When Life Strikes Back... Review on Viruddh - Bollywood

Many people feel, rightly so, that Indian Film industry has matured, become more open to newer subjects with non-conventional heroes, and is exploring emotions seemingly non-commercial, for the last few years. But how many of us realize that the single person most responsible for all this mindboggling change is Amitabh Bachhan.

Yes, the credit could not be taken away from Directors like SLB, Ramu, Vipul Shah, and now Mahesh Manjarekar, but still, having seen Big B in their ventures, it's hard to imagine such kind of audeince-acceptability of the characters portrayed by him that has given more and more filmamakers a thing or two to think about.

Viruddh is the story of Vidyadhar Patwardhan (Aby) and Sumi Patwardhan (Sharmila, revamped) who fight against a system when a personal tragedy shocks their lives in the post-retirement age. John Abraham, as their son studying in London, and Anousha, as the phirang bahu are almost perfect in the casting and speak only when necessary. The supporting cast of characters ranges from mildly irritating Shivaji Satam and Prem Chopra to understated but brilliant Sachin Khedekar. Sanju could have been given a bit more of a meat but then, in the end it's the story of Vidyadhar.

Mahesh Manjarekar finds his groove after a long time and the banter between Aby and Sharmila in the first half is worth a watch. Also, it tells you how good a film Baghban could have been had it been made with such understated realism. The climax is a bit arbit but still, the bloodshot eyes of Vidyadhar and his contented look make up for the lack of logic.

Finally, it's a simple story of a simple couple (though, living in an outrageously big bungalow by Mumbai standards) which will make you feel for a lot of things around you.

Good work Mahesh and team.