Nov 28, 2015 08:13 AM
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A relative, more than a decade ago, remarked to me how some of the most memorable films over the years have a similar basic premise, especially the ones made by the same makers. I was reminded of this observation when Imtiaz Ali makes another interesting observation in Tamasha: most of the stories and fables are quite similar to one another. It doesn’t stop here – it further adds that the effect spills over to our real life as well which are also similar to one another. Having a good idea on paper is one thing and translating it on celluloid is another. But Imtiaz manages to handle this delicate subject beautifully. The result: Tamasha is unlike any other Bollywood film that one has seen in recent times or in many years!
The story of the movie: Ved(Ranbir Kapoor) on a solo journey in Corsica, France meets another solo traveler from India, Tara(Deepika Padukone). Both hit it off quite well but under one condition – they refuse to tell their name to one another and have fun in Corsica as long as it lasts. Both make merry and explore the region without knowing anything about each other. They both play roles and do quite a nice job out of it. Trouble arises when the journey is about to end and they develop feelings for each other.
Tamasha has an unusual beginning and something that might not be accepted by many moviegoers. It takes a while to understand what’s exactly going on but it sets the base of what the film is all about. The film goes into the ‘massy’ zone in the Corsica sequence. It is a treat to see the way Ved and Tara hit it off and raise tons and tons of laughs! The Matargashti song is an icing on the cake. The Corsica episode ends on a very impactful note. The Delhi sequence is also damn good and special mention should be made of the song Heer Toh Badi Sad Hai. The intermission point is just superb. Tamasha goes into another zone altogether in the second half. Now this part of the film might either be loved or will be loathed. That’s because the treatment is very novel and maybe even a bit niche. But the entertainment quotient never fades away. Also, the message is simple and simply put forward – each section of audience will be able to connect and understand what Imtiaz is trying to say. Other plus point is that the film is almost 150 minutes long but doesn’t bore even for a moment. One doesn’t even know where time flies!
Tamasha however isn’t devoid of blemishes. Few questions remain unanswered. Also, the niche aspect of the film at places gets a bit heavy.
Ranbir Kapoor gets back into full form and delivers a performance as good as what he did in Barfi. Yes, you read it right – it is that awesome! This is an extremely challenging role but Ranbir pulls it off quite effortlessly. And this is no mean feat because Ranbir speaks in a unique fashion in many scenes and it has to look convincing. And Ranbir achieves the feat. Kudos! Deepika Padukone as always looks so charming and delivers a terrific performance. The focus is a bit more on Ranbir but Deepika also puts her best foot forward and ensures she gets noticed and appreciated. In some scenes, she just shines which yet again proves that with each film, she is evolving. It remains to be seen now what magic she brings forth in the magnum opus Bajirao Mastani! Jawed Shaikh is fine as Ved’s father. Piyush Mishra is simply out of the world! Other actors who leave a mark are Ishtiyaq Khan(autorickshaw driver), the actor playing Ved’s boss and the transgender.
A R Rahman’s music is terrific and one of the best of the year. Matargashti rocks but the other songs like Heer Toh Badi Sad Hai, Tu Koi Aur Hai, Wat Wat Wat, Chali Kahani and Safarnama also leave a huge mark and help the story move forward. Background score is minimal but smartly composed and used. Ravi Varman’s cinematography is a bit raw but that works for the film. The locales of Corsica are beautifully captured. Costumes(Aki Narula, Anaita Shroff Adajania), like in any Imtiaz Ali films, are classy and trend-setting, especially the ones worn by Deepika Padukone. Aarti Bajaj’s editing is slick and stylish. Aarif Ali’s story is quite interesting but seen in films before. It is Imtiaz Ali who transforms it into a unique film like never before with his screenplay. Dialogues as expected are outstanding. Direction is damn impressive and doesn’t wander aimlessly like it happened in Rockstar. The characterization is beautifully done and the boredom of the monotonous life is brought out so wonderfully by the master director. It is sure to be loved as many would be able to relate with it. Hats off Imtiaz…keep rocking!
Some of the best scenes:
The entire Corsica sequence
All songs of the film
Ved Tara meet in Delhi
Ved Tara go to a Japanese restaurant and what happens next
The intermission point
Ved confronts Tara at her place
Ved talks with the autorickshaw driver
Ved’s all scenes with the boss(hilarious!)
Ved goes back home
The climax
On the whole, Tamasha is a unique cinematic experience that deserves to be seen on the big screen in all its glory. The basic plot might be simple and beaten to death but the way it unfolds is seen to be believed – we haven’t watched something like this in a long time! And Ranbir Kapoor comes back with one of his finest performances ever – it’s as awesome as his act in Barfi! Although the film is an entertainer, its execution is kind of niche and this might affect the film’s commercial aspects. But here’s hoping audiences give this film a chance and give Ranbir that elusive hit. This chap is a powerhouse of talent, deserves to stay and deserves to enjoy the fruits of the success of Tamasha!
