My plans for watching Metro were finalized out of the blue as I wasn't really expecting it. But after watching the movie, I was glad I took time to watch a genuinely good film from Bollywood after a string of forgettable flicks churned out this year. It did leave me completely satisfied.
An Introduction: Metro was always in news, even before its first promo on Television. Maybe it was because of the name behind it - Anuraag Basu, the very talented filmmaker who gave us Gangster last year, after a couple of not-so good movies Murder and Tumsa Nahi Dekha.
Story and critique: Metro comprises of everyday characters you can come across in your day to day life, whether at workplace or near your home - in the local market or the nearby pub. It lives up to its title in the truest sense; has its share of petty flaws but Anuraag Basu covers it up so
very well thanks to superbly written characterizations and slick direction. After
a well told Gangster, he scores once again with a slow yet engrossing
tale.
Its one of the boldest films from Bollywood till date, and is
totally unapologetic about it. There are kissing scenes, prostitutes,
gays, extra marital affairs and one night stands aplenty shown but not even once does it seem
that it was not required or unnecessary.
The individual stories of Shiney - Shilpa, Shilpa - Kay Kay, Kay
Kay - Kangana, and Kangana - Sharman are superbly blended into one, and
handled with perfection in the first half.
The Kangana - Sharman one is
almost a straight lift from Yes Boss' script, but with bolder elements
attached. But it doesn't make you complain.
The Shiney-Shilpa one is my pick of the lot simply because Anuraag seemed to have a perfect idea of what he was doing while handling the sensitive storyline. While dealing with subjects like infidelity, there's a very thin line between what can be accepted and what not. If you fumble even slightly, there are high chances you will be ridiculed and verbally bashed no extent. But Anuraag gets it just right, with a perfect conclusion to the story. Never once does it get offensive. He deserves a standing ovation just for managing it with such skill. The scene in which Shilpa almost loses her to Shiney, gets back to her senses, and finally gets away is one gem of a sequence from the directorial point of view. The film can be worth a watch just for that superbly crafted scene which provides several lumps in your throat all at once.
Dharmendra - Nafisa one was average, with a poor conclusion. Though it had a refreshing new concept of aged couples going in for a live - in relationship, it made me left wondering
what was the need of having this story into an otherwise smooth narrative? Was it a last
minute decision by Anuraag?
Whatever the case may be, they could have certainly done without it.
The Irfaan - Konkona story provides the comic relief just when you felt the going ons are getting a bit too serious. It also came at the right time. Anuraag seemed to have reserved the laughter for the audience for the second half. It was sheer delight.
The second half, though as strong as the first, does turn
predictable and with the sensitive and realistic undertones present
throughout the first half, you expect the second half to reach an
unpredictable and twisted climax. But none of it happens here. Anuraag
decides to be hardcore commercial instead.
That apart, you don't really mind it. Beccause not even once do those commercial elements look silly or over the top. Yes, it can be called predictable. But certainly not tasteless.
Performances: Every actor plays his part remarkably but one which overshadows the
rest despite having just 2 scenes in the first half is Irfaan Khan. He
plays this weird executive who can't help but stare a woman in all the
wrong areas. Which was the prime reason why he got rejected on a date
with Konkona Sen, the other wonderful performer in the movie. Watch her
shout to the top of her lungs in a scene with Irfaan and be amazed at
how effortlessly she carries the diffult scene with panache.
Talking about Shilpa Shetty, I can finally say she has come a long way. She acted like a very experienced performer and has the right expressions and gestures in the right places. Bravo Shilpa!
Kay Kay is as usual great.
Shiney shines. He is made to convey more through his facial expressions and he doesn't dissapoint.
Sharman is likeable in an innocent pimp-type character and carries it quite well.
Kangana was okay. Though I was expecting much more from her. She excels is few scenes, but thats it.
Music: A major highlight of the film. Some great compositions by Pritam and gels well into the mood of the film. Some songs are still playing in my head: especially Alvida and Rishtay.
Overall: A very well made film. Despite being slow at times, it never makes you lose interest. We need more such good films from Bollywood in coming months. Anuraag Basu has now set higher standards for him.
