Jun 09, 2014 10:19 PM
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It is known fact that despite all the tensions between India and Pakistan, the people on both sides share many common likes and way of living. And cinema is a significant factor that binds them. Filmistaan makes a very unconventional and impressing use of this aspect and hence stands out from the rest of the films made on Indo-Pak issue. And for this very reason, Filmistaan deserves a watch, despite it’s few rough edges!
The story of the movie: Sunny Arora(Sharib Hashmi) is a die-hard movie buff and a struggling actor in Mumbai. He becomes an assistant director in a documentary being shot by an American crew in Rajasthan. As luck would have it, one night Sunny gets kidnapped mistakenly by terrorists and is taken to Pakistan. The terrorist group decides to keep him alive for the time being. He gets holed up in the house of Aftaab(Inaamulhaq) who’s also a Bollywood lover but sells pirated CDs for a living. Sunny and Aftaab bond over their shared passion for cinema, although they are well aware that the terrorists can anytime eliminate Sunny.
Filmistaan has a somewhat shaky start. The sequence involving the Rajasthani cop in the beginning seemed far from real. But the moment Sunny gets kidnapped, the film brilliantly shifts gears. Again, the interest dips at few places. But the director then comes up with some outstanding scenes that are bound to linger in one’s mind. For instance, the scene where villagers watch Maine Pyar Kiya is superb! Also, the intermission sequence is worth a watch. Post-intermission, the film gets better. Even here, the film oscillates between great to not-so-interesting sequences. But the developments keep one hooked. The climax is too good and the background score enhances impact manifold.
Filmistaan is embellished with some award-worthy performance. Sharib Hashmi is absolutely adorable and delivers one of the most amazing performances in recent times! He is a great mimic and at the same times shows his real acting strength in some key sequences. He also ensures that he doesn’t get into the territory of Bheja Fry’s Bharat Bhushan(who was also a simpleton with a heart of gold). When the year comes to a close, Sharib would surely be mentioned when the list of the best performances of 2014 is being made! Inaamulhaq also puts his best foot forward and comes out with flying colours. He compliments Sharib very well and gets the attitude and nuances totally right.
Kumud Mishra(Mahmood) is completely unrecognizable and puts in a heartfelt and sincere performance. Jawaad(Gopal Datt), who was last seen as Rajeev Khandelwal’s sidekick in Samrat & Co, plays a very significant part with ease and élan. Waseem Khan(Aftaab’s father) shines especially in the pre-climax scene. Habib Azmi is outstanding as the hakim and leaves a huge mark with a single scene. Kavita Thapliyal(who makes Sunny a part of the documentary) has a good screen presence. Same goes for Sangik Chakrabarty(Pakistani soldier) and Manoj Bakshi(Rajasthani cop). Other actors are fine as well.
Music is okay and mostly relegated to the background. But the background score(Arijit Datta) as a whole is very subtle but damn effective. And as aforementioned, it enhances impact in the climax. Subranshu Das’ cinematography is impressive and captures the arid region nicely. Firoz Boss’ action works, despite the fact that he doesn’t go all out in showing violence. Dialogues, also by Sharib Hashmi, are one of the pillars of the film. Nitin Kakkar’s story is very unique and impressive. Screenplay and direction is fine but could have been better. The film, 117 minutes long, should have been 90 minutes long for a better impact. Surely, some of the scenes are outstanding, funny and even touching but there are few sequences that needlessly added to the length and also take away the charm created by few sequences. Yet, it is a great effort and I hope Nitin comes out with something even better next time!
Some of the best scenes of the film:
The opening credits
Sunny gets kidnapped
Aftaab’s entry
Aftaab meets Sunny for the first time
Villagers watch Maine Pyar Kiya
Sunny records a message for Indian authorities
The intermission point
Sunny’s conversation with the hakim
Aftaab shoots a film
Sunny and Aftaab are locked in a room
The climax
On the whole, Filmistaan is not a flawless product and yet deserves a watch for its unconventional and novel plot and script. Each major character is well sketched and performances are exemplary, especially by Sharib Hashmi who delivers one of the best performances of recent times! Go for it and enjoy the funny and touching moments of the film!
