funny in it....(and SO BEAUTIFUL) but what really got me was the first few minutes. The rest took crazy plot turns, was pretty cheesy, and relatively predictable, but I did go into this movie with that expectation. This is a typical "masala" movie, not high art. The opening monologue by the wonderful distinctive voice of Amitabh-ji was great. He described the "two Indias" that exist. It was really lovely as the camera showed the beauty of the country and then the little towns, the completely unglamorous side of life. From there, there is not a moment of reality in the movie, which fit. The movie was about escape from mundane reality, after all. :) The first song "Dhadhak, Dhadhak" had me dancing in my seat. Loved it. Loved the way it was picturised, loved the lyrics.... absolutely great song. In fact, I really liked all of the music in this movie. I might buy the soundtrack at some point... The plot follows the two as they have a chance meeting, and team up to follow their ambitions far away from their native villages all the way to Mumbai, conning all the way. It's been compared to Bonny and Clyde (with far less tragic outcomes) and has some really funny moments. However, I wouldn't recommend this particular movie if you have never seen a Bollywood movie before.