Ranbir steals the show

Published May 25, 2015

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BOMBAY VELVET

DIRECTOR : Anurag Kashyap

CAST: Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Karan Johar

CLASSIFICATION: TBA

RUNNING TIME: TBA

RATING: ***

The film’s most predictable trait is the director’s ability to manipulate viewers with visual sensationalism. Despite having several shortfalls in the construction of its narrative, Kashyap is able to stimulate his audience amid a tempestuous backdrop of set design and time pieces.

Plot: Set in the 1950s, Balraj (Ranbir Kapoor), a petty thief, crosses paths with singer Rosie (Anushka Sharma), in the city of dreams. Their romance is challenged by the unexpected entry of a devious businessman with ulterior motives.

When Balraj decides to rob a bank with a finger gun, his idiotic idea shakes the victims, but mostly impresses Kaizad Khambatta (Karan Johar). Khambatta invites Balraj to his office and makes a proposition that sets his carefree life story into a twisted plot of collided hopes and dreams.

Verdict: The film falls short mainly in its scripting department. The screenplay has been written with a passion for classic cinema but does not allow any room for audiences with a penchant for crisp story ideas. There are few plot twists and these are stretched out during the narrative.

While it should be known that this is no historical epic, the retro era has been depicted with magnificence. Credit is most deserving for Kashyap in this department.

Amit Trivedi’s musical score blends flawlessly with the vintage ambience, making the narrative more pleasant.

The lead actors are fearless when it comes to the physical aspects of the characters. Ranbir uncompromisingly gives us the young lover with gripping conviction. This is one of his better portrayals of a well- written character.

Anushka Sharma delivers a fine performance as Rosie and manages to captivate the audience with her vivacious screen presence.

Karan Johar makes a decent acting debut. However, this is not a performance that leaves a lasting impression.

Recommendation: An impressive attempt at creating a mesmerising era with a gripping storyline. Suitable for art-cinema fanatics.

• Celebrity journalist and media personality, Varshan Sookhun, presents the popular lifestyle show The Midday Spice on Lotus FM, 92.5 to 103.8 FM, Monday to Friday, 12pm to 3pm. He also presents Bollywood Billboard from 2pm to 5pm on Lotus FM on Saturdays.

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