Oct 03, 2008 12:04 PM
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(Updated Oct 03, 2008 12:14 PM)
It is never easy for a person to realize the joys he/she misses when he/she gets used to a particular kind of lifestyle. Moreso, when that person is a housewife, she makes an agreement with life of not question about many a things. Nor does she realize the joy behind being financially independent in a house where the man thinks that a woman should not have a career of her own since earning is a "man's job", however hard he struggles to make both ends meet and even if the woman is interested to work.
STORY
We find a situation similar to this in Shrikant Pandit's (Sachin Kedarkar) house who is a successful businessman. His wife Aditi (Tabu) is a housewife. His son Aniket is engaged to a beautiful financially independent and modern girl (Namrata Shirodkar) who even if given a chance would never like to work in her would-be-father-in-law's business. The story begins with Shrikant Pandit's close friend Ravi (Ravinder Mankani) and his newly married former divorcee wife Smita Jaykar visiting their home. While having a tete-a-tete Smita casually suggests Aditi to be financially independent and the joys behind being so. By now, Aniket and his fiancee also join the couple and guests. Amidst this, a letter arrives for Aditi which Shrikant opens and learns that Aditi has been left with a fortune by Malhar (Mohnish Behl), Aditi's former and now deceased singing teacher.Surprised at the out-of-the-blue will, Shrikant, who has a habit of noting down everything in a diary past 25 yrs starts searching for a few things in his old diaries and realizes that their son was born 8 months later rather than the usual 9 months. He asks Aditi about it and she confirms that he is Malhar's son. The world of Shrikant Pandit is shattered. The would be daughter-in-law Namarta Shirodkar breaks off with Aniket. Shattered and cheated, father and son ask Aditi to leave the house forever. What does she do? Does she beg for forgiveness? Why does she not tell Shrikant about the fact 25 yrs ago and tells him only now? Does Aditi regret anything? Does she get any support from anyone? Does she leave the house or stays back?
WHAT TO WATCH OUT
Smita telling Tabu to be financially independent. The contrast which we see in both women is a confident Smita and a very very ordinary Tabu (I never knew a beautiful Tabu could look so old).
Sachin Kedarkar, a typical self-centered "MAN" who puts his interest above all. A male chauvanist who would not think twice before reading a letter addressed to his wife or would shrug at the thought of his wife earning. For him, his work, money, career and the word "I" matters more than his wife and the word "equality" is practically non-existent for him. Sachin does such a good job of his role that I almost started hating him as a person rather than appreciating his acting skills.
Malhar (Monish Behl), a sensitive young music teacher who is kind, considerate and sensitive man. His passion is music and even encourages Aditi to make a career out of it. He never makes advances at Aditi until she permits him in a moment of weakness. He is in love with her and when she asks him never to come again, he promises her not to trouble her again.
Son and father who shun out the lady of the house do not even realize that they are not related by blood and that rather than driving her away, either of them must leave the home.
Srikant Pandit calls his friend Ravi and his wife to his home and then asks for explaination about Aniket being Malhar's son in front of them to degrade his wife despite knowing well that its sucha sensitive and personal matter.
How does Aditi handle it all and yet leaves the audience spellbound with her decision. Tabu, a synonym with a versatile actress who does not think twice in portraying any complex character. The way she realizes that she doesn't have an identity of her own. She is at her best in the climax scene...!!
Imagine a woman has an extra marital affair. And the audience do not mind supporting her. That is the beauty of the movie taken by Mahesh Manjarekar who is famous for handelling sensitive topics with care and yet again has proved his worth as a director. The movie starts on a good note and mystery unravels slowly as we wonder ki aage kya hoga? Though the topic is very sensitive, yet there is nothing cheap in the movie.
Songs have a classical touch. The song "chal chal" deserves a special mention. Sukhwinder is as melodious as ever.
Warning: Having bored you enough, please do not think that another 3 hours would be wasted watching it. This one cannot be watched whenever you have an inclination to watch and needs a serious mood. So, watch it when you are ready for food for thought.
