Guest guest Posted March 11, 2012 Report Share Posted March 11, 2012 Review: Kaahani Who was Arnab Bagchi? And why has no one heard of him? Those are the questions which keep recurring during this brisk thriller. A very much pregnant Vidya Balan playing Arnab's wife, Vidya Bagchi, or Bidya as they say in Bangla, steps down from a plane in Kolkatta International airport, in search of her missing husband. What follows is a maelstrom of events where the Kolkatta crowd jostles and pummels you along as you ride alongside Vidya in her search for her missing husband. First she is met with skepticism by the local Kalighati cops. All her leads turn into dead ends. A sympathetic rookie cop, played by Parambrato Chatterjee, who is gradually smitten by her charms accompanies her. There are red herrings and flashbacks, and wonderful performances by all the small bit players too, including the chai walla junior boy. The Intelligence officer Khan, played by Nawazuddin, is especially good, displaying his obsessive behavior. We are literally taken for a ride along with Vidya and Parambrato in a police jeep and later in cabs, while everyone gropes for the truth. Is Arnab Bagchi even real or just a figment of Vidya's imagination, because no one has even heard the name at the place she claims he stayed or worked? Vidya Balan is just superb, displaying her pregnant walk with care, and Parambrato is nice. However the main star of this tour de force is Kolkatta in the midst of Durga Pooja, or pujo. As we are elbowed around in the overpowering crowd, we can literally smell the sweat and grime, not to forget the oil and incense of the festivities. The story is crisp and fast moving. There is only one beautiful background song sung soulfully in Bangla by Amitabh Bachchan, Ekla Chalo. You don't understand the words but get the gist, and literally savour the dulcet baritone of the master. Like a mellow whiskey, his smooth voice gently caresses your soul, making you wish that the song was a bit longer. Do see this movie if you want some different fare. The climax may seem a bit dramatic, but then it surprised even a jaded fellow like me. The image of Goddess Durga gradually submerging in the waters remains with you long after you leave the theatre as a sort of metaphor for this movie. -Kishore Shah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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