Hi Everyone,
As the title of my blog suggests, its true to me that i found the movie less interesting to watch. My expectations were very high from this flick as it was produced under Mukta Arts banner and directed by none other than Subhash Ghai. As i was researching more about the synopsis of this movie, i came across an online review that said that Subhash Ghai had copied the idea of an earlier hollywood movie. Mr Ghai, however was not aware of this movie. During my last visit to India, i got to see the trailers of Black and White. The title was intriguing and i was looking forward to the release date of this movie. Admittedly, i watched this movie online with excellent print. Excuse me folks but i wasn't feeling well to travel 20 miles back and forth with no car. Anyways, this too like Jodha Akbar was seen in parts by me. Let me refer Black and White as B&W.
The movie started showing a base camp in Afghanistan with dark bluish background and someone getting ready for an attack on Red Fort in Delhi, India. That itself gives you an impression about what this movie would be all about, thats vandalizing the city of Delhi . The Black portrayed by newcomer "Anurag Sinha" and White by "Anil Kapoor". The plot, however, becomes predictable as the story unfolds. The terrorist Anurag sinha drops the idea of exploding the bomb as he walks through lot of events that happened in 15 days of his stay in Chandni Chowk area of Delhi.
Good performance by newcomer in his debut movie. A shy, introvert, serious, keeps-to-himself kinda guy who minds his own business and has only 1 aim in his life, thats Jihad. His facial expressions are nice and provide justice to his role. I think Anurag could have got a better movie than this. Who knows after all, even here a dark movie to start with gives him a good launchpad. Anil Kapoor as usual is a veteran actor who gives his best in every scene. And there is 1 thing about AK, he looks the same as he was 20 years back and has maintained himself very well. The first thing i noticed about Shefali Chhaya was that she looked younger. I remember her last movie with Big B where she played his wife and i was like Shefali certainly has jumped into a pair of old shoes. This wasn't now, she looked fresh and lively, like one would say - "back in action" types. She overshadows the newcomer actress "Aditi Sharma" with her performance who i felt had no specific role to play. Songs are melodious. I liked "Jogi Aaya", "Main Chala" and "Yeh Hindustan Hai".
Data shown in movie is based on facts, Hindu & Muslims staying together in Chandni Chowk area, terrorist activities fruiting in this area, busy clogged streets, Muslim family providing refuge to Indian family etc.
Certain aspects of movie i thought could be made better or completely cut off especially when you know its being directed by none other than Subhash Ghai. For instance, introduction of Shefali Chhaya arguing on some lame divorce topic and media grabbing that attention. The girlfriend of Anurag who shows avid interest in the newcomer which i think is something you dont get to see in a Muslim family where girls are over protected by their customs. Anil kapoor convincing Shefali at Qutub Minar that she infact had invited anurag there was dragging and addiing to it some PJ's. How does one get a stranger whom you know only for the past 10 days to stay in your house with your family? This is weird if you want to focus on the bonding between the stranger (anurag) and a family. (Anil's). Why do Indian films show a lady sleeping with a saree and not comfortable night suits/gown? Why do muslims (shown in film) feel that Indians don't respect Islam and to this, Anurag Sinha is sent as a terror man to rock Delhi. Shefali is killed on the eve of Independence day but Anil doesnt want this truth to come out in public fearing a communal riot, thats hindu's blaming muslims for this. And next day, he goes to watch Independence day at Redfort after performing last rituals. I cant expect this at all. A man who lost his wife after she is shot goes to attend Independence day function because he is very patriotic.
Good scenes in the movie are when Anurag laments the fact that the Muslim in India is no longer a true muslim like in Pakistan, Afghanistan and cant digest this fact. He is frustrated to see his new muslim pals talking more about India culture, heritage, tourist holy Indian places. His friends not reading Namaaz 5 times a day. Lot of arguments among people as to why only Muslims are on hit list of any terrorist activity. Media personnel lying idle, in fact sleeping when a kid comes to them and says there is a breaking news for them to cover was hilarious. I was surprised to see how 2 leaders from Muslim and Indian community wearing a friendly coat threaten the local MLA of a communal riot if their demands were not met.
B&W presents a message that even a terrorist's heart could beat for the sake of peace in a nation. This however, i think wasn't captured very well through the eyes of Anurag in the movie. More shots needed to be added to show his transition of mind for not fusing the bomb. Shots of policemen suggest Anurag fears cops so he escapes and doesn't explode the bomb. You want to see strong vehement reaction of the newcomer. I think movie could have been made better because Anurag fleds and later writes a letter to CBI appreciating Anil for what he had done and giving a clean chit to him. Who knows when he strikes back? Thats the uncertainty. May be the director could have thought of an alternate ending by making Anurag surrender, leveraging his status in media and people, leave life to normal giving out a new message. May be the director doesnt want to show a muslim terrorist surrendering? Am not aware if any has surrendered in real life. In any circumstance, the fate of Numer Qazi (Anurag sinha, sorry to have used his muslim name so late) was to doom, then why not for a better cause.
This movie also gives a message not to shelter strangers in your house ! I will rate this movie as 6.5/10 simply because B&W lacked balance.
Back to you reader for your comments
Rgds,
Sidharth
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