Two people from very different worlds are brought together in some unfortunate and dangerous circumstances in this gritty drama that makes a scathing social commentary while the protagonists are on the run.
Director – Dibakar Banerjee
Writers – Dibakar Banerjee, Varun Grover
Cast – Parineeti Chopra, Arjun Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav.
Analysis
Dibakar Banerjee’s films have always had a relatable realism that stands out, whether it is a disturbing film like Love Sex and Dhoka, or a comedy like Khosla Ka Ghosla or an entertainer like Oye Lucky Lucky Oye.
His locations and camerawork often enhance the effect that he wants to create. While he relates his stories, his narratives are making glaring social commentaries in a subdued way, without getting preachy.
Sandeep and Pinky Faraar is another piece of cinema that bears his trademark style.
The title itself is a pointer to the message. The names defy gender stereotypes, and so does his heroine. She’s a top notch banking honcho who owns up her personal and professional choices, defies biases and is proud of who she is.
The narrative exposes deeply embedded patriarchy in the most underlying way. It’s disturbing to see how casually it is a part of our social and behavioural patterns. That pregnancy sabbatical jibe shrewdly thrown at a top ranking corporate woman, the happily married old veteran being given a set down by her husband, Sandy being treated in such derisive manner by the old veteran who proudly flaunts his education while blindly ignoring hers, are just the milder forms.
It also highlights the difference in the two worlds, of Have’s and Have Nots.
The superb opening scene and the conversation sets your heart racing and prepares you that it’s going to be a gritty watch. The atmospherics lend an edginess throughout.
The dialogues I must say admiringly, are not dialogues but conversations. They are low key, sans drama and so real. The locations used, the art detailing of the costumes and sets is noteworthy. Note the lighting of the frames and the way closed and open expanses make a difference to how you feel.
Arjun Kapoor gives his best performance till date as the grumpy, unkempt, uncouth cop. His dialogue delivery, the tone of his voice , right down to the way his chews his food shows the hard work and heart he’s put into the character.
Sandy’s character and its fine nuances has given us back the powerhouse Parineeti we saw in the likes of Ishaqzade and Hasee Toh Phasee.
Jaideep Ahlawat and cop roles have some connect. Even in a short role, he makes an impression.
Raghubir Yadav’s finesse and smooth portrayal makes us hate his character with all our heart.
Neena Gupta is always pitch perfect with whatever she plays.
The realism that the entire support conveys is noteworthy and impressive (specially the character Purva, despicable Parichay and that scumbag bank Manager).
The film is very engaging and despite its leisurely pace, keeps you on the edge.
It offers dark humour and some very disturbing moments too. And I personally I found it impactful enough to leave a lingering effect.
Watch it for the above reasons, for Arjun’s and Pari’s performances and for another piece of cinema Dibakar Banerjee style.
BHAVNA TALKIES 