This is one of those movies that cannot please anybody. Those who give it failing marks for loose structure and a schizophrenic script might like the better quality of production and the natural flow of dialogue and his creative use of many languages as is the reality of urban India. And the regular Indian movie viewer is likely to be offended by the radical treatment of the subject matter and brutal honesty in the examination of history, which is so taboo in India.
Kamal is a very talented individual and you do see traces of this throughout the movie. But he fails to tell a comprehensive and integrated story. His acting is wonderful and the female characters are strong and well portrayed. Make-up effects leave a lot to be desired, especially for Shah who plays Gandhi and Das who plays Haasan's second wife.
So who do I like this movie? It tries to attempt a story that most movie makers in India won't touch with a 10 foot pole. And it takes risks in doing so. It tries to give me hope that Indian cinema still may have life left in it. This movie may not be Haasan's best work, but it still wins big marks for trying.
Kamal is a very talented individual and you do see traces of this throughout the movie. But he fails to tell a comprehensive and integrated story. His acting is wonderful and the female characters are strong and well portrayed. Make-up effects leave a lot to be desired, especially for Shah who plays Gandhi and Das who plays Haasan's second wife.
So who do I like this movie? It tries to attempt a story that most movie makers in India won't touch with a 10 foot pole. And it takes risks in doing so. It tries to give me hope that Indian cinema still may have life left in it. This movie may not be Haasan's best work, but it still wins big marks for trying.