Being different ....is not easy. Review on Being Cyrus

If I told you the story I would actually be committing a murder. I would rather not commit such a cardinal sin. So here is some consolation (for those who'd rather not watch the movie but read the plot) Being Cyrus (BC) is a dark psychological thriller. Not an extraordinary piece of work but certainly worth a watch.

It should also not be classified into a 'coming of the age' movie. But BC is actually a 'not the run of the mill' kind of stuff. The story starts really well but ends up rather meekly. But again the weak end is not a disappointment considering the fact that the director sticks to reality and does not make the typical Bollywood kind 'outstanding' ending.

Being Cyrus is a collective effort. It is not just Saif's movie. All other actors have played their part really well. Films like this ( Being Cyrus is 95 percent in English, 4 percent in Parsi and the rest in Hindi) does put forward the point that good Indian actors and directors can actually take Bollywood towards a global recognition and appreciation. Though I doubt if it will do any good on Indian soils. The idea may work in metros and with those who love the 'unususal' stuff. But definitely not with those looking for a typical bollywood masala.

What is BC?

It is a close encounter with the Parsi community. Though the reference does not denote that all Parsis are like how they have been depicted in BC. But yes Parsis here have been given a much mature, dark and a atypical face. Mostly in bollywood films Parsis have been used as side characters. They have been mocked upon. In fact this is one community which has known how to laugh at itself. There are numerous such roles played by Asrani and other actors. That though is the one side of the coin.

The tagline – Who you let in can CHANGE your life– is the answer to this thriller (pardon me for revealing so much). It allows the viewers to enter into the lives of a Parsi family – the definition of happiness for them is strange and dark . There is nothing positive about them. This family lets in Saif in their life. Whether it changes anything is for you to discover? (I guess it is Saif who changes. He gets his freedom).

Actors Naseerudin Shah, Boman Irani, Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia, and Simone Singh (in descending order, the top being the best actor in the film) do incredible job under the aegis of Homi Adajani (this is his directorial debut. He has earlier worked as an assistant for Bhopal Express). All characters speak excellent English (it appears natural and not a constipated effort). Except Simone Singh, whose performance was fluctuating. She was good towards the beginning and pathetic when she was not doing anything but simply hanging around. Having seen and met Simone in person I know how vivacious she is in actual. So here when she plays a subdued role I simply could not relate to the original Simone. I am not saying that Simone actually slid into the skin of the character (her role anyways was not great – important but not great). That actually is the case with the entire movie. It is good but not great.

Saif on the other hand does a fab job. He is really growing. He adorns a calm demeanor through the movie. But this calmness gave me as a viewer and uneasy feeling. As if something is not right. (i was surprised but not thrilled towards the end to see my fears come true. Being an intelligent movie buff I knew bollywood not go far when it come to making thrillers.)

The best of the lot however, was Naseerudin and Boman. I cannot decide who acted better. Since Naseerudin made 'come and go' appearances and Boman was always there for around three-fourth of the cinema, so I guess it is a tad difficult to measure. But both did equally well. Naseerudin and Boman are brothers.

Dimple Kapadia however plays her best. She plays the wife of Naseerudin and shows neurotic temperaments. Also, a total flirt. She plays her part well. Her Parsi and English accent do well to bring out the character of Katy. This time too she tries to play the older women flirting with a younger man.

Adajania's work as a debutant should be appreciated. He is different. His approach is so 'un-Bollywood' (if I may call so). Though its too early, I am sure Homi will never disappoint.

It is difficult to assign an overall rating. Everything about the movie (acting, direction, background Music by Salim and Suleimaan is good – I liked the spasmic effect). But the story is where it fails. But haan despite the disability in this department the viewer coming out of the hall does not feel the pinch. He is satisfied and happy. The money does not go waste. Also, the movie is not entirely dark The humor at unexpected places (read dark humor) keeps the audience roaring.

Fav quote - All happy families resemble one another, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way