Since the world of cinema explores plenty of stories, every new story appears to be an extension of something that has been witnessed before. When you consider a formula-driven industry like Bollywood, it seems as if film-makers have no new stories or ideas to offer.
This lack of originality is probably the reason why the power of story-telling has managed to engage the audience more than the authenticity of the story itself. With Ghanchakkar, director Raj Kumar Gupta masters this art by offering something typical in the most compelling fashion. Screenwriter Pervez Sheikh, along with his co-writer Gupta, successfully manage to bring forward a solid, well-knit plot.
Sanjay (Emraan Hashmi) lives a pretty normal life with his unsophisticated, morbidly fashionable and entertaining wife Neetu (Vidya Balan). After a short focus on the typical family scene, Gupta takes us straight to business. Sanjay, who was once involved in criminal activities, receives an offer of INR10 million to rob a bank by breaking the lock of the premises, from two criminals. Although Sanjay had moved on from his nefarious activities, the amount is way too attractive, so he helps them break the lock successfully. To avoid getting noticed by the police, the team plans not to use the money for the next three months, while Sanjay is asked to keep the money since he is a ‘family man’. What follows is quite puzzling – something that will tease your brain but will be far from predictable.
Although the dialogues are cleverly penned, they are not outrageously funny and often rely on cheap tricks. However, it’s the timing of the actors that makes the humour much more solid and direct. The comedy is not of errors or forced situations, but of circumstances which can be best described as absurdly funny and seriously immoral, all of which is justified within the context of the film.
Balan has gained a few extra pounds for her role and it seems that after the success of The Dirty Picture, her flabby body accompanied by her command over method acting, has really helped her create a deadly combination of talent and looks. Although this might just reduce her to a rather beautiful and talented version of Saima in Bollywood, there are no issues with it if that suits her characters. As Neetu, a rather sharp character, she has not only carried off the plump look well but also pulled off a rowdy demeanour and raw Hindi accent.
Hashmi, on the other hand, proves to be the real winner by making the audience change perceptions with the evolution of his character. He has moved a long way from being the stereotypical ‘serial kisser’.
Unlike your average Bollywood movie, music is not really an interruption, with only one song played in the beginning and one during the end credits. Composer Amit Trivedi does a splendid job with his fresh and innovative tunes, rejuvenating the soul of Bollywood music. After creating master pieces in English Vinglish and Kai Po Che, Trivedi introduces audiences to an interesting and contemporary mix of qawwali, folk melodies and rock music. It is his instrumental brilliance that leaves you wanting more.
All in all, Ghanchakkar is an intelligent film made for a patient and rather intellectual audience that is not just looking for an attractive young star like Ranbir Kapoor or matkas and jhatkas ala Malaika Arora.
Verdict: Ghanchakkar is one of the most cleverly written films to have been made in Bollywood this year. Just for the sake of experiencing a mind-boggling climax, go get your tickets now!
Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2013.
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