Manju Warrier back on screen, director Roshan
Andrews, writers Sanjay and Bobby – all this united with the teasers and
trailers of the movie were reasons enough for me to book tickets for How Old
Are You. I had my fingers crossed hoping that the movie wouldn't be a lazy
attempt with the makers simply trusting the movie would do well since it was launching Manju
back after 14 years. Like always, I entered the cinema hall hoping for the
best.
Honestly, I was disappointed with the first
half. Everybody was doing their part well but something was amiss. It lacked
the ability to get me hooked to the movie. I was just watching. In my
opinion, it should have focused on Nirupama's (enacted by Manju) life, her
chores, her thoughts etc., rather than the careless attitude of government
officers in general.
The second half, however, took me by surprise.
It was a brilliant piece of work which dramatically changed my opinion about
the movie. I smiled, I sobbed, I got excited - I understood Nirupama Rajeev.
Nirupama, a UD clerk at the Revenue Department,
is a wife and a mother who leads a very normal life; a life as per the
standards set by our society. There is a change in the mundane routine of
Nirupama's life after the President of India visits her teenage daughter’s
school. Her life takes a different route when her husband decides to migrate to
Ireland with their daughter -
leaving her behind.
Manju Warrier has given a scintillating
performance as Nirupama Rajeev. I read that the story was not written with her
in mind. I am glad however, that the movie finally was ultimately meant for
her. She did a fabulous job. The slow transition from the bored Nirupama who
simply got herself adapted to the circumstances that she is in to the high
spirited lady that we see in the climax - wonderful performance!
Saying that, I am glad
I don't have to review this movie saying, go watch it just for Manju. The movie
is backed with good performances by all the other artists, especially Kunjacko
Boban. During his second innings in the film industry, he has been quite good
with the movies he chooses. He has also proved that he can successfully carry a movie on
his shoulders. During this phase of his career, I am amazed that he took up the
role of Rajeev Narayanan. After all, How Old Are You is a woman oriented movie. Kunjacko
has delivered the role of a more or less chauvinist personality with great
finesse. The balance he brings about is very appreciative. Rajeev Narayanan
speaks volumes to the men of our society. He isn’t a complete chauvinist. He is
an example that you don’t have to always be a chauvinist in the true sense to
be a negative influence on the woman in your life.
Another aspect I liked about the movie is that
it is not sex-biased. There are so many male characters in the movie that
are instrumental towards Nirupama’s transition.
How Old Are You portrays beautifully how
things fall in place once you get involved in something you like – something
that is worthy of you. Age should be the last thing you should be
bothered about when you get an opportunity to do something you believe you can.
Like I said before, the
first half may be dull but thankfully, the cinema ends on a highly inspiring
note. Go watch it!
Posts
