Dhobi Ghat

A slice of life movie; reflective and unhurried - about 4 different lives in Mumbai. Each person is obsessed with someone and unfortunately the obsession is not reciprocated. At the bottom of the pyramid is the Dhobi -Munna (Prateik- charming), obsessed with the chic NRI investment banker on a sabbatical - Shy (MonicaDongra- sassy; well cast) who is obsessed with the reclusive artist Arun (Aamir- superb as usual), who in turn is obsessed with a housewife, Yasmin (Kriti Malhotra - endearing). There is no apparent message of the movie (or If there was one, I did not get it!) but gives a gist of the lives of these 4 people, interconnected by some way or the other.
There were several refreshing points about the movie: (In case you haven’t watched it yet, I recommend you read further only after you watch the movie as there are some spoilers ahead)
1. It is a delight to see people actually practice their profession unlike typical Boolywood fare - even when Arun is obsessed with Yasmin’s tapes, he attempts to paint her. Ditto for Munna and Shy.
2. I loved the costumes of Shy and Arun – understated, casual yet elegant.
3. Some shots were captured so realistically - viz. when Shy offers tea to Munna, her maid grimaces and gets tea for her in a coffee mug and for him in a glass.
4. The most endearing characters were the two who were from lower and lower middle class backgrounds i.e. Munna and Yasmin.
5. The tapes of Yasmin which were video letters shot for her brother Imran in UP - showcased Mumbai, her life there and her emotions pretty well. I especially loved the scene where she is writing on the sands of the beach and the words are constantly being washed away; how she writes her secrets there and the sea does not share these with anyone - Poignant.
6. The look on Muuna’s face at the climax after he gives the address to Shy - Contentment
7. The fifth character in the movie is well captured – Mumbai.

Presence of Aamir in the film has definitely helped in pulling people to the theatres but only a select audience will like the film. It’s not for the masses - they will find it vague. Nevertheless, kudos to Kiran Rao for her debut movie and looking forward to more from her stable! Would not mind seeing more of the delectable Prateik too ;-)