Khalid Mohammad, film critic-turned-filmmaker has conceptualized female centric themes and characters in films like 'Zubeida' and 'Tehzeeb' with elegance and flamboyance.
He has returned with yet another woman-oriented subject 'Silsilay' that has the ''urban'' feel and touch. This week has been women special as two major releases 'Bachke Rehna Re Baba' and 'Silsilay' essay woman as lead characters.
'Bachke Rehna Re Baba' has the sensual charm of Mallika Sherawat and evergreen Rekha whereas 'Silsilay' comes out with the teamwork of Tabu, Bhumika Chawla and Riya Sen. The surprise package of the film is the presence of Shah Rukh Khan in guest appearance.
SRK plays ''sutradhar'' (anchor) and describes the nature of the characters. It looks engrossing, enticing and entertaining. Like his previous two films, Khalid has once again glorified and glamorized female characters but with modern look and style.
Catchy music, hi-tech cinematography, bold and brazen outfits coupled with some sensuous and lip locking scenes. 'Silsilay' will be better known for bold image make over of Bhumika Chawla and first commercial attempt by method actors like Rahul Bose and Kay Kay Menon.
Critics appreciated 'Zubeida' and 'Tehzeeb' for their presentation and social relevance but unfortunately they met with average response at the box office. 'Silsilay' shows some promise to sustain but will face heavy competition from 'Bachke Rehna Re Baba', 'Bunty Aur Babli' and 'Parineeta'.
The 'Silsilay' concept and script has shades from 'Page 3' as the film highlights the realistic aspect of modern society socialites. In terms of treatment, 'Silsilay' encores to Mani Ratnam's 'Yuva' and Mani Shanker's 'Tango Charlie'.
The film has episodic treatment as it collages life sketches of three different women from today's society. The ''realistic'' cinema shows its strength and valor as the film glorifies the instances and events of a Bollywood actress, a workingwoman and a contemporary urban housewife.
It exudes the white-collar crimes like match fixing among high society debonair and one nightstand that prevails among rich pop generation. 'Silsilay' outlines love triangles among three leading female characters (Tabu, Bhumika and Riya) that show social relevance.
The jigsaw relationships that these women carry show their struggles, aspirations and desires towards men, life and relationships. The concept of infidelity rules over their lives as they discover real love.
The film revolves around three main characters - Zia, rising Bollywood actress (Bhumika Chawla), Anushka, middle class working girl (Riya Sen) and Rehana, high society housewife (Tabu). Zia (Bhumika Chawla) is a renowned Bollywood actress whose success story has been ''rags to riches''.
Zia has plethora of luxuries, money and fame but craves for real love in her life. Zia has been in relationship with Neel (Rahul Bose), but Neel falls for the charm of rich businessman's daughter. Zia's life is upset and she feels isolated and deserted though she enjoys her stardom.
Zia has lovable and adorable sister (Divya Dutta) who consoles her in her miseries. Circumstances take turn and Neel feels regretful of being unfaithful to Zia. Scenario changes from Zia's life to Anushka's (Riya Sen) life at posh office at Mumbai.
Anushka hails from Dehradun and comes to Mumbai to fulfill her dreams. She is infatuated by the looks and charms of rich spoilt brat Nikhil (Ashmit Patel). Meanwhile, her office companion Tarun (Jimmy Shergill) nurses ambition to marry her.
After viewing Nikhil's ''Casanova'' acts, Anushka feels shattered and falls for the real love of Tarun. Till now the film has glorified ice maidens and aspiring starlets but now the scene shifts towards modern day housewife Rehana (Tabu).
Life looks heaven for Rehana as she is married to a wealthy builder Ahmed (Kay Kay). Rehana is second wife of Ahmed but he is besotted by the charm and sensuality of Neeta (Celina Jaitley), an airhostess.
Rehana has stepson Inayat (Karan Pathanky) who silently admires her and nurses hatred for his father. After confrontation with her husband, Rehana decides to walk out from his life. Zia gets pregnant and one fateful day she meets with an accident but is rescued by Rehana and Anushka. The film ends silently thereafter.
It's true the experimentation has been conceived well but the film falters in the climax. The movie ends on a dismal note, as viewer's questions remain unanswered. Why do these women lose their men for other woman so easily? Why Rehana feels dejected and finally gives up her married life? Why Zia goes out for illegitimate child when she can have happy married life with her beau Neel? Why Anushka bid goodbye to her real love Tarun at airport? No doubt Khalid Mohammad has exuded human relationship with honesty and flair, but the panache of engrossing social drama is completely missing.
One thing that keeps viewers' interest intact is its realistic treatment that binds audience for three hours. Himesh Reshammiya's music has been trendy and sensuous. To add to film credits all the songs gel well with the film. Songs like ''Jab Jab Dil Mile'', ''Ban Jaiye'' and ''Belibaas'' will attract audiences and might hit chartbusters.
Santosh Sivan's cinematography has been another strong point with soundtracks like ''Tere Liye Mere'' (Bhumika Chawla) and ''Belibaas'' (Celina Jaitley). Modern camera techniques have added grace and glamour in the characterization of Bhumika Chawla.
Dialogues by Shiraz Ahmed and Shabir Masani hold attention during the confrontation scenes between Rahul Bose and Bhumika Chawla. Sanjeev Mulchandani's costumes are upbeat with modern trends and Sharmista Roy's art direction is brilliant.
Bhumika Chawla steals the show with her new bold image makeover. The ''touch me not'' girl has adapted to modern society lingo with flair and will be revelation for many in recent times.
Riya Sen looks glamorous but fails to appeal with her acting skills. Tabu is undoubtedly the most accomplished among the lot. But she looks sick and tired. She might have the flair to portray the complicated character but looks stale and contemporary. Among the men, Rahul Bose shows some promise, Kay Kay acts well and Jimmy Shergill impresses too.
Ashmit Patel overacts and looks like a ramp model with his ultra long hair look.
Year 2005 started off disastrously for producer Vashu Bhagnani but things might work out this time. 'Silsilay' is a better product than 'Vaada'. So, the audiences can expect better films from Puja Entertainment and Vashu Bhagnani in future.
