BIG SCREEN
Movie: Dhobi Ghat
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The city of Mumbai truly is the pivot and “my whore, my muse” as artist Arun (Aamir Khan) claims. Each character's role, or rather life, is intertwined with this city. Their dreams, their inspirations and even ambitions are cantered around the city. And this is true of not only the protagonists. “Dhobi Ghat” is aptly subtitled Mumbai Diaries, as it seems as if the city herself is narrating to us!
The tales
The story is narrated by Yasmin (Kriti Malhotra), a newly-married Muslim woman who has just moved to Mumbai. Feeling lonely due to her disinterested husband, she seeks solace by making video tapes of the locales in Mumbai to send to her brother. And through this she narrates her story, as well as the story of Mumbai.
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Shai (Monica) as the NRI investment banker on a sabbatical is the typical friendly, outgoing, confident woman, who easily gets intimate with the reclusive artist Arun but is unable to get over what she feels was more than just a one- night stand. The acting seemed like a piece of cake for Aamir, while we the audience just discover the protégé that is Prateik Babbar. He plays a dhobi (washer man) and takes Shai there so that she can take some pictures.
Throughout the movie there lies a subtle undercurrent of illicit affairs, Yasmin's husband's and even Munna (Prateik) with a client. Tushar Kanti Ray's camera has done a great job, while director Kiran Rao has created a master piece of sorts.
Bottomline: “Dhobi Ghat” is an interesting movie that will make you think, take your emotions on a rollercoaster ride that may not end with a pleasurable high. A movie to be experienced alone, not enjoyed with popcorn and a big gang!
SEEMA FARHEEN, B.E., ECE, Crescent Engineering College