Mumbai, the city of dreams is known to have a blend of people from various backgrounds, professions and thought processes. In spite of these glaring differences, sometimes people instantly connect to each other just through mutual encounters. Kiran Rao’s first offering ‘Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai diaries)’ is about people, experience and bonding.
The story comprises of 4 principal characters Shai (Monica Dogra) an NRI investment banker, Arun (Aamir Khan) a painter, Munna ak.a Zoheb (Prateik Babbar) a dhobi and Yasmin Noor (Kriti Malhotra) a young muslim woman, with MUMBAI flavour as the main backdrop / central character. How these people meet up with each other, in the city of dreams, learn through common experiences, deal with problems and still survive in this FAST PACED city is the crux of this 95 minute tale.
The treatment is highly experimental and the narration flows like a documentary at times, which makes it interesting and smooth. Cinematographer Tushar Kanti Ray, captures the right moments to depict the spirit of the city through the Dabbawalas, Ganeshotsava especially Lalbaugcha Raja, Gateway Of India, Marine Drive, Mohammad Ali Road, local trains, beaches and of course, the Dhobi ghat near Mahalaxmi. Lot of shots are taken when people are actually during their daily chores, (guerrilla film-making). One wonders how Aamir’s shots were taken, walking around freely on Mohd. Ali Road!! Background score by Gustavo Santaolalla is melodious and soothing.
Now, the LSPs. The dialogues are tight and restrained no doubt, but the excessive use of ‘HINGLISH’ and Monica’s ‘US accent’ might act as barriers to a certain section of people. The ‘documentariesh’ treatment of the film may not appeal to all, especially non- Mumbaiites since it tends slow down the pace of the narration. The concluding portion may also have mixed responses.
Coming to the performances, all the four actors play their parts to perfection, with the right emotions, body language, etc. Prateik Babbar is a complete natural and has inherited his intensity and subtleness from his mother Smita Patil. He outdoes his previous performance (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na). The actor has a bright future no doubt. Monica Dogra and Kriti Malhotra come up with mature performances and don’t seem like debutants at all. Kiran Rao felt that a superstar would be misfit for Arun’s role, but Aamir Khan proves her wrong. He underplays himself to hilt to get into the character. In fact, there are moments wherein you feel the value-added by a popular actor like Khan. Other actors viz. Kitu Gidwani, they guy who play’s Prateik’s friend, do well.
Overall, a decent, unusual, yet commendable attempt by Kiran Rao.
Rating: ***
We The People 