Ghosh’s gift to an intelligent audience. Review on Raincoat

‘Raincoat’ is anything but run-of-the-mill. Never in the history of Bollywood cinema has there been a story told with such serene meditation. The encounter between the two principal characters, Manoj aka Mannu, and Neerja aka Neeru - is a study in human nature.

"Mathura Nagarpati Kahe Tum Gokul Jaao" is a sort of haunting song sung by Shubha Mudgal where Mannu's travel to Kolkata to see Neeru, is compared with Krishna's travel from his birthplace Mathura to Gokul to meet Radha.

Both Manoj and Neerja are in a state of derelict. But both make attempts at concealing this from each other. Their façade is not so much a show of pomposity as much a sacrifice that they are willing to make just to ensure that the other person isn’t bothered with their own condition of ruins. So while Manoj ("Mannu") plays as a successful TV serial producer, Neeraja ("Neeru") makes stories of her grand lifestyle with servants, chauffeurs, an ever-touring husband et al. Ghosh succeeds at making their dialogues at once, both comedic and dramatic. The thin line between humour and pathos slowly begins to vanish until they absorb into one.

With Raincoat Ajay Devgan emphasizes once more just how comfortable he has become with the camera. Here is an actor who essays roles without ever allowing the camera to catch him unawares. Aishwarya Rai has always been a director’s actress. Like Bhansali, Ghosh manages to extract from her a perfect balance of poise and restlessness. The fact that her character basically plays out her part also helps.

And finally this movie review will be incomplete without the mention of Annu Kapoor. Kapoor plays his part of a landlord with such effortless ease that he reminds us of what a great talent he is and how we have wasted him. Due mention must be given to Bishwadeep Chatterjee’s work on the sound and Shubha Mudgal’s absorbing vocals in the background. The songs are all serene and apt.

The cinematography also works wonders here. Alternating the happy days and the sad days with richness of color effects, it makes an instant connection with the viewer.

‘Raincoat’ is an elegiac tale told with earnestness- Ghosh’s gift to an intelligent audience. Watch it and be overwhelmed.