Monday 2 July 2012

Gangs Of Wasseypur. Meh.





Pros: Gangs of Wasseypur is the kind of film that was much needed in mainstream Hindi cinema simply because it spoke of an Indian story without lip synching and ridiculous dancing – unlike most of the drivel that Bollywood delivers. A story whose roots sprung as newly independent India moved towards industrialization and consequently, corruption. The effort made to make the environment fit the era being shown has to be lauded. Manoj Bajpai plays his character to a tee.

Cons: Having a good premise provides potential – however most of that is lost in several “who was that” moments.  The movie spans several decades, which leads to a small number of memorable moments in the movie that are way too few and placed too far apart.

“Gangs of Wasseypur” has way too many tortuous characters and Kashyap keeps jumping from one to the next. At the end you’re left with a mish mash of curses, gun shots and Manoj Bajpai.

As the numerous faces moved in and out of the scenes the audience may get lost in the detail. It was like reading the ‘Terms of Service’ agreement for the latest iOS update. A rare complaint with Indian movies.

By the 3rd hour, when our protagonist’s sons start their own “meet-cutes” with various ladies – the audience, and I, had been spent. We had been through three generations of families and barely connected with one or two characters and there was still more to come.

Bottom-line: Saying Anurag Kashyap is an indulgent filmmaker is like saying the sky is blue. Taking complicated stories and re-telling them in a manner that’s digestible is crucial and that's where this movie misses the mark.

Kashyap is clearly challenging himself and trying to tell a story so unnecessarily convoluted that you need a stack of notes to remember who did what and is related to whom. Perhaps if I had these stack of notes I would have enjoyed the movie more




4 comments:

  1. Bang On. You have made it less harsh than I was but this is absolutely true.

    bigger the claim harsher the put down deserved. and in this case it was a huge let down.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I second that.. His black friday was more clear,maybe because it/he didnt indulge too much.

      Delete
  2. That's why you should switch you mobile phone off while watching a movie

    ReplyDelete
  3. now i can clearly guess your age, bollywoodgandu!!

    ReplyDelete