The reason why Kolaveri Di works is because it “entertains” and nobody bothers if it has great singing, beautiful arrangements, melodious music or deep meaningful lyrics. It appeals to that side of ours which doesn’t always look for logical reasons for enjoying. The same stands for the famous ‘Nakka Mukka’ song which also features prominently in this film for its length. ‘Sex Sells’ because in that moment of ecstasy no one looks out for rationality. The central character of the film Silk Smitha and the film itself is based on this idea of pure entertainment.
The film lives up to the promise it makes and in a way pays a perfect homage to the character of ‘Silk Smitha’. The biopic moves about in a very entertaining manner with sequences unfolding in a series of double meaning dialogues and quirky characters. In fact it won’t be too wrong to say that the dialogues are one of the strongest features of the film on which the entertainment part rides. Rajat Arora to that effect has done a fantastic job in terms of screenplay, story and dialogues which make it a meaty and crisp product.
The screenplay of the second half though doesn’t match up to the first half and certain sequences could have been avoided. Especially the sequence where Vidya Balan picks up a verbal/dance fight with a new kid on the block could have been done better. One other place where the writer could have done a better job is the climax of the film which in a way turned out to be a very expected, lacking the irony of being a celebrity associated with soft porn. The film is a bit like glamorized version of 1997 Hollywood Film “Boogie Nights” which was out and out based on the Porn film industry of west. But as I said this film lacks the irony which Boogie Nights beautifully portrays. Barring the end, the writer(s) have almost done a flawless job and need to be complimented for that.
Vidya Balan has acted really well and carries the entire film on her shoulders. It is one of those rare Bollywood films which have given a female lead the central character of the film and has not at any point of time let the likes of Naseeruddin Shah or Emraan Hashmi overshadow the character of Silk Smitha . The credit goes to both Milan Luthria and producer Ekta Kapoor for making a female centric commercial film. The star of the film is Vidya no doubt , but still in my opinion she hasn’t really pushed the envelope in terms of acting as I expect a lot from her. I could still see traces of real life Vidya Balan in it instead of a full blown Silk Smitha.
Naseeruddin Shah was also a bit disappointing, lacking the usual on-screen aura that is there around his characters no matter how small they are. Emran Hashmi has done well as a jealous director who hates stars and their tantrums. I would like to specially acknowledge him as very few Indian “Stars” actually take a backseat in a film and don’t mind being underplayed. The art direction team and cinematographer Bobby Singh have also done a fab job, successfully recreating the time that the film is set in. The background score by Vishal-Shekhar adds to the narration of the story , using the song Ooh La La and Nakka mukka in an appropriate manner.
Last but not least, Director Milan Luthria, has definitely made a good film striking a proper balance between entertainment and storytelling. The story has been told in a very entertaining manner which would excite you as an audience and also shock you in certain portions. Overall, it’s a paisa vasool package of titillation for the hardcore single screen type of audience and also of story/acting which would appeal to the “multiplex” adult audience. Definitely deserves a onetime watch.
Bollywood Rated 