Starring:
Amitabh Bachchan .... Vijay
Jiah Khan .... Jiah
Director : Ram Gopal Varma
The relationship of an old man with a young, sexy girl always attracts much interest. Many years back I read Lolita and delighted in its latent sexuality. Indian cinema never dared to tackle such subjects not only because it is difficult to bring out the lust tastefully, but also because it feared a backlash of sorts – if Indians can stop the shooting of a film like Water, they would go berserk if such a topic was mentioned. A third reason could well be that no actor could play the role of the lusty old man gracefully.
Of course there was another film, Jogger’s Park, and that was well done too, but in that the judge is seduced for personal ends by the young female. In any case, it was not a case of puppy love.
But now we have the great Mr Bachchan. I believe that only he can play the role of falling in love with a girl less than half his age, and he does it with great intensity. He delights in the young girl and romances her with dignity and style. If there is a fault, it is with the director. He is so conscious of keeping the movie away from controversy that he does not allow Mr Bachchan to have fun. The love and lust are, well, too less.
This of course does not detract from the film. It is a beautifully made film and one wishes the romance goes on and on. The actress, the young Jiah Khan, plays the puppy love of Lolita very well indeed, using her body for maximum effect. We love her legs and her sexuality. She is quite a natural and shows off rather well.
The beauty of the film is that it works on the psychological level. The audience is made to think along with the characters. The dilemma that Mr Bachchan faces before he lets himself drawn into a dangerous liaison, or his relationship with the young girl – the audience is right into the film. It is difficult to see the film as a mere spectator. And, no matter what people say, getting involved in such a relationship is not difficult, even if we do not subscribe to Freud.
But then retribution sets in. I didn’t like that part, but then that is reality. I mean, life cannot be all romance. Once again, Mr Bachchan rises to the role and handles it rather well. His expressions and his nerves standing out in the skin, pull you into his situation. Such an intense actor has never been seen in Hindi cinema.
The performances are just great. Jiah Khan is wonderfully nubile though one wishes there was more of her. She has got a wonderful debut. The film is, however, a tribute to Amitabh. Once again he delivers wonderfully. Every time we think he has reached the end of his range, we get another treat from him. Each emotion is to be savoured.
Ram Gopal Verma has also matured as a director. He has delivered something like Black, a different, mature film. Forget your baggage at home, and enjoy the movie!
