Jun 01, 2014 10:26 AM
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(Updated Jun 01, 2014 10:26 AM)
Every year, thousands of people from all over the country reach Mumbai in hope of a better life and future. Many of them wrongly hope that life would be easier in the "maximum city" and finding a source of income would be a cakewalk. Before they realize, it’s too late. They can’t go back and have no choice but to be a part of the fast-paced life of Mumbai. Citylights tells a tale of one such family and the horrors they face when their lives take an unexpected turn in the metropolis. It is a collaboration of the successful team of Shahid – actor Rajkummar Rao, director Hansal Mehta and editor Apurva Asrani – and as expected, it’s a film to watch out for! Go for it!
The story of the movie: Deepak Singh(Rajkummar Rao) lives with his wife Rakhi(Patralekha) and daughter Malti(Vaibhavi Upadhyay) in a small village in Rajasthan. He runs a small clothes shop for which he had taken a huge amount of loan. Sadly, he couldn’t repay within the stipulated time and hence the debtors throw him out of his own shop. Deepak then decides to head to Mumbai with his family, where his friend works as a truck driver. Unfortunately, Deepak fails to find his friend and moreover, gets conned by two thugs on the first day itself. Left with no other alternative, Rakhi is compelled to work as a bar dancer. Deepak too finds a job at a security company where his mentor is Vishnu(Manav Kaul). Everything is going great when suddenly disaster strikes. Deepak, who can do anything for his family, is forced to make a tough decision that can make or break their lives.
Citylights grips one’s attention from the beginning. The unusual style of opening credits is interesting. The film, just 126 minutes long, doesn’t go off track even for a single moment. The first shocker takes place as soon as Deepak and his family are conned on the first day of reaching Mumbai. Thereafter, the sequences are engaging enough and thankfully, the narrative is not dry. Yup, the film is disturbing and depressing at places but it has its entertaining and thrilling moments. At the same time, it’s quite realistic. Hence, the balance is beautifully achieved by Hansal and his team. Also, Hansal has executed some scenes with panache, and they are bound to linger in one’s mind for days! For instance, the scene where Patralekha asks for a job to Jayeshbhai or when Deepak cracks a joke in front of the boss and not to forget, when Deepak comes home drunk and many such scenes are brilliantly presented! Hats off!
The climax is tragic but the twist in the tale at this juncture is quite surprising. Also, the manner in which the film gets into the thriller mode in the last 30 minutes enhances the interest. At the same time however, in giving a thrilling time to the viewers, the film loses its soul somewhere in the end portions. One wishes that Deepak’s dilemma was better explained and a little more time was devoted to it. Also, the shootout scene is presented in flashbacks which in my opinion didn’t quite make an impact. It did takes one by surprise at the sudden turn of events but again, one doesn’t quite get to see what Deepak felt in those moments. Also, his decision in the climax makes one think – was this the only choice left for Deepak? Couldn’t he have tried to do some other work? Nevertheless, the pluses of the film easily outweigh the minuses and hence, one won’t complain while coming out of the theatre.
Rajkummar Rao as expected delivers a master stroke performance. The actor seems to be on a roll by doing some thought-provoking and well-made films and Citylights is definitely no exception. He gets his act perfect and is bound to impress one and all. Moreover, he proves that he sings beautifully. May the actor continue to shine, work hard and give us many such memorable performances! But the performer who is a very big surprise is Manav Kaul! The actor gets his best role ever in this film and he ensures that he takes full advantage of it. He is outstanding in some of the scenes and yes, he even outshines Rajkummar at places! It’s a pity that such a brilliant actor had to struggle for as many as 14 years to find a foothold in the industry and the city. Hopefully, he’ll be inundated with offers post-Citylights. He deserves it totally!
Patralekha looks lovely and is quite a brilliant actor. She also proves her worth and is terrific in the scene when Deepak comes home drunk. Another actor with a bright future! Sadia Siddiqui(Sudha, Vishnu’s wife) does a very fine job in her two-scene role. Khushboo Upadhyay(Sonali, bar dancer) acts confidently. Pramod Pathak looks every inch the villainous boss. Vaishali Upadhyay, Gautam Berde(thug broker) and others also do well.
Jeet Gannguli’s music is soulful and gels well with the narrative. Special mention should also go to the new lyricist(Rashmi Singh). All songs work big time but Darbadar turns out to be the best of the lot. Raju Singh’s background score is intriguing. Dev Agarwal’s cinematography gives the raw and realistic touch to the film. The fast-paced feel of the city comes alive thanks to the lensman! Apurva Asrani’s editing is razor-sharp but at places, the narrative should have been organic and gradual. Citylights is an official remake of the acclaimed British-Filipino film Metro Manila and due credit has been given to the film in the opening and closing credits. Story(Sean Ellis) is superb while the adapted screenplay(Ritesh Shah) makes for a compelling watch. Also, the dialogues are quite straight-out-of-life, unlike other Bhatt films where the dialogues sound often filmy.
Lastly, Hansal Mehta’s direction is impressive and arrests one’s attention till the last frame. There are no so-called ‘boring’ moments in the film and there’s lot happening every now and then. Also, as forementioned, few scenes are outstanding and kudos to Hansal for it! If only he had not faltered a bit in the finale, Citylights would have been a classic!
Some of the best scenes of the film:
Deepak and family head out of their village and reach Falna
Deepak and family get conned on Day 1 in Mumbai
Rakhi asks for a job at the bar
Deepak meets Vishnu for the first time
Deepak cracks a joke(one of the greatest scenes in recent times!)
The song ‘Darbadar’
Deepak comes home drunk
Deepak sings
Vishnu tells about his plan to Deepak
The last 15 minutes
On the whole, Citylights is a disturbing and riveting tale that surely deserves a watch. Although it’s quite realistic and talks about the horrors in the metropolis, it has its entertaining and gripping moments and also has a thrill element that keep the viewers glued from start to finish. Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha are brilliant but the big surprise of the film is Manav Kaul! Go for it, in theatres!
My rating-3.5/5!
