In today’s time, the most talked about film.
The film is about dharavi. The film is about rap. The film is about Ranveer Singh.
But yet it is so much more. And could have been so much more.
The film could have gone loud. Could have been a violent series of images being set in dharavi. Could have been a typical story of a good boy going bad.
But hats off to Zoya Akhtar for not doing that.
There is a quiet restraint.
Ranveer quiet. Ranveer repressed. His only outlet is the rap songs where he vents it out.
At home, in dharavi, he just keeps it all inside. Not going on the wrong track. Not becoming a criminal.
And yet, nothing is hidden. The dark side of his surroundings are very much there. His friend into forbidden business. His girlfriend, the lovely Alia Bhatt leading a cloistered life, dying for the simple pleasures of going out for a party. An abusive family ambience.
The desperation is all pervasive. The pressure to follow a set, standard routine way of life. And in this milieu is burning….a yearning need to break the shackles of a pre-destined course of life. To find expression. To find a voice.
The film is no rags-to-riches story. And that is where again Zoya Akhtar has resisted in showing the usual finale.
The end is non-committal. No false promises. No stars shining.
Just a euphoria. Of Freedom. Of Expression.
Thank you Zoya Akhtar. And the entire star cast for delivering great performances.
Preeta Chag 