“Lets book tickets for next week again…” said my daughter as we were filing out after watching Lage Raho Munnabhai. Under normal circumstances I would have chided her for a request like this, but these were not normal circumstances.
We were transfixed souls being delivered from the dark womb of the theatre. Some were laughing, some like the lady to my right - sobbing, but most were like me…quiet. It was like someone had tickled your funny bone and while you laughted your head off deliveres a stinging slap that leaves you bewildered and introspecting at the same time.
I remembered the quote used by the director of the film in an interview on
rediff.com “You will laugh through the film with moist eyes.” Given the penchant for loud and over the top execution of what passes for comedy in our country I was skeptical of his ability to transform such a complex mix of sentiments on celluloid. But he proved me wrong and I am really glad about it.
The sound of the standing ovation, as the titles came up, was still ringing in my ears. The applause was both thunderous and spontaneous. Like all human beings we had stood up as one and reacted to the stirring of a very basic sentiment - humanity. And who better to deliver that sentiment but the saint of Sabarmati himself. What a brilliant ploy of using an icon so symbolic and pervasive that the creidibility of the message being delivered can never be questioned.
In times where producers and stars tend to outdo each other to promote the USP of their movies here is a great example of how to pleasantly surprise viewers. By not showing the character of Gandhi who embodies the ‘voice of God’ or the ’sutradhaar’ of the movie in any promos or interviews, the makers of this film have pulled off a sucker punch that has created a very strong word of mouth buzz.
While the story last time focused on the apathy of the medical system it tackles a wider theme this time - that of finding the courage within us to walk the path of truth against all adversities. Using Gandhi and his methods of satyagrah and non violence as a medium creates a familiar backdrop which touches some corners of the mind that we have long forgotten to visit. Bapu’s ideals clear the accumulated dust on the good side within us. We eagerly identify ourselves with the travails of Munna and participate in his fight prodding him and ultimately ourselves to win the battle at hand.
Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi have fully capitalised on the lifeline Munna and Circuit have provided to their careers. Both have amazing on screen chemistry and effrotless comic timing. Its like they were born to play these roles. Boman Irani with his colored turbans plays the unscruplous builder with aplomb. Vidya Balan is very charming and looks fresh on screen. But the surprising package is Dilip Prabhavalkar who plays the role of the Mahatma. He has played the role well within himself, focusing on the message without trying to get too close to the mannerisms of the personlaity.
Munna will add more cult words to the dictionary of our daily lives. Last time he gave us ‘Maamu’ and ‘Jaadu ki jhappi’. This time it is ‘Gandhigiri’ and ‘Chemical Locha’. I guess it will also (though temporarily) give us a feeling of compassion. I realised it when on the way back home an autorickshaw driver, in his typical way, cut lanes forcing me to brake suddenly. In the normal course I would have made a dash for the errant driver, overtaken him and rolled down my window to let out my favorite explitives that are specially reserved for auto drivers. But this time I surprised myself by keeping calm and thought about the futility of the act since it would not change the way auto drivers plied the roads and continued driving as if nothing had happened. Mind you this lasted precisely for one day, and now I am back to my abusive best.
This movie can be truly termed as India’s first successful franchise. I call it a franchise because it is not a sequel as there is no continuation of the story from the previous film. The writers have created two characters who can be placed in any situation and come out trumps, leave you charmed and get the box office registers ringing.
“Three bullets cannot stop my ideals from being followed” says the Mahatma in the movie. Similarly you cannot stop the Munna juggernaut that has been unleashed on the Indian movie audiences.
Lage Raho Munnabhai, Dekhte Raho Munnabhai.
its fully timepass movie and last but not the least I liked the way you have put it
A very good review.
i saw the movie day before with my wife and daughter,and we all freaked out.REally outstanding,i dont know what to say.Great movie,and well written blog by u.take care.loves.kamal
you are right and every average indian would agree with the fact we all need a little bit of gandhi in our lives - The only challange is to be able to make it fit consistently in daily situations -
The auto drivers, cycle walas, can be spared but till when .. The sprit of gandhi has to be permanent - I donot know how can I do this .. but will give 100% effort …
One way is to watch the movie again and again …
Hey Guys:
Got to admit that this movie’’s gonna rock…!! I still haven”t had a chance to watch the very movie. But, after reading the review; I will be the first to watch it on DVD as soon as it hits the shop floor. I don”t get a chance to watch it on the silver screen.
Thanks for the review dude…Adios..,…!!
Munnabhai for Oscar!
Great review. It’’s the best movie of the year. I”m waiting for DVD now…
great review. I have become the sucker for this movie. can watch it 1000 times.
Bravo - wonderful review - echoing all my sentiments!
well said sir.
Tension nahi leneka, bhai bola dekhneka, tho dekhnekaich. It really a very good movie, full of emotions, laughter, Love, Respect, relationship and so on.. and on.. so many good things
The message to audience is cleary conveyed, the great Mahatma Gandhi’’s thoughts. One always wins following the path of truth (just have faith in yourself and you will keep moving ahead no matter how strong the storm is trying to push you opposite). Timing for Lage Raho Munnabhai release is also perfect, the large audience who have forgotten or does not remember 2nd Oct will now remember to always salute the father of the nation.
Have seen Munnabhai MBBS many times and am sure will keep watching Lage Raho Munnabhai also again and again (Good title Dekte Raho Munnabhai). My rating to Lago raho is 5 star compared to rediff rating of 4.5 star. njoyyyyyyy
It is a great movie .. and great review ….
Thanks
Very well said
Excellent movie & tremendous presentation. A good mix of Tapori language, Mahatma’s thoughts, a small love story, out-n-out a perfect mix. Excellent….
The way Mahatma’s thoughts are deliver with Munna Bhais method is simply superb.
Now-a-days there are hardly any movies which you can see with parents, kids & wife. But this movie one can see with the entire family (including grand parents & in-laws).
Beautifully articulated- great review.
Hi I m new to iland n was just reading blogs when ur blog catched my attention. It made interesting reading. I have not watched this movie yet but will do so as soon as i get time!!!
the movie is a landmark in indian cinema. its a legend now. giving a social message isnt easy, and the way they have given, never had such a huge impact.
the movie is a landmark in indian cinema. its a legend now. giving a social message isnt easy, and the way they have given, never had such a huge impact.
the movie is a landmark in indian cinema. its a legend now. giving a social message isnt easy, and the way they have given, never had such a huge impact.
You made me watch the movie. Thank you
Arey sachee muchee… Munna + Circuit have indeed left us wired for more and more. Somehow its astounding simplicity and naiiveness is something that has left every little to large soul touched, in some way or the other. Take my advise… you and kids go for a second watch !! ; )
Good to see you writing sir - life main sab changa?
guess every day makes a difference. I stayed away from littering for a couple of days — and that’’s saying a lot ;P
dekhte raho indeed!