Dev D, Kaminey and Wake up Sid
Anuraag Kashyap, Vishal Bharadwaj, Ayan Mukherji Direct Hits in 2009
Oct 22, 2009
Dev D, Kaminey and Wake up Sid were successful critically and commercially.
Abhay Deol and Mahi Gill in Anuraag Kashyap's Dev D
The modern version of a Sarat Chandra novel had little resemblance to the original classic. It had a distinct Punjabi flavor, while the original was based in Bengal. Mahi Gill's Paro is bold and unabashed as she expresses her feelings, a deviation from the Sarat Chandra conventional heroine. Director Anuraag Kashyap adds several contemporary touches to his interpretation, particularly the inclusion of a recent college scandal. Abhay Deol carved a niche for himself as the movie charmed the multiplex audience.
Shahid Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra in Vishal Bharadwaj's Kaminey
Shahid Kapoor is expected to bag the best actor awards this year as he plays a double role, that of twins who are as different as chalk and cheese but one of whom depends on the other for survival. He is ably supported by heroine Priyanka Chopra as she dons a 'deglam' image to play a typical Maharastrian girl. A dark story that chronicles the struggle of the twin brothers, Kaminey was one of the most anticipated Bollywood movies this year. Although critically acclaimed, commercial success fell short of expectations partly due to the health epidemic. It catapaulted Vishal Bharadwaj the director to the top league.
Ranbir Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma in Ayan Mukherji and Karan Johar's Wake Up Sid
The latest to join the list of multiplex hits. Ranbir plays Sid, a lazy slacker who has no sense of responsibility or direction in life. He barely speaks to his mother and takes his father's money for granted. He befriends a young writer from Kolkata, Aisha (Konkona Sen Sharma) and subsequently moves in with her after an unsuccessful stint in his father's business. It is then that he wakes up to the realities of life and his feelings for his girlfriend. Wake up Sid had a limited release in multiplexes but surprised the industry with an excellent response from its audience. The Karan Johar production is directed by debutante director Ayan Mukherji.
Bollywood 'new age' or 'offbeat' cinema finds its takers primarily among the multiplex audience, largely comprised of the younger generation in India's major metros (Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore). Therefore completely offbeat storylines (the best example being Shahrukh Khan's portrayal of a disgraced coach who guides India's women's hockey team to victory in the sports blockbuster Chak de India), and romances with different treatment, now find their rightful place.
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