Review Cheeni Kum : When Simplicity Is All You Need

During a discussion with a wanna-be Bollywood director, he expressed his disappointment over the recently released film Shootout At Lokhandwala and the surety of this commercial flick taking a plunge nose down at the Box Office. But then again this is India, in a country where movies like Ramgarh Ke Sholay go on to become blockbuster hits, anything can be expected. And so it comes as no surprise that a third grade film like Shootout At Lokhandwala is receiving an overwhelming response at the Box Office.

We people than very conveniently blame the likes of Karan Johar, Yash Chopra and Sanjay Gupta who more than often showcase big budget, multi-starrers without the backing of a decent storyline or narration. But if you think from their point of view, they are churning out films as per the masses’ needs. After all everyone involved, be it behind the camera or infront of it are here for cashing in the moolah, creative appreciation has very few takers these days.

So when you watch a film like Cheeni Kum (or even Bheja Fry for that matter), you can’t help but wonder why the heck have these people invested their time and money in making artistic cinema and not commercial bullshit.

Debutant director Balki’s Cheeni Kum is not for the masses, heck it’s not even for the entire multiplex going crowd. It’s basically for those who enjoy all the simple things that life has to offer – Cheeni Kum is an ordinary love story with an extraordinary dosage of satirical humor.

I don’t consider myself qualified enough to lay down opinion on the performances of the actors involved, however I will say that each of the main protagonist has done a flawless job. Every time I watch Tabu on the big-screen she never ceases to amaze me with her ability to give 100% to each and every character she takes upon. In today’s Bollywood where most actresses concentrate on their exterior glamorous image rather than improving the job at hand, actresses like Tabu and Zohra Seghal make us realize how blessed we are to have them in this industry.

However for me the biggest highlight of this film are the not actors or even the story plot but in fact its conversations. Playful but witty conversations between Buddha (Amitabh Bachchan) and Nina (Tabu), matured conversations between 9 year old Sexy (Swini Khara) and Buddha, motherly conversations on a different tangent between Buddha and his super cool mum (Zohra Seghal) and last but certainly not the least, the conversations between 64 years old wanna be son-in-law and not wanna be 58 years old father-in-law (Paresh Rawal).

Cheeni Kum isn’t a groundbreaking film but you will cherish it for its simplicity. Though I wonder how many of us would welcome Mr. Balki’s genuine efforts, especially when our filmy senses have been blocked with countless screenings of slap-stick comedies and meaningless dramas.

As a parting line all I will say - Cheeni Kum is a Must-Watch.

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