Aaja Nachle

Didn't have much of a script. The one moment of interest was when the landlady mourned her state; “main ek file hoon” (imagine a sniffling howl of discontent here- its important to the effect). It was rather brilliant, actually, and sort of made the movie worth it. Along with Madhuri Dixit and her dancing, which in any case was the subject of the movie- as the title demonstrates. Perhaps its because I’m old fashioned and think that dancing should be about both hands and legs- but it did seems as if the choreography barely tapped into the skilful footwork that Ms Dixit is capable of. Most of the title track was composed of shots of her walking away from the camera and turning towards it luring the audience with her smile. Which though very alluring is not the only good thing that she can do on screen.

The supporting roles were very well cast, especially Irrfan Khan- who I would like to see more of. He really was good as the bad guy. So was Akshay Khanna as the not-really-bad guy. Though it is too much to expect an urbane, incorruptible, Mp, who looks like Akshay Khanna, is of royal descent and does think of himself as reflecting the opinion of the people. But then again, as one born into money why would he need the extra cash, as offered by shady businessmen? He has enough of his own and a golf course at home- must save on the club membership. The dialogue between the two of them was very fun and sexy- more of it would have been nice, but that would have meant less dancing-smiling and more story.

One thing bothered me about the film. The landlady wanted to audition for the musical, to participate and enjoy herself. The clerk-husband stops her, and on seeing that he has hurt her (the action of a ‘boring’ man) he decides to offer himself instead. Effectively stealing his wife’s thunder- parasite- feeding off her desire. She wanted to be in the limelight. She was told that she couldn’t and then he did it instead of her. Even when the position opened up for Laila’s mum, a second time, she wasn’t considered- not by Madhuri Dixit who knew the situation and is presented as one of superior talents and intelligence in the film, and certainly not by her husband. Basically she remained a file, just opened and closed by a less ‘boring’ man. I think it was her state as a file she was trying the change- not the clerk’s.

The volte-face of the corrupt businessman and politician (who wept what I thought were crocodile tears at the end) because of a musical-pageant thingy wingy was too much to swallow. Perhaps we could send all our politicians and businessmen of dubious moral character to watch the film, or a colourful show at an amphitheatre. Is this what the film is suggesting about the powers of Diya’s dancing and direction?

But then again it was a nice film to watch. If only for the energy. Right after a bout of foul exams, just what I needed. Not to read Le Divorce, the cover of which fooled me into thinking that it would be a French version of Under the Tuscan Sky. Soul-searching masquerading as a fun-flick. This I do not approve of.