Bombay Velvet

Dear Sir Anurag Kashyap,

Before i start saying anything about the film let me be clear - i don't think i am qualified enough in film making to review your film. Especially since you have been an institution and an inspiration for our generation. Your films from Black Friday to Ugly have been bad-ass raw films, which have prompted fearless people in this industry. But, with 'Bombay Velvet' you have deviated from your strengths and gave us an overcooked film.

The plot revolves around Scarface Ranbir who arrives in Bombay just after independence. He takes the Carlito's way to rise in the underbelly of Bombay. Finally, he meets a gay tabloid magnet Karan Johar, who grooms him into the Goodfellas and Godfathers. In between his obsession for his girlfriend Anushka makes him a Raging Bull, ready to fight anyone for no reason. In the end, he has a showdown with the fruitcake baddie aka Scarface & Breathless.

The problem lies that Anurag's sirs obsession with World Cinema has prompted him to deviate away from his roots, which is rawness and quirkiness. Even after the entire film, you do not feel for the lead protagonist. The first 15 mins you scramble to recognize so many characters, its like the Opening of Hum saath saath hai. You had told me once that 'a film is not like a bullet hence it has to build slowly' but BV builds so slowly that non filmy buffs loose interest till the interval. Post interval, Anushka's twin sister angle kills the mood for the filmy buffs, who can't handle such a major loophole. The cliche climax doesn't help the situation. Also, although visually stunning, Ranbir being a boxer doesn't help the story. Hence i feel too many layers to the characters made them too unbelievable and unrealistic, which hampers the most important factor from a Kashyap film. This is the same thing Tarantino fucked up in Jackie Brown

But, the film has its moments. Ranbir's reaction to the Parsi editor when Anushka returns is fabulous. The scene where Ranbir's friend helps him in the shootout is the stand out scene. While Karan johar coming out to laugh and the Santaclock scene is classic Kashyap (this is what we wanted to see from you sir). The sets are amazing along with the graphics. The costumes and art direction deserves an award. Also, the background steals the thunder(brilliant). It's a difficult film which is painstakingly made, the results are seen visually. The film is too ahead of its time because it requires multiple viewing to understand the various layers and equations between the characters.

Ranbir is brilliant and puts up his best performance till date. Anushka does well and looks cute but in some scenes her lips looks puffed (sarcasm). Karan Johar is not consistent. KK is wasted. Only Satyadeep Misra as Ranbir's friend stands out and excels.

In the end, Bombay Velvet is bad but not that bad that people are crucifying Anurag Sir. It's the expectation from a world class filmmaker that has prompted so many negative reviews about the film. It's not Wasseypur or Black Friday but it ain't Besharam or Aag as well. I urge people to watch it before they get influenced by others. Bombay Velvet is definitely a-1 time watch and should not be missed even for the wrong reasons. And for Anurag Sir, Tarantino gave his most strongest film after Jackie Brown (ie: Kill Bill) so the Phoenix will rise from the ashes and deliver a knock out punch soon. He will be back... You will be back and we will be waiting eagerly. Till then we can just sit back and sulk as Anurag's sirs haters crucify him.

Rating - **half