Disclaimer: This post is NOT a Review for the following mentioned work of art. Its just what I thought, experienced and and took away from the tiny,private theatre.
I delayed this by a day. I should have written about this the moment I returned home on the night of 11th May 2011. Better late than never.
So anyway, Coochie, Viren ,Myself and a big group of hyperactive (more than usual, now that I recall!) kids were given the privilege of watching a special preview of the movie Stanley Ka Dabba.
Not being used to shutterbug lights blinding us and the filmy entrances , the three of us felt like aliens before we became comfortable in our own skins. The director Amole Gupte, I must mention, has the most intimidating personality and looked like he was angry with us for some reason : \ .Nonetheless, we were more interested in the movie than anything else. (okay maybe I'm not completely honest here... I was really interested in analyzing some immensely self consumed freaks around us and also few kids were downright subnormal) So the movie began with all of us well tucked in our seats,not knowing what to expect.
Those who know me are aware of my love for cinema and also how difficult it is for me to like a film. This is one movie that should be made mandatory study material for all teachers in primary schools.I'd say the movie was GOOD. REAL GOOD.
I delayed this by a day. I should have written about this the moment I returned home on the night of 11th May 2011. Better late than never.
So anyway, Coochie, Viren ,Myself and a big group of hyperactive (more than usual, now that I recall!) kids were given the privilege of watching a special preview of the movie Stanley Ka Dabba.
Not being used to shutterbug lights blinding us and the filmy entrances , the three of us felt like aliens before we became comfortable in our own skins. The director Amole Gupte, I must mention, has the most intimidating personality and looked like he was angry with us for some reason : \ .Nonetheless, we were more interested in the movie than anything else. (okay maybe I'm not completely honest here... I was really interested in analyzing some immensely self consumed freaks around us and also few kids were downright subnormal) So the movie began with all of us well tucked in our seats,not knowing what to expect.
Those who know me are aware of my love for cinema and also how difficult it is for me to like a film. This is one movie that should be made mandatory study material for all teachers in primary schools.I'd say the movie was GOOD. REAL GOOD.
The film kicks off with this Tom and Jerry inspired animation which in a way or two establishes the theme of the film blending in smoothly with the title.
Stanley (Partho) is instantly identified as the likable young protagonist. He is bursting with talent and that X factor that I find missing in most film actors especially child artistes. His whole gang from Std. 4 C is like a blast from everyone's past.
Everyone who has ever been a part of primary school classroom will almost naturally relate all these amazingly defined characters to someone they've known.
Aman Mehra, the chubby pudding has the biggest dabba of them all. Also the biggest heart to share it with all his gang members. Abhishek,the loyal friend who trusts Stanley's talent, is one firecracker of a performer. What authentic casting!!
The teachers are all caricatures of what we all have experienced at some time in our lives. Divya Dutta and Divya Jagdale are complete delights to watch. Every shot with them in frame have more expressions than Deepika, Sonam or Katrina could ever contort their faces into.
Babubhai Verma (Amol Gupte himself) is hilarious as the bumbling and mumbling Hindi teacher. His love for food is completely understood by the food lover in me...
Anyhow.. What cements this movies value in the Indian film industry amidst the garbage that mostly comes to our cinemas every friday is the fact that the writer spectacularly uses Stanley's missing dabba as a unique metaphor for his life and the story behind it all.
The detailed screenplay, characterization and story structure makes complete sense in the end of the movie. Somewhere midway I did feel the movie lacked the pace it started off with and Raj Zutshi, as talented as him,was a little underused.
All in all, the movie appealed to children and adults and broke through the stereotypical concept of it being a children's movie. You need that extra sensitivity to understand the purpose of the film. Those who loved the likes of Dum Maaro Dum, Dabbang or Housefull should stay away.
Those who are looking for refreshing performances and good storytelling,this one's for you guys. Our very own Little Mr. Sunshine.
Stanley (Partho) is instantly identified as the likable young protagonist. He is bursting with talent and that X factor that I find missing in most film actors especially child artistes. His whole gang from Std. 4 C is like a blast from everyone's past.
Everyone who has ever been a part of primary school classroom will almost naturally relate all these amazingly defined characters to someone they've known.
Aman Mehra, the chubby pudding has the biggest dabba of them all. Also the biggest heart to share it with all his gang members. Abhishek,the loyal friend who trusts Stanley's talent, is one firecracker of a performer. What authentic casting!!
The teachers are all caricatures of what we all have experienced at some time in our lives. Divya Dutta and Divya Jagdale are complete delights to watch. Every shot with them in frame have more expressions than Deepika, Sonam or Katrina could ever contort their faces into.
Babubhai Verma (Amol Gupte himself) is hilarious as the bumbling and mumbling Hindi teacher. His love for food is completely understood by the food lover in me...
Anyhow.. What cements this movies value in the Indian film industry amidst the garbage that mostly comes to our cinemas every friday is the fact that the writer spectacularly uses Stanley's missing dabba as a unique metaphor for his life and the story behind it all.
The detailed screenplay, characterization and story structure makes complete sense in the end of the movie. Somewhere midway I did feel the movie lacked the pace it started off with and Raj Zutshi, as talented as him,was a little underused.
All in all, the movie appealed to children and adults and broke through the stereotypical concept of it being a children's movie. You need that extra sensitivity to understand the purpose of the film. Those who loved the likes of Dum Maaro Dum, Dabbang or Housefull should stay away.
Those who are looking for refreshing performances and good storytelling,this one's for you guys. Our very own Little Mr. Sunshine.
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you have good narrating style ......keep on writing
ReplyDeletethank you so much! means a lot.
ReplyDeletekeep reading! :)