Double Whammy

I have a new love in my life : Pankaj Kapoor. I also have a new award for the most underrated actor in Indian cinema today - Pankaj Kapoor.

The good thing about a children's film(The Blue Umbrella, in this case) is that all characters are uni-dimensional. They are simple characters, in a simple story. You are only expected to savor one emotion at a time.


Pankaj Kapoor effortlessly adds layers to this character. The added layers do not complicate the story or its telling. They enhance your experience of every single moment of the story....and take it to an altogether unexpected level...


The man who tells his store help that one should not steal; the man who,knowing that he will be rightfully accused of theft in under 2 minutes, continues to give the chief guest's speech; the man who tries to sell biscuits and toffee to the children in the village, just so his excommunication is sidelined; the man who displays the loneliness of social excommunication; and then his desperate attempts to "belong"; and the man who is happy, and proud again.


Watch this film for Pankaj Kapoor. Biniya is a delight, and the story is wonderfully told, but these are the bonuses. After ages, a wonderful children's film meant also for the adults. Loved It!


The other film we saw last night was Gandhi, My Father.

Pretty much the only film ever, in which the protagonist moves in and out of the screen in random frames that make no effort to trace his journey. In short, its another documentary on Gandhi Sr. and his greatness.


Completely unexplored other characters, incl. Kasturba, the protagonist, his wife, the other children of the house, their relationship as siblings... nothing at all! This was a film where one expected layers and exploration, and did not even get basic research.