Facts
Directed by: Kiran Rao
Produced by: Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao
Story by: Kiran Rao
Music by: Gustavo Santaolalla
Distributed by: Aamir Khan Productions
Language: Hindi and English
Country: India
Year: 2011
Year: 2011
Cast: Aamir Khan as Arun
Prateik Babbar as Munna
Monica Dogra as Shai
Kriti Malhotra as Yasmin
Prateik Babbar as Munna
Monica Dogra as Shai
Kriti Malhotra as Yasmin
Review
The theme of the film Dhobi Ghat, according to me, is about well-off intellectuals taking advantage of the helplessness of the underprivileged to further their professional goals, intentionally or unintentionally. It can, basically be equated with the theme of the urban elite exploiting the downtrodden, although at a very “soft” level. The broader theme, as we all know, is well explored, and had been used time and again in cinema. So, what makes this movie special? I think it’s the narrative of the film, which uses two interlinked tracks to tell the story, which makes that distinction; and so is the technique of cinematic realism as utilized by the filmmaker, which is apt for telling such a story. The title also suits the theme, as you will find towards the end as to how the bottom level of the society brings success to the “cream” of the city through their suffering; as they wash away their dirt and infuse freshness into their mantle. The setting selected is best suited for the subject – the amazing city of Mumbai. The acting department does justice, and is headed by Aamir Khan. A special mention has to be given of the young Prateik, who seems to have it in his blood (For the ignorant, he is the son of film actors Raj Babbar and the late Smita Patel).
Track one is about the deliberate exploitation of an underprivilaged young man (Munna) by an elitist, NRI, young lady (Shai). Munna lives in the slums and earns his livelihood as a dhobi by day and a terminator (of rats) by night. Shai’s professional objective is to photograph the “other side” of Mumbai, especially the Dhobi Ghat and the slums. Becoming aware of his background, and using her charm, she successfully takes advantage of Munna’s youth and his passion to become a star to make him lead her to all the “photogenic” locations, at the cost of ultimately hurting his feelings.
Track two is slightly different in the sense that the exploitation here is done without deliberation. A professional artist (Arun) in an artist’s block of mind, shifts his apartment; only to find himself in possession of a set of videotapes shot by the previous occupant (Yasmin). The videotapes, self-shot and narrated by Yasmin, about herself and her life in Mumbai, becomes a subject of curiosity and artistic study for Arun. As he is soon to find out a few tapes later, the video diary gradually regresses from Yasmin’s happiness to her helplessness. This goes on to become an inspiration for Arun, and he transforms her fate into his masterpiece.
The connection between Arun and Shai is made through Munna. The only thing the two have in common, other than the dhobi is a ruthless passion for their artistic professional life, which leads them to take advantage of the situations Munna and Yasmin are in. By the way, did I forget to mention the one-night stand thing?
The fine aspects regarding the theme, acting, editing and the cinematography apart, the film was also a bit disappointing in certain aspects of treatment – the use of shots of poverty and slums, use of silence, unwanted scenes and the dull music, all of which are clichés reminiscent of some of those pretentious “art” films. Mark my words: unfortunately, for these same reasons, this film might be fortunate enough catch the flight to LA to covet the “little man”. The music department, as far as I was concerned, was the biggest let down. Gustavo Santaollala (remember the Latin American gem “The Motorcycle Diaries” of Walter Salles?) disappointed; to be flattering, that is. Whether the film has become a victim of its own theme is up for debate.
However, I judge this film as a good attempt by the debutante director Kiran Rao (again, for the ignorant, she is the wife of Aamir Khan). And for those who are jobless enough to read through my review, my recommendation is to go ahead and give it a try.
My Rating : 3/5
