Sep 26, 2011 05:18 PM
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(Updated Sep 26, 2011 05:20 PM)
Times have changed. So do have our love stories. All romantic films or romcoms that have been churned out recently take a modern and contemporary look on the characters and their relationships. Viewers even loved many of such films as they could relate to their goings-on. Yet, moviegoers always yearned to see the good ol’ and pure romantic saga. And that was one of the chief reasons why Mausam was keenly awaited. Shahid, running across roofs, balconies and kaccha streets of a Punjab village to catch a glimpse of his ladylove instantly put a smile on my face. Moreover, the man who had donned the director’s hat commands considerable respect – Pankaj Kapur! However, the bad news is Mausam fails to meet expectations. The film has its moments, performances are extraorindary, music rocks but the love story and the events connected to it get surreal at places. More on it later!
The story of the movie: Harry aka Harinder Singh (Shahid Kapoor) is having a carefree life in his hometown Mallukot, Punjab. While making preparations for his sister’s wedding and waiting for the job approval letter from Air Force, Harry falls for Aayat (Sonam Kapoor), a Kashmiri migrant displaced due to insurgency. Aayat too gets charmed by Harry. But before their love story can progress, the lovers separate only to meet years later at a different place during a different season.
First, what works for Mausam! The initial 45 minutes where the love story commences in Punjab was the best part of the film. The feel and mood of a dusty Punjab village is beautifully depicted and you can’t help but fall in love with the characters. The sardar jokes were slightly over the top but no complaints as the film moved at slow but sweet pace. The tragedy that the lovers face came as a shock. Soon, action shifts to Scotland and the innocent romance magic works here too. In fact, the intermission point was one of the highpoints of the film.
But trouble starts in the second half. The lovers get united and separated number of times. Everytime, they land up in some city or somewhere in the vicinity at the same time. Of course, world is a small place and coincidences happen but so many times? Also, few instances didn’t seem convincing. Sonam had the contact numbers of both Shahid’s sister and family but she hardly calls them once or twice, when no one was there in the house to pick the phone! Then she gives up! A desperate lover would have called twice daily until someone answers the call, to find out his lover’s whereabouts!
Also, with a film that is titled Mausam, the seasons don’t have any considerable significance. The three important events in Shahid-Sonam’s romantic life does take place in 3 different seasons but it doesn’t become obvious nor is it subtly depicted. But notwithstanding flaws, the film is still worth a watch once for its old touch and also for several sequences which stand out. Here, I would like to mention the climax which is engrossing and nail-biting, but might be seen as unnecessary. But at least it gives an exciting culmination to this otherwise loopholes-laden flick!
As for the performances, Shahid Kapoor stands out! The ease with which he shines in several difficult scenes is a treat to witness! He looks dashing in all the 3 looks with the boyish clean-shaven look winning hands down! He seemed weird with the moustache initially but soon you get used to it! And finally, the heavily bearded look too is carried very well by the actor. Mausam might not work but Shahid surely would be remembered for his terrific performance!
Sonam Kapoor too shines and comes up with a natural performance. Even she carries 3 different looks with the Scotland one being the best! With Aisha and I Hate Luv Storys, she proved that she’s here to stay and Mausam confirms that! Supriya Pathak is unrecognizable in many scenes but delivers a fine performance! Anupam Kher was as usual dependable. Kamal Nain Chopra (Aayat’s father) was alright. Aditi Sharma (Rajjo) looked ravishing and played her perfectly. Herry Tangri (MP; Loki Local of Love Sex Dhokha) and Kanika Mangotkya (Shahid’s sister) lends able support. Manoj Pahwa and the rest of Mallukot folks contribute well.
Pritam’s music was one of the plus points of the film. Rabba without a doubt is the best song of the lot followed by Ik Tu Hi, Saj Dhaj Ke, Mallo Malli and Aag Lage Us Aag Ko. Background score was effective. Binod Pradhan’s cinematography spellbounds especially in the Punjab sequences. Late Samir Chanda’s production design was topnotch as always expected from him. VFX and action (Sham Kaushal) was very exciting.
Pankaj Kapur came up with a flawed story and script but a convincing direction could have still saved the day. Sadly, even the execution disappoints at several places. Also, making a 150 minutes+ film was not a good decision. The film could have easily done away with few sequences at the editing table. While Pankaj Kapur’s direction was disappointing at places, it was contrastingly noteworthy in many scenes. The exchange of chits by the lovers in Mallukot, Shahid and his friends discussing future plans, intermission point, Shahid leaving his train and running uphill for Sonam, Aditi Sharma revealing about her love for Shahid even after she has a child and Shahid under the moonlit sky remembering the good old days etc prove that Pankaj Kapur knows his job well. If only he had been consistent throughout the film, Mausam, as the official website claims, might have set new standards for filmmaking!
Some of the best scenes:
The song Rabba and Saj Dhaj Ke
Harry-Aayat sharing love chits
Harry’s fun with pals in Mallukot
Harry gets his much awaited letter
Harry-Aayat’s romantic rendezvous in Scotland
The intermission point
The fighter plane sequence
Harry spots Aayat from the train in Switzerland
Rajjo sharing her feelings with Harry in the train
The climax
On the whole, Mausam is a must watch for Shahid fans. Due to several unconvincing and hard-to-digest sequences, one finds it to difficult to empathize with the lovers in the film, which is not a good thing to happen in a romantic saga! Nevertheless, the film gives the joy of witnessing the pure innocent love and boasts of melodious music and some terrific sequences. Keep your expectations very low if you wanna go for it!
