A good original movie, well acclaimed , oscar movie....so how does it translate in the indian scenario..?
Does Kk menon do justice to jack nicholson's role?
Does Rahul bose, as the dashing lawyer, seem credible?
ahh.... yes.
This hindi remake of a few good men, stands apart because of the brilliant performance by it's actor's , and so this review will start with a review of the actors.
I come from an Army background and i think the most fitting praise was when my father , sitting next to me , said, "the army generals are just like KK."
KK Menon is superb, not just in dialogue delivery but , in stance, in carriage, in general demenour, all the things that go in making an Army Officer. His pitch and style in dialogue delivery, his 'pregnant pauses' before he says something of importance, his use of facial expressions, can be a lesson in acting in itself.
Rahul bose, is quirky and has some of the best dialogues ,to which he does full justice. His signature acting style of rolling his eyes, has been used wonderfully here too, to potray a suave maverickish Army officer. The coffee scene with minissha is hilarious. Here is an actor who is both style and substance..
Javed jaffrey... in a totally different avatar, has an easy camrederie with the camera and Rahul Bose. Contolled and 'correct'.in his conduct and reactions to situations, since he is mostly reacting to situations i think he has done a commendable job.
Ahhh now to the story, i would say that i have saved the best for the last.To adapt a story to suit indian tastes and yet not lose sight of the vision. SHAURYA.. yes the movie is about bravery, but not the type mostly shone in Army movies.. Here the enemy is within. Within not just the ranks of the Army , but in the mindset of a nation at large.
To question what is right.. to believe in the truth, and to lead a life by the rules..no matter what the consequence. Bravery is what the movie offers , and each of the characters have their own take on it.
You are forced to question the idea of shaurya, when a much medalled and "decorated" [as they call in the army]officer is killed and ,his wife has only bitter words to speak about him. To kill is not bravery alone. 'there are many a story behind each medal'
This is not to say that , the movie points fingers at the workings of the army. It is not an attempt to show them down. Instead it tells a tale of passing equal and rightful justice .
The best part of the movie..
KK Menon and his describtion of single malt whiskey..:)
and the news clipings in the end and shahrukh khans oration on what it is to be truly brave..
According to me ..a must watch