Rating : 6/10
Release Date : 17th April, 2015
Time : 100 minutes
Directors & Writers : Shonali Bose, Nilesh Maniyar; Music : Mikey McCleary
Starring : Kalki Koechlin, Sayani Gupta, Revathy, Kuljeet Singh, Malhar Khushu, William Moseley, Tenzing Dalha
I’ve never liked films about disabled people – but that is probably just me, my journey through life, I guess. There are several enjoyable moments in the movie but equally was squirming uncomfortably at times
It’s the story of Kalki, who has cerebral palsy, lives in Delhi, and just wants to be treated normally. She goes to Ramjas College, has a good circle of friends, an extremely loving, supportive family, is a lyricist, and is also quite keen to explore her sexuality.
Her journey also takes her to New York, where, among others, she meets a gorgeous, blind Pakistani activist, Sayani Gupta and also the Brad Pitt kinda cute William, who volunteers to help Kalki write.
Kalki does a great job – having seen a lot of kids with cerebral palsy – she gets the mannerisms, hand motions, postures, expressions down pat. Kudos to her and the director for achieving this.
But the standout performances for me came from Sayani (beautiful, confident, sensuous) and Revathy (simply brilliant as Kalki’s mom – a South Indian married to a Sardarji).
Some of the moments that made the film for me
- a certain award-winning moment that gets ruined – the last thing anyone with a disability wants is condescension
- The relationship between Kalki and Hussain, college-mate on a wheelchair, including when they fall out and make-up
- The genial, Kuljeet Singh, the Sardarji Dad – always smiling – and the moment of the film, when he complains about getting veg food all
the time…and Malhar’s (Kalki’s brother) priceless intervention
- Revathy’s expressions, once in front of a mirror and another time when she opens up a certain website on Kalki’s laptop
- The music – fascinating blend of different genres – one OST I would love to own
I did feel there was a lot of focus in the film on Kalki’s sexuality, experimentations. Probably some scenes that were gratuitous…or maybe that was just me being squeamish. Wasn’t sure during several points in the film as to where this was all leading up – and the ending worked for me only partially in assuaging those thoughts…
But I did sense a thread of genuineness in the film, the story…confirmed for me by the director’s heartfelt quotations, dedications at the end of the movie…And I guess, in todays day and age, you cant ask for much more !
22 comments:
Informative, well researched and in-depth....the language used, clarity on the subjects were neat... Expect the lead pair to marinate in their glory.. One can seek an unalloyed pleasure from whatever little resources they have...offers a respite from the banal schedule of daily life...
Does struggle bring you the person you want ?
Thw wound is the palace where the Light enters you...beautiful words by Rumi.
What i took with myself from the movie...one can date oneself !
A Salute to Kalki.. Fantastic acting indeed...
Just have a look at the crescent Moon..looks beautiful tonight..
Music is love looking for words...
Seldom watch movies in cinema hall, average turns out to be once in three months. So, when I do, want to capture every scene, soak each dialogue...this movie attempts to break the stereotypes, it's poignant, touching and inspirational. Was a revelation to me... It's about finding life, finding love for one's own self..utterly relatable. We need to enjoy every moment of our life, the sound of pigeons on top of the tomb, hawa ko mehsoos karna..we need to enjoy the small joys in our fast paced lives... Was completely blown away by Revathi and Khanum's performances. Mother- daughter bonding has been captured so well. "Aai shampoo kar dona.. Aai yaha har samay garam paani aata hai".. Few cathartic scenes :when the mother breaks down in front of the mirror, when Kalki says, 'Aai woh mujhe pyar nahi karta...' Breaks the heart because if you're not used to someone of the opposite sex giving you attention,... her yearning to have sex, be kissed, to have love.... Revathi's expressions in front of the Pink Pussy Cats showroom, Kalki showing her middle finger at the Blue Frog Fest.. Laughed when the the shopkeeper mentions about the vibrator... Such a close knit trophy middle class family..
When Jared gently removes her blue socks, the in comfort faced by Kalki when Sayani undresses before her for the swimming session...
When Jared gently removes her blue socks, the uncomfortable situation faced by Kalki when Sayani undresses before her for the swimming session...
Also liked the classical song sung by Revathi. The scene when the father stands with the luggage on the weighing machine was so...typical. Found it hilarious..
How does one escape from desire-ridden karma ?
Early morning when butterflies come visiting the watered plants...refreshes the core...still enjoy chasing them.
Just received a beautiful message : I looked at the rising Sun today and asked, "What do you have to teach me today?" I heard a voice that said, "Always generate more light than heat."
Freshly plucked mint leaves for green chutney from the pots, hands smell good...
So that's how lesbians and gays derive sexual pleasure ! With dildoes / vibrators... Used to wonder how they do it..
My son..
God has strange ways of punishing the lesser mortals..
Do you like to dunk the rusk/biscuits in your morning cup of tea ?
My first holiday :) a new dawn, a new month,...same me
Why do I have such large feet ?
Does the size change with middle age ? Why don't shoe manufacturers make comfortable moccasins for women too..so difficult to get my size..
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