Movie Reviews: Gulaal & Jai Veeru

These films were released on Friday the 13th. (PS: In 2009, F13 occurs thrice in February, March and November. Again in 2015, 2026, 2037, 2043, 2054, 2065, 2071, 2082, 2093 and 2099 it occurs thrice. This rare pattern of three occurs after 6 and 11 years. Was anyone among you born on F13? LUCKY YOU! Celebrate it in grand style by watching these flicks TODAY!)

There is nothing inauspicious, bad, evil or scary today in these two movies. So, enjoy them without any prejudice or superstition. One is a social thriller and the other is a mindless action flick. Depending on your taste, they will either make you fly or fry. Let’s take a peek at the colours and comedy that the two films offer this week.

(1) Gulaal

Holi was celebrated on Wednesday and (it would seem) to complement it, Gulaal has been released today. It is definitely a spray of colours – social, political, dramatic, thrilling, loving, collegiate and cinematic among others. Most importantly, it is a comment on our present day scenario. Many among us will end up identifying with it although it is set in Rajasthan.

This is Anurag Kashyap’s cinematic tribute to Pyaasa and the lyrics of Sahir Ludhianvi. We have almost revered the song “yeh duniya agar mil bhi jaaye to kya hai”. Indeed it is so. Even if we attain and achieve this entire world, it still would be only an illusion. We will never be satisfied or feel complete with the worldly achievements. This world attracts with its ‘colourful’ life but it is just a mayajaal. And there rests the symbolism of Gulaal.

Dilip Singh (Raj Singh Chaudhary) comes to Rajpur to study Law but is soon embroiled in campus politics. The local politico Dukey Bana (Kay Kay Menon) encourages him to contest elections when his fellow student is murdered. He wins.

Kiran (Ayesha Mohan), who loses to him, plays a political game with him. She lures him and he falls for her charms. Gaining control over the party she seeks the favours of Dukey. Dilip cannot get over this betrayal and also his love for her. What takes place makes for a compelling climax.

Performance-wise, Kay Kay leads the band. Raj makes for an excellent debutant. Mahie Gill is definitely evolving after Dev D. Rest of the cast too provides able support.

The songs lend a local Rajasthani flavour but you will keep humming “Yaara Maula”. It is bound to touch your soul. And the entire credit for that should go to Piyush Mishra.

Elections are fast approaching in India. You may as well get the taste of the real thing I this reel political drama, where you will find yourself involved either as a viewer or an actor.

Rating/Time: ***, 165 minutes

***

(2) <i><b>Jai Veeru</b></i>

You just want to have mindless fun. So don’t ask where, when, what, why and least of all how. For God’s sake, don’t even try looking for a plot in this movie. For there is none. Watch it if you want have fun.

Jai (Fardeen Khan) is a cop (pretending to be a mechanic) after a car thief (earlier a Pilot!) Veeru (Kunal Khemu). Jai dresses smart while Veeru pours out style (shades of Upen Patel). Veeru meets his Barbie Doll, Divya (Anjana Sukhani) (shades of Nagma).

Jai meets his ‘jodidar’ nurse (later something else!) Anna (Dia Mirza). In comes the villain Tejpal (Arbaaz Khan) and his secretive Black Book. All hell breaks loose. So do viewers’ tongues cursing these guys in the choicest colourful language.

Yeh picture kai ko re kyon banaya? Before such unbelievable happenings, it will be plausible that Dada Kondke is a superstar.

Bas! Kahani khatam. Paisa hazam.

Sorry, guys and dolls! This is all for this bird-brain of a movie. By mistake too, don’t go around looking for a plot but it is an enjoyable fare. It is a movie made for the masses and it surely will not disappoint on the entertainment score. Acting-wise, it is a big no-no.

This Jai Veeru (Fardeen Kunal) are not even a satellite relatives of original Jai Veeru (Amitabh, Dharmendra) of Sholay. They are pathetic caricatures or cartoons. Can’t praise them any more or they will feel offended.

The songs are foot-tapping. Maybe because of this, the movie claims to be an ‘Action’ flick. “Aisa Lashkara” will make you dance on the spot. “Agre ka Ghagra” and “Sufi” too will catch on for their fast beats.

Let me end this by saying, the songs are the actors here. Do I need to say anything more? It is a long weekend. Sleep well. Take care.

Rating/Time: *, 120 minutes