On July 11, 2006 the local train service, known as Mumbai’s lifeline, was struck by a series of bomb blasts.
Bombay Meri Jaan explores the impact of this devastating incident on the lives of the people of Mumbai.
From a brilliant broadcast journalist to a patriotic corporate man; from a retiring policeman at the twilight of his life to a rookie cop at the dawn of his career; from an angry and xenophobic unemployed young man to a coffee-vendor struggling to survive and belong: Mumbai Meri Jaan follows the lives of people from all strata of Mumbai’s bustling society as they tackle the aftermath of a fatal incident that brings out the best and sometimes the worst in them.
Mumbai Meri Jaan
Maxabout Review
A well-intentioned film, Must Watch.. !
Friday, August 22, 2008
Amidst formula-driven films, only once in a while do you come across a movie which strikes chord with a social theme and is enormously entertaining at the same time. Only once in a while do you come across a movie that has an outstandingly original screenplay and more importantly it connects with the viewer convincingly. Only once in a while do you come across a movie that incites you emotionally and is technically flawless simultaneously. That's Mumbai Meri Jaan!!!
The serial bombing of suburban trains in Mumbai in 1996 is a nightmarish incident the nation would never forget. And Mumbaikars still get gooseflesh recalling the ghastly incident. MUMBAI MERI JAAN recreates the incident on celluloid, but is not about terrorism per se. It talks about the aftermath of this tragedy and how the lives of five people, not remotely connected or associated with one another, gets affected in the process.
Nishikant Kamat's first Hindi venture is one of those films that don't deviate from the core issue. It may not be foolproof in terms of writing, but the execution is so compelling that one overlooks those minor blemishes in the narrative. Mumbai Meri Jaan is sensitively scripted by Yogesh Vinayak Joshi and Upendra Sidhaye. For critics complaining of incompetent scripts, here is a screenplay that is immaculate, intelligent and emotionally binding.
Nishikant Kamat has executed the sensitive subject with gloves, handling each of those five stories with care. A number of emotional moments in the narrative move you and at times, depress no end. Credit must also be reserved for its writer as also the art director, who has recreated the ghastly incident so realistically.
In this character-driven plot, every protagonist is precisely defined and their conflicts are convincingly established. The writing doesn't resort to any clichés or pre-defined formulae thereby opting for an innovative, unadulterated and gratifying treatment. No song numbers, comedy tracks or romance angles are enforced for commercial considerations.
MUMBAI MERI JAAN is more of a tribute to the never-dying spirit of this dynamic city called Mumbai. A film that every citizen should watch!
From a brilliant broadcast journalist to a patriotic corporate man; from a retiring policeman at the twilight of his life to a rookie cop at the dawn of his career; from an angry and xenophobic unemployed young man to a coffee-vendor struggling to survive and belong: MUMBAI MERI JAAN follows the lives of people from all strata of Mumbai's bustling society as they tackle the aftermath of a fatal incident that brings out the best and sometimes the worst in them.
MUMBAI MERI JAAN looks at the common tragedy, but diversifies into five different stories at the very start itself. Each of those stories and the characters depicted in those stories are relatable. If you haven't witnessed these people, there's a possibility that you may've heard or read about them.
Amongst the five stories, the ones that leave a stronger impression are Paresh Rawal-Vijay Maurya, Irrfan Khan and Kay Kay Menon. Soha's story may not appeal as much since it tends to go overboard, while Madhavan's story has its moments, but is not as impactful.
Every performance in the film is applaud-worthy. Irrfan is marvellous. Watch him hate the fragrance of the perfume soon after he has been insulted at the mall. It's superb! He doesn't speak a single Hindi word in the film but yet conveys immensely through his expressions. His character oozes innocence in the climax sequence where he seeks pardon in his own charming way
Kay Kay is fantastic. Despite playing a character with similar motivations in Shaurya, Kay Kay Menon brings variety to his act. The actor makes his part appear so real. Soha is a surprise. Watch her emotional breakdown at the morgue and you know that she has gradually evolved into a terrific actor.
Madhavan is at his natural best, conveying so much even when silent. Vijay Maurya is superb. His scenes with Paresh are incredible.
Paresh Rawal comes up with one of his most poignant performances in recent times, a pleasant change from his customary comic act. His climax speech that covers the plot-points of all the protagonists brings a lump in throat. Paresh steals the show. This performance should easily make it into the Top 5 performances of the year.
The deftly executed train blast sequence employs superior SFX and could give you a shock of the life. Yogesh Joshi pens genuinely witty and thoughtful lines. But it's Nishikant Kamat who scores with his consummate hold on the subject and accomplished direction. Those conversant with his Marathi film Dombivali Fast would be aware of his distinct depiction of the frustrated Mumbai resident. His finesse comes handy in Mumbai Meri Jaan that borders around a varied blend of disturbed Mumbaikars. Also what needs a special mention is his laudable take on the emotional exploitation by the members of fourth estate (in the Soha Ali Khan subplot) to gain TRPs through scripted reality.
On the whole, MUMBAI MERI JAAN is a well-intentioned film that should win praise for its execution and performances. It's more for the discerning viewer, those who swear by serious cinema.