Nikla Sabun

DELHI BELLY (2011)

A recent film called Shaitan was loved by the urban audience. Especially, the youth to which it was targeted. I hated it from every inch of my soul. The half star I gave it was also me being incredibly generous. But I heard a lot of people saying Shaitan was cool. While I thought it really wasn’t, I would like to take the opportunity to tell everyone (not just the people who loved Shaitan) that THIS IS COOL!

I stepped out of the theater and a fleeting thought came to my mind which went something like: this is the Pulp Fiction of India. Just the fact that I drew that comparison shows how much I loved this movie. It is not the “Pulp Fiction” of India. But it is the “Pulp Fiction of India”. Underline India. By this I mean this film will shake up mainstream cinema like Pulp Fiction shook Hollywood way back in 1994. We are 17 years late, but it has been worth the wait.

Delhi Belly is a big “f*** you” to the filmmakers of “Bollywood” and the audience. To the makers because this film is daring, original and has balls of steel. It actually does. It does things which would otherwise not be done on the Indian screen. It really really does. Unabashedly. It shows the middle finger to the audience because they keep saying we want something different but when they get it on a platter, they reject it. No Smoking (2007) was flatly rejected. (Yes, I absolutely loved No Smoking). This is one film which offers them something different yet again and does it better than anybody in the industry has done it before. (Big statement, yes). How could you reject this one, oh audience? How? They don’t “try” different here. You don’t come out and say “at least they tried”. But Abhinay Deo listened to Yoda and “did” it.

I like my Indian films to not have even a word of English. It pains me when I see films from other countries sometimes not using even a single word of English but we? No sir! The first film that was a Hinglish film and was a wonderful film as well was Monsoon Wedding (2001). Black (2005) was another one, but to be honest I would have even liked that one to lose all the English. Delhi Belly is a film where I wouldn’t change a word of English. Even English curses sometimes come across as wannabe and seem forced. But here, not even one bit!

I could see homages given to Tarantino, Ritchie and even Boyle. Here is one film which manages to draw inspiration from such filmmakers and yet be wholly original and have a new voice. It shows filmmakers especially the ones working in our industry how its easy to be influenced but tougher and more rewarding to be inspired. Take note, Dum Maaro Dum and Shaitan, you tried but you failed. Delhi Belly held its own from start to finish. Not a single false note. I laughed all the way and hysterically! The humor is of the highest quality. It is Indian and it is urban, it is refreshing and unique all at the same time.

Vijay Raaz was the best performer in the film according to me. I like Imran Khan a lot. He’s not the best actor out there, I pity him somewhere for being lost in Ranbir Kapoor’s shadow who debuted around the same time and who everyone knows is a far better actor including myself. Even though Imran Khan doesn’t do any wonders here, he’s likable or maybe I’m developing a bias. Supporting players like Vir Das and Kunal Roy Kapoor are the secret ingredients to a film like this. Or all the supporting players for that matter. They are the ones who truly carry the brilliant writing on their able shoulders.

Take a bow Mr. Abhinay Deo. I hope to see more magic from you. This is the absolute best Indian film of 2011. Definitely my favorite. I don’t see any other movie taking over for the rest of this year. I’m open to it; I don’t see it happening in all honesty but hey if it’s better than this, bring it on! I haven’t loved an Indian film like this probably 3 Idiots (2009) and Kaminey (2009).

I would also like to applaud Aamir Khan. (A standing ovation actually). Firstly, for being ballsy, unlike the other major stars, to produce a film like this. Secondly, his item song – I Hate You Like I Love You in Brackets. HOW AWESOME WAS THAT? Not to mention the hail-worthy end credits encore. Respect, Mr. Khan. All I have for you right now is respect! I will shake my biscuit for you. Like, Seriously.

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