Cheeni Kum

Had seen this film's trailer some days back, was not impressed. Looked like one another failed attempt at making a fine film. But having watched this film last night, I realised this is one of those rare cases where actually the film is much better than its trailer. Ironically, the film director happens to be the Executive Creative Director of India's one of the best ad agencies!

Cheeni Kum is a refreshing film. Good script. Ilayaraja's old melodies are given a new lease of life, which in turn blends with the natural perfomance of the actors. Every role is given its due place by the director, right from Big B to Colgate. The film is never a one-man/woman show. A realistic script that is never over-burdened with sentiments. Quite humourous, most of the converstaions between the hero/heroine are sarcastic, witty. The kitchen happenings and the bunch of chefs provide a pace for the unfolding of the interesting relationship between the two - a very old man and a slighlty old female.

Though the character of the kid with blood-cancer is cliched, the little girl has put up a stellar performance. The interactions between the little kid and the very old man are quite funny yet meaningful, though a sad tone always lingers in our hearts. The second half is not as interesting, and the script has failed to keep the audience glued to it. Paresh Rawal raises our expectations, only to let us down after the first few minutes. This character needs more life. However the film picks up towards the end, when the iron pillar in Qutb area comes to the rescue of the script. Quite innovative. At many places, very simple happenings of our lives are captured well - like Amitabh's mother always stressing on his health or the nicknames that the hero/heroines give each other or the efforts required to apologise to somone whom one had had a fight with . I also see a tinge of Maniratnam in the dialogues.

Watch it.

For Balki's interview

http://www.blonnet.com/catalyst/2007/05/17/stories/2007051700140300.htm