Courting success. Review on Farhan Akhtar

Admittedly, it?s difficult to do a statistical analysis when the sample size is restricted to two. But, if there is possibly a young director that I would like to see more of, it?s Farhan Akhtar. Both DCH and lakshya were hits. But, apart from their box-office success, they usher in a new style of film-making. What is it that they have and other movies don?t ? Why do we love Farhan?s movies ?

1.Contemporary outlook ? He?s not talking about villagers afraid of a Gabbar or a zamindar, nor about ghosts haunting rich bungalows (or even middle class flats). The scene is - friendship between the college-going crowd with enough ribbing and a few insults.

Example ?

An emotional Akash leaving for Australia and apologizing to his friend for any time he might have crossed the line. His friend claps him on the back and reminds him of the time he was fooling around with that girl. That he knew all along she was engaged.

Even the rather cool depiction of the peer pressure that goes into Karan?s decision of becoming an armyman is very real. He likes a commando movie, finds his pal going for it and jumps in with both feet.

Both DCH and Lakshya deal with a student?s life as it makes a transition into a professional?s. The story is not about some students who get pulled into political conflicts and end up on the run from the police. Let's face it, most of us would shy of that even if we do get a chance to do such a thing.

So, it?s about a couple of friends who hang around together, know each other, have fun and feel like doing the same in their future lives as well. They don?t know whom they?re going to love or marry. Some of them are very sure about what their professions will be and some are not. So, there is a pleasurable feeling of anticipation that goes with the unfolding story of their lives.

2.He?s real ? Farhan?s men are real men. They?re not demi-Gods who can do stunts on a mobike or play the piano at the drop of a hat. They?re normal people with ordinary hopes, desires and fears. Akash, with his irreverent, cynical attitude reminds me of someone I know. So, the heartbreak, when it comes, connects with the audience. Sameer makes the mistake of falling for all the wrong girls and then can?t get a word in edgeways when he finds the one. Siddharth is a lonely artist ? he bonds with the woman who recognizes that in him. Even Karan?s ordeal in the army and the frustration with which he finally chucks it over is very real.

3.Love his women ? Farhan?s women are not whiling away their lives hankering to get married. Sometimes they have a clear, defined purpose like Zinta in Lakshya, a high-flying idealist who wants to do something with her life. And they don?t trip over every time their boyfriend mentions marriage. They don?t even fall for flattery like fools. They simply point out that these are old, used lines. For me, you could say something original. Is that too much for a girl to ask for ?

Lyrics -

Mujhko Bhoole Se Bhi Chaand Tum Na Kaho

Zaraa Ghuma Phira Ke Kahte To Achchha Hota

Otherwise, they are O.K. to lead their life coolly. Honest enough to admit that they have friends but aren?t yet sure of love - like Pooja in DCH. Compare that to Bhagyashree in MPK who gets the shock of her life when she is told that a boy and a girl can never be just friends. So, she proceeds to fall in love with Salman Khan just to prove the point. What utter rot !

4.Supporting cast ? the surrounding cast around the main characters is equally well fleshed out. The parents are not like Alok Nath sweetly smiling at every mehndi ki rasm. They do not watch their future sons-in-laws doing a dil deewana with the pain of empathy in their eyes. They?re not even like Juhi Chawla?s villainous father in QSQT who jumps up with a gun in his hands every time he hears the fellow?s name.

They are concerned people with enough curiosity spend some time with their daughter?s friend to ask him what he wants to do with life (Lakshya). Though, strictly speaking, Karan was so clueless about such a thing it made me wonder if he was retarded.

Parents are not portrayed as strange beings struggling with their children?s rebellion. On the other hand, they know when to be strict enough to put their foot down like Akash?s father in DCH. They are also sensitive enough to sense their suffering and inquire about it.

What is more, they are as susceptible to mistakes as their younger counterparts like Karan?s father in Lakshya. He is human enough to be angry, proud, resentful, whatever - yet human enough to be loved.

5.Basic values still hold? Love, honesty, determination, friendship, loyalty still win hands down at the end of the day. Mushy stuff, but appealing you must admit. Anyway, I like it.

One more thing, not just the lovers, but even the friends live happily ever after.

Like I said analysis based on two films is difficult ? but here?s to more of such from this talented director.

Recommend Farhan Akhtar to a friend ? Sure, go ahead meet him for dinner (if you can). Sounds like a heck of a guy.