Film flirts with greatness but doesn’t achieve it
RANGOON Direction: Vishal Bhardwaj Actors: Saif Ali Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut Rating: HHH
Before anything else, let’s take a moment to applaud the blazing talent and vast ambition of Vishal Bhardwaj. This man doesn’t have a timid bone in his body. First, he dares to dream of a complex love triangle set against the backdrop of India’s freedom struggle and then he executes it in virgin locations in Arunachal Pradesh. The story has passion, rebellion, deceit and tyranny. The destines of countries and characters are in transition. And Vishal doesn’t just direct this spectacle. He co-writes, co-produces and composes the memorable soundtrack.
Which is why Rangoon is such a frustrating experience. This film flirts with greatness but doesn’t achieve it. Just like Haider, there is so much to admire here – from the stunning cinematography by Pan- kaj Kumar, to the scale, to the gorgeous set-piece song-anddance numbers. The characters are flesh and blood. Julia, Rusi and Nawab are all distinctive and memorable.
And Vishal creates some unforgettable moments with them . The actors deliver stellar performances. This film is built around Julia, the Fearless Nadia-inspired actress, who goes from being a spoiled, silly star to a woman on a mission. She is abused, vulnerable, vain but always glorious. And Kangana Ranaut plays every shade with rigor – she is arguably the finest actress working in Hindi cinema today. Shahid is cast in the traditional heroic mold. But he replaces swagger and starriness with a righteous dignity. And Saif plumbs the tragedy in Rusi, a star who lost his stardom after an accident, a man who is bullied by his imperious father so he defines himself by exerting control on the only thing that is his – Julia.
These are fascinating characters and each one gets standout scenes. But the narrative around them wobbles precariously – especially in the second half. Go in knowing that it is a polarising film and that you are as likely to dislike it as you are to enjoy it. And yet, if you miss it, you miss a chance to immerse yourself into the epic imagination of VB.