Having booked for “A Shoot-out at Lokhandwala” initially, it was with mixed feelings that we decided to switch parties and bought ourselves tickets for “Cheeni Kam” (CK) right at the last minute. While we cannot comment now on the wise ness of our choice, we were not left disappointed by CK. 

Coming close on the heels of “Nishabd”, CK is bound to raise the odd comparison. However, we feel that having watched the first one, there is no reason for one to give a pass to the seemingly bland movie of the two. 

There are a number of reasons for this.

In spite of starting out as a softer and subtler movie than “Nishabd” as far as the promos are concerned, there is this constant “slam-dunk-in the face” kind of demeanor throughout CK, which reminds you so much of some of the British comedies. In fact, it comes as a refreshing change from some of the run of the mill Bheja Fry kinds of pointless blabber.  

For those of you wanting to pick up a few tips on impressing the lady of your dreams this one sure could help you out with some.

A witty, young at heart Amitabh keeps you glued, while Tabu coming on the back of a strong performance in “The Namesake” lends the freshness and maturity that is so typical of her. Adding sugar to the coffee as Tabu would have liked is Illayaraja’s soft rendition which saw audiences humming throughout and after the movie.

What probably made the movie more interesting was Zora Sehgal’s act, reminding one ever so often that kids are always kids to a mother, no matter how old she or the kids grow up to.  

On the flip side, the movie could have been better without certain elements. The kind of maturity that “Sexy” displayed in the movie seemed phony. One can hardly expect a sense of calmness and nonchalance in the face of what Sexy was facing. However, using kids to get the message across is something which we have so often seen Bollywood directors use to their convenience and need to get over with. 

On and on, the movie lends voice to the changing ethos of the society. Subjects once thought to be taboo are now being openly discussed and appreciated even.

There is straightness and a stamp of approval to the idea of a sexagenarian wooing a partner half his age. It cannot get more right when one is made aware that age is determined more by the mental state than the physical.  

On the whole, a see saw pattern of some serious and light moments, some seriously light moments and some slightly serious moments kept the going interesting.

A balance between the freshness of “Ghas Phoos” and the spice of “Tangdi Kabaab”. For the more culinary inclined, keep a pen ready for what might be the best recipe for Hyderabadi Zaffrani Pulao served straight out of Big B’s platter.

 

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