Kaminey is worth watching.

I must mention that it seemed like the biggest opening this year while I went to watch the movie on Saturday, 15th of August in my favourite theatre in New Delhi. The enthusiasm of the crowd was quite heartening to see. It was even more special as they are generally very circumspect while going out on the Independence Day. The situation appeared to be even scarier because of the swine flu terror with the news of the film release being postponed in some areas of the country. People were out to enjoy the movie despite all these; perhaps they wanted the feeling of true freedom sink in and enjoy the eternal moment of now. Not to forget that this was hugely support by the weather gods as it was rather pleasant after a heavy spell of hot and humid weather (most exhausting in the times I can remember).

I was feeling great as I waited eagerly to watch the much awaited flick by Vishal Bhardwaj. My admiration for Shahid Kapoor has grown many folds in the past couple of years and hence, had a lot of expectations with this movie. So there we were; the moment had arrived—the movie was being played.

I shall start with the best part, which in my opinion is its climax. There were a lot of buzz around of Kaminey being a dark movie and to me it mattered as to what kind of feeling I would leave the cinema with. It was dark indeed: As the name suggests the movie explored the darker side of the characters involved. It also warned of how things can go terribly wrong when one is not in control of their lives. “Kaminapan” can show the straight way to the hell that is right there on this earth before one can think of any imaginary hell. To be on the lighter side; the movie was dark as the major part of the movie was shot in the night. “The night” which, wrecked havoc in the lives of the twin Charlie & Guddu (Played by Shahid Kapoor). Sweety’s character is integral to the central theme of love and very convincingly executed. It should well be another feather in the cap for Priyanka Chopra as far as the acting is concerned. Interestingly, you do not leave with a heavy heart in the end. And that is where the magic lies. We see light at the end of the tunnel and Love conquers.

Vishal Bhardwaj has also managed to very subtly attack the corruption in the administration and exposed the regional politics in a very satirical manner. Gang-war is another angle. Very wisely used intelligence!

Shahid & Priyanka share a sizzling onscreen chemistry and the romance part in the movie is straight from the heart. It depicts the innocence and unconditional love; which is scarce and almost lost in today’s practicality. You can’t help but leave asking for more of Sweety & Guddu and in my opinion that is an area where the movie doesn’t score well. Not only this, somewhere, you get the feeling that you’ve been rushed through the things that could have mattered. The fierce editing of the movie was totally uncalled for. I am sure the audience will enjoy 15-20 more minutes of quality viewing. Remember, the biggest length movie last year was a blockbuster (Jodha Akbar) and bagged maximum awards. I am not sure why the movie makers are getting carried away with the western tide; or maybe it is simply economy driven (they are able to run 5 shows in a single screen cinema). I could feel this with the previous big release (Love Aajkal) also. I feel they are taking some good moments away from our kitty.

I have got to touch my favourite topic now and that is music. Again, hats off to Vishal Bhardwaj for creating magic through the tracks in this movie. Dhan Te Nan is turning out to be a classic and instant show stealer. It is definitely creating waves of its kind. Vishal Dadlani makes a powerful impact with Sukhwinder singh. My pick among the tracks is soulful rendition of “Pehli Baar Mohabbat” by Mohit Chauhan who is at his vintage best. It’s sheer romance. The title track “Kaminey” is where you find the brilliance that can come out with the collaboration of two great minds like Gulzaar sahib & Vishal Bhardwaj (vocals too). This is definitely very carefully crafted and full of emotions. It should turn out to be one of the best tracks in the recent times. Fatak is an educative number on AIDS that has power-packed singing by Kailash Kher & Sukhwinder Singh. I am really happy to see Suresh Wadekar lending his vocals in mainstream cinema after a long time. It sounds so soothing & refreshing in “Raat Ke Dhai Baje”. Rekah Bhardwaj, Sunidhi Chauhan & Kunal Ganjawaala too have done a fabulous job.

The movie is technically very sound with strong performances and Shahid Kapoor stands out. This may prove out to be the strongest performance this year and also take Shahid to superstardom at such an early age. Well done Shahid!

Overall, Kaminey is worth watching.