Theatre – I am not Bajirao

That's entertainment!

Venue: Andrews, Bandra.
AV – **** (4/5)
EV – ****1/2 (4.5/5)What happens when two actors are put together and asked to carry the entire weight of a play/movie on their shoulders with just their acting prowess? Well, not much of a show if the ones in question are the typical Bollywood types. But here we have two true blue actors – Boman Irani, who needs no introduction and Sudhir Joshi (a veteran of Marathi plays) who put up an astonishing display of acting skills and comic flair coupled with some smartly penned dialogues. Add to that, a bunch of talented supporting cast and you have surefire winner.

This is the story of two old friends (really old!) who meet at a park bench regularly and share a tiffin box, nip of alcohol and re-live their glory days. Boman Irani plays a Parsi, who’s on the verge of being forcibly retired from his colony secretary’s post due his old age and eccentric ways and Sudhir Joshi, a pro-communist who in his heydays was a revolutionary, but now virtually an impostor, who not only dupes the old Parsi with his crazy tales but also unsuspecting victims. On a certain day, the “bawaji” has to confront a US returned, fitness freak who is going to run the affairs of the colony after advising him a VRS. The smart ass revolutionary gets on to his usual act and turns the table. Also they encounter a lovely girl in the park, who paints and paints and occasionally laughs at their wisecracks. Then, there is this local goon, who beats the pulp out of the revolutionary as he refuses to pay a ransom. We also get to meet revolutionary’s daughter who is a chip off the old block and finally the some answers to the girl who goes on painting like there is no tomorrow.

I am not Bajirao is an 8 year old play and is still going strong (read houseful). The USP of the play is the extraordinary display of acting talent on stage by both the lead actors
especially Boman Irani,who plays the Parsi with such finesse that you just can’t stop applauding. Be it his gestures or dialogue delivery, he proves why he is the best in the business today. Joshi has some of the best lines and he too puts up a fantastic show. The chemistry is endearing. Negatives are the lack of a plot and half etched character of the painter and her premature exit but who’s complaining. Highly recommended stuff put up by Rahul Da Cunha, it’s a real entertainer and a much much much better alternative to those no-brainer Bollywood flicks.

-Arun Ganesh

Kaal

EV: ***1/2
AV: ***Welcome to the Jungle and always remember what Gabbarsingh said “Jo Dar gaya Woh Mar gaya” . Not in the same way but kinda rephrasing it “You break the rules, You are Dead.” A long time after Bhoot comes a movie that will give you shivers. Man eating tigers, weird villagers, horrified tourist, good item songs, mysterious killings and a totally loony climax, this all makes up a good enough weekend Pepsi-Popcorn movie with your date. A word of praise for the Cinematographer, he has done an excellent job for the movie.

John a researcher for NGC and his wife Esha who is supposed to be a photographer but never seen with a camera in the entire movie are given a assignment in the Orbit Park to find out the mystery behind the mysterious killing that are going out there which are supposed to be done by Man-eating tigers. Vivek and his girlfriend Lara with two of their friends one Fatoo and other hunter come looking for an adventurous trip. They meet up when their cars break down and than they start their journey towards death together. Kaali Pratap Singh (Ajay Devgan) comes to their rescue but the killings continue. For How, What and Why the killings are happening watch the movie.

Please reach the movie hall before time to see the SRK item number and please be seated till the end to see the ‘Tauba Tauba’ wala song, they are not to be missed types. Director Soham has done a excellent considering it is his first movie. Highlight of the movie is of course Vivek Oberoi. He is just irritating in fact irritating is quite a mild word to describe his performance. Ajay Devgan is superb as ever. John has also given a good enough performance. The owls and bats have a longer role compared to these beautiful ladies.Climax is quite unrealistic but on the whole movie is worth watching.

Moral of the Movie : If you are planning a vacation or your honeymoon, Strictly avoid national parks especially those which have carnivorous animals.

-Aditya Parekh