How Old Are You: Inspiring

Courtesy: nowrunning.com

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!

You may also be interested in: Reminders from Nirupama Rajeev

Mumbai Police: Superb Plot and Stunning Performances

It is appreciative when cinema has the capacity to keep you on the edge while you watch it. Mumbai Police exceeds this expectation. It has the ability to travel all the way back home with you. The feature film encourages debates and discussions. It keeps conversations alive in the car.

The story gave me company in solitude too. It's an  amazing feeling. I mentally rewind the movie and every piece of jigsaw puzzle fits in perfectly. You have answers to every comment and/or questions that may have cropped up while you were watching the movie. There were scenes, for instance, when I felt that Rahman was all stiffened up for no reason. There were times when I thought Prithvi was not actually up to the mark. There were scenes I believed should have been re shot. However, the climax waves a magical wand and all the suggestions and questions I had vanished. I am glad everything just fell in place perfectly. That’s a great creative stimulation and it calls for a golden star.

Bobby and Sanjay seem to have done a lot of writing and rewriting before arriving at the final version. The story evidently looks to be one which has had a lot of effort and thought poured in. I applaud them for their art of storytelling. Their willingness to venture into different genres also deserves special mention. Hats off to the duo!

Prithviraj has given a splendid performance in Mumbai Police. The script demanded ACP Antony Moses to shoulder two different characters and Prithviraj does both an ample lot of justice. While watching the movie, I mentally wrote a lot of corrections for Prithvi. But, like I mentioned earlier, the mental rewind erased all those corrections and gave the guy an A+. The grade is not just for the performance. This role is verdict for the fact that he chose to be an artist rather than a star.

Among the cast, another actor who deserves special mention is Rahman. Commissioner of Police, Farhan is absolutely safe in Rahman’s hands. I like the controlled acting technique he adopted for this role. He has definitely gotten into the character’s skin. The subtle expressions he displayed, at times, offer to make you wonder if he may be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Personally, I would rank his expression in the climax scene as the best – it spoke a zillion words.

Exemplary performances, an engaging movie and good afterthoughts - all this translates to fabulous direction. Roshan Andrews gets it right with Mumbai Police. Hats off on this project!

Did I notice any flaws that I couldn't erase with all the mental rewind? There is this scene where ASI Sudhakaran (Kunjan) shares his sentiments about his profession and uniform. The scene, according to me, didn't seem necessary. Hima Davis (Rebecca) has just a few scenes which didn't deserve a huge amount of acting skills. Nevertheless, she fared poorly even for the little she had to deliver. I do see potential in Aparna Nair, but, she also has a long way to go. Aparna, in my opinion, needs to ease out a bit and be more at home in front of the camera.

It is a pleasure knowing that a movie is doing well. It gives the scope for a weekend outing. It is silly fun hoping that the movie won’t leave the theatre by the time I get to go watch it. There is a thrill in hushing friends and begging them not to reveal the story before you actually watch it. All this and if the movie is a well-crafted thriller – wow!

Many reviewed by word of mouth that Mumbai Police keeps the suspense but the climax lets you down. Some even asked me not to watch it. There were many others who claimed it to be a good movie. I decided to take the chance. I am so glad I did. Whether the climax is good or bad is but for you to decide. How would you know until you watch it? I’d say go for it!

I give the movie an 8/10.