ConneXions

Dor, in Hindi can come to mean differently in myriad contexts. The simplest, as would befit this ode to film making by Kukunoor ,would be a string that binds and connects.

In our worlds today where staying connected virtually has gained predominance over making it to the dinner table together for a quiet relaxed meal I am blown away like a feather in a gentle breeze, touched by every emotion I knew existed in me and those I dint, in all of 147 minutes.

A tale of two woman, polar in all respects.

A tale of love, friendship, betrayal, belief, subjugation, emancipation and finally redemption.

A tale of human bonding in circumstances so extreme, so distressing yet so placid.

A tale of such charm that definitely does not belong to the time we live in or have known it to be.

It may come as a surprise for many of you who have known me to trash and rip apart flicks with an acrid tongue.

And for hardliners like me it's a veritable feast , catering to all of the faculties, not in one wide swoop, but in ebbing and flowing, and seeping down, slowly, gently until ingrained.

Unlike times I do not let in on plots more for the lack of it, I shall hold back

this one, for one would be unable to justifiably word it for easy comprehension and mass consumption. 

this one for its a journey one should make to experience and be able to appreciate individually.

I would strongly recommend that you not look it up on web. I do not know who defines what a classic must be but  this one is for sure by my standards and way up on my list of " 100 best things that happened to me while on Earth".

Now all that talk should be backed up by content one would say and Dor will not disappoint.Far from it. 

To the best of my knowledge this movie garnered appreciation amongst critic, failed to set the cash register ringing, won accolades for the performance and was seen at more number of film festivals than the number of general public who watched it.

Kukunoor's brand of cinema and works are by now known to be for niche audience. Hyderabad Blues, Iqbal, Teen Deewarein and it's likely you would have 9 out of 10 people asking you Kukunoor who?

His works are subtle, simplistic and straightforward that belies the complex inlay of fragile emotions and intricacies of human psyche. Like the calm river surface thats conceals the strong currents beneath. 

A special mention to the cinematography and art director. Rajasthan has forever been type casted as land of colors, richness, , bravado and royalty in our movies. But Dor brings alive the barren, arid, sandy landscapes in ways never seen before in our movies just as the chilled, hilly and dewy feel of Himachal Pradesh leaves you besotted.

Dialogs are simple. Background scores melting away into the plot. The songs moving soulfully through the languid , lethargic pace of the story ( btw it occurs to me that's the only thing that could go against it). It could also be a tad preachy at times. 
Like: Life is about living on your terms and by your choices.And its also about living with the consequences of your choices.

But the single biggest USP of it are the actors. 

All you big banners out there, hope you hang heads in shame, you don't need star power, 12 packs, ensemble cast, foreign locales, designer wardrobe or world's best special FX to make good cinema. You need a  "story", a vivid mind of an artist and a heart burning with passion to tell it like it is.

Gul Panag shows why she is extraordinary in this film when all you can conjure up images at the mention of her name would be some nondescript  dimpled winner of a beauty pageant.

Shreyas Talpade justifies why he was chosen to team up for a second innings.In fact, his role is the only relief (at times comic) in sharp contrast to the profoundity of the story. The scene where he is getting the camel to stand up is the so hilarious I had to pause for respite from the ache that built up in my tummy from all that lol and wipe out tears that it brought to my eyes. An actor par excellence who will leave you asking for more. I hope for sake of Hindi cinema we don't loose him to glitz and glamor.

A note though, the humor like the rest of the story is very subtle and one not watching with a a keen eye and ear is likely to miss most of it. Not that there are many anyways.

All other actors are sufficient and fit their bill to a T. Why even Kukunoor makes a cameo and is the only, somewhat odd one out. But that's excusable in the overall scheme of things.

And the best for the last. Miss Takia ( Now Mrs.) 

Wonder what the heck was she thinking featuring in itsy bitsy in woebegone movies thats exclusive screening for folks resigned to hell.

Like the movie thats come in with a fresh wave of thought, style and dimensions to story tellings, has given a new lease of life to Hindi cinema, its the coming of age of Ayesha Takia as an actor.

Like the character she essays, from awkwardly dancing to .." you are my sonia..", or hastily fixing her veil in elders presence ,or snuggling up to human touch in months of widowhood, to finally the climax scene where realization dawns on her she takes your breath away.

My hopes of her gravitating towards fine cinema, towards wiser choice and taste buds vanished with Wanted.With her blissfully enjoying matrimony one could predict that will be all from her in a long time to come.

Kukunoor's work should be made into a mandatory tutorials for all wannabe film makers before they venture into crass commercialism they call ' zara hatke' works and then wind up in my legendary list of movies that shouldn't have been made. ( Ah yes, call it vanity, call it obsession, I am here to stay with my list).

I hope thats enough dent I have caused to get you into watching Dor or should I say any more? Why I'll even bribe you for it.

I chanced upon this movie accidentally. And I have been hopelessly biased since. The journey was made without sky high expectations but one that left me spellbound. 

Hope it shall be the same for you. Simply Connect.