'Mausam' is a futile journey through Punjab, Gujarat, Switzerland and Scotland where a lollypop of hope is forever doled out to you ke 'ab kuch kuch hoga' but 'khasmanukhaniyan' nothing really happens. So much footage is wasted for a 'Love' (the 'romance' is seriously missing) that happens in a few day's time (Punjab-Scotland-Gujarat included) over a span of 10 yrs with significant world events flowing under the long long river of endless dialoguebaazi and travelogues. At almost 3 hrs running time, 'Mausam' is a badi si, boring love story that stumps you with its absolute absurdness and lack of entertainment value.
The narrative flows at a laid-back sleepy pace with a disregard for connectivity. In fact it seems, the film must have been way longer than the final product and at the editing stage, several key portions were chopped off. After a point of time, Anupam Kher goes missing. When Aayat (Sonam Kapoor) didn't marry Akram, then why did she go away with him to America? Why the hell did Harry (Shahid Kapoor) has to go on a save-the-kid mission in a typical seventies-eightees cinema mode when there were other pressing issues like getting out of a riot situation? The love-moments between Aayat-Harry (especially in Scotland) elicited laughter from the audience rather than getting them into a groovy mood. Not a positive sign for the fate of any movie when people laugh at serious situations.
On the positive side, the initial portions in Punjab have some fun moments. Manoj Pahwa as Gulzari brings in light moments. Rajjo's love for Harry and the fooling-around senior sardars bring in some of the worth-carrying-with-yourself-home moments. The much-talked-about IAF sequences are impressive to start with but the actual air strike is tacky. If this is the idea of 'Top Gun' then we are not even remotely close to it. Music is good. 'Rabba' and 'Sajh Dhajke' are picturised well. 'Mallo Malli' sounds good when heard in audio but its placement in the film is no 'Mauja Hi Mauja'.
The problem with 'Mausam' is the confusion in trying to bridge the gap between Art and Commercial. Director Pankaj Kapur tries to build his story on some key incidents in the recent world history like Babri Masjid demolition, Mumbai Bomb Blasts, Kargil War, 9/11 in USA and Gujarat Riots. A novel idea but the manner in which he tries to weave the love story between Harry and Aayat with these incidents as the backdrop, doesn't work at the level of story or execution. The worrying aspect is that 'Mausam' is an expensive film and the needless frequent flying in Europe and the costs involved in managing a big crew in such situations will cost dear to the producers.
Shahid Kapoor as Harry has a role of a lifetime and does justice to it. Almost. He is funny when required, grasps the Punjabi twang effectively and emotes well. But the Air Force Officer part (specially in Scotland) smacks of arrogance. Sonam Kapoor had a dream role but she messes it up. There's an artificiality in her performance that's amateurish. Kareena or Vidya Balan could have taken this role to another level and maybe bring in a semblance of realism (which must have been the aim of the director in the first place).
A good actor necessarily need not be a good director. That's exactly the case with Pankaj Kapur. He must have had a sound idea but the execution is missing. When a love story lacks the soul and heightened romance, it fails to connect, as is the case with Kapur's directorial venture. Binod Pradhan's camerawork is exceptional and is the highpoint of the film. Sreekar Prasad's editing is lackluster. Either he was sleeping while editing or he was made to snooze. Pankaj Kapur's dialogues are sprightly in parts but generally they are verbose or pedantic.
'Mausam' is not the kind of film that you'd want to go out with your loved ones unless you are desperately searching for ways to 'break-free'.
Star Rating: 1 1/2 stars
Holy $hit!! I guess you didn't like the movie at all, huh? Wow, never expected the movie to be that bad. I generally agree with your viewpoint, I was just telling my fiance earlier today that we should go watch this movie but I guess now I'll give it a second thought.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the honest review though. At least you're not one of those people who would write a positive review just because they're close to actors/directors/producers.
Oh No!! Is the movie really that bad? But glad to read that shahid has done justice to his role! that what i think really matters the most. Anyways hope to see it soon! Thanks for your review Faridoon! Have a great day n weekend ahead :-)
ReplyDeleteFaridoon hello, I was reading your review of Mausam and I dont know yet how accurate your judgement is, all I can say before seeing the movie is that "Beauty lays in the eye of the beholder" and for all the "reasons" you've mentioned you just DID NOT LIKE IT, but that does not mean Mausam is not a GOOD MOVIE, lets be fare here. Guys just go and see the movie and after it come to your OWN conclusions. What is not a good movie for Faridoon could be an excellent movie for some one else. We all are entitled to our own opinion, but you will deny yourselves of a personal judgement or conclusion if you allow all the negative/positive opinions to stop you from creating your own. I will not let any bad/good opinion to influence me to the point of not even go to see the movie. Give Mausam the chance guys!...then write your own and personal opinion! Did not your mother taught you to think for yourselves??? Shahid's, Panjak's Sonam's and Mausam's Team hard work deserve the chance! why only believe Faridoon's point of view? and yours?...you will only have one until you go see MAUSAM!
ReplyDeleteMausam will rock and we all know it..mausam is a lovestory revolving around harinder(shahid)shahid has done very good acting..he has really worked hard and we all shanatics praise him love him 4rever n ever..what if it's not getting 5/5 stars...? we his fans know that it should get 10/5..hip hip hurray three cheers for shahid..!! :) <3 yoooo hip hip hurray--RidhiluvsShahid
ReplyDeleteIts interesting in the ebb & flow of movie careers how sometimes a film can not only miss the mark but totally be aiming in the wrong direction, thats what your review sounds like. And if a budding star is just in the wrong place at the wrong time then no amount if damage control will change anything. From what youve written it may have its moments but overall failed. Hope I get to see it somewhere down the road. Maybe a dvd release early? They'll take the heat for this one I guess.
ReplyDeletehahahahha omggg how embarrising lol . i could see on the trailer and prmos that it would be boring and if its a 3hour movie then they better have a reaaallyy greaaaaaattt story and acting
ReplyDeleteGUYS! Go watch the movie and judge the movie by yourself! I watched it today and I thought that it was beautiful! It is shahid and sonam's best work till now! I doo agree that the editing of the movie could have been better but it was surely one of the best film of this year for me!
ReplyDeleteFaridoon is right that there are issues of connectivity, flow, and editing....but Shahid's performance is not to be missed, especially if you are a fan. I personally think that Sonam is the right choice...Kareena would have been too filmy or overwhelming with her star presence, Vidya would have been too mature and underutilized. Punjab has been depicted with subtlety, depth and cheer...it is the strong part of the film. Saj dhaj ke is an unexpected but TOTAL treat. There are flaws in execution, but this film is worth seeing onscreen. I will be happy to see it again....and I do not do OMG SHAHID!!
ReplyDeleteAnd oh, after watching the movie, I thought "Oh my God, Shahid, is that you?"!!!
ReplyDeleteFaridoon, it is refreshing to get such an honest assessment, especially since you seem to be on good terms with Shahid and the team...keep it up. IMO, you have nailed it, but the ending is what it is because they wanted to send a message of acceptance. There are flaws and holes, but I am amazed at how Shahid has transformed himself, especially towards the end. Mr. Pankaj Kapoor has depicted Punjab deliciously and lovingly...perhaps he should explore heartland films as a genre. You are absolutely right about the anxiety in combining art, commerce and intelligence. But Shahid has outdone himself...IMO, Sonam is right but could have had a couple of more scenes in the beginning. Despite everything, I enjoyed the film.
ReplyDeleteGuys, its my opinion. You can agree or disagree with it. Yes, this is one of the best performance of Shahid but i'd rate Kaminey higher. Mausam as a film didn't work for me. Directors like Vishal and Imtiaz have got the best out of him and Kunal Kohli seem to be a good news as well.
ReplyDeleteThe fans who are pissed off with me, well, if you guys want me to be a carrier of good news, always, and brush the bad news under carpet, then thats not gonna happen. My aim is to earn respect through my work and try at being honest in whatever I do. Those who believe i'm being right, will always stick around...
cheers
I do wonder why seasoned and experienced professionals in the field, especially with good resources and creative freedom, and in the last few years also an evolved audience, cannot see/accept the weakness in the product that the audience can very quickly identify. This is not particular to Mausam, but most films being put out. A weak/flawed product further increases the stakes of an already high resource game. For many of the films, including Mausam, a 10% tweaking of the product within the same framework could deliver a far superior product, with happier results for all involved, audience and producer. Why is it taking so long to change this mindset...especially since technology or skills is no longer the issue?
ReplyDeleteI'd go and decide for myself Fari. I'm amongst those who loved Yaadien.... my choice needn't match the crowd. Going by word of Mouth..ppl are liking the movie. I really wanna know watch it. Itni bhi kya buri hogi. i just love shahid-sonam's pairing.
ReplyDeleteOne thing tht amazes me is how u guys found rabne entertaining....where was the logic?? & My name is khan ... it almost dified every logic possible.. and was a laugh riot for anyone find logic in it.
I'm honestly quite shocked that you bashed Mausam so much. I have a hard time believing it's that bad. Of course you're entitled to your opinion.
ReplyDeleteI'll comment further after I've seen the movie, which hopefully will finally happen tonight.
Well, anonymous, test screenings r done by a few filmmakers to get audience response from their potential traget group at various stages of a film...its the right way of gauging if one is going in the right direction or not....i think it should be made applicable on all films....the success ratio will surely increase if one can do that...
ReplyDeletecheers
Hey Faridoon, I respect ur opinion, I know you share a great friendship with shahid (as evident through ur interviews)but your also honest, which is what we as an audience value the most! :)
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous..dont you have a name???
ReplyDeleteYes Anonymous, I share a great rapport with Shahid. And I am sure, it will continue like that.
ReplyDeleteI watched Mausam yesterday and it was an awesome experience for me. Being the first BW ever I watched on the big screen and then seeing Shahid on the big screen was a treat in itself. (Sajh Dhaj Ke alone was wroth the trip).
ReplyDeleteAs for the movie, here is my LONG review: http://www.twitlonger.com/show/d9pihm Which I wouldn't blame you for not reading :)
In short: I do understand your problems with the movie. In parts I even agree. But I strongly disagree on Shahid not pulling the air force officer off. He was superb, imo. Strong parts of the movie were his performance, beautiful visuals, the character development of Harry.
Weak points were that it was indeed confusing and I'm not a fan of the "couple keeps missing each other by a blink" scenario to begin with. (Milenge Milenge was torture!)
My biggest gripe was that they didn't show how the plane came down AND then they copped out of the Ferris Wheel, too.
Overall, though, I tremendously enjoyed it. While I see its weak points, I think critics are bashing it with glee and unfairly.
I saw Mausam yesterday.I think the first half absolutely flawless & brilliant, and the second half was near brilliance,Maybe be just one scene can be edited to just take that one thing that i dint like,One last dialogue of shahid & sonam... i mean it would be more effective if left unsaid rather than verbally saying that dialogue. I wish they do that atleast in DVD. The cart wheel scene could be chopped a bit too. But just coz of these 2 loopholes, i dont think one can take away from the brilliance & glory of MAUSAM. Shahid looked convincing in every scene. & believe it or not if you've experienced something unspoken & pure, love where u've not communicated but still have, things u've not said but lived through, emotions that have not been verbally expressed but u've lived them them day in & day out.... Where 2 people might not blaber abt their feeling but the depth is vast.... then u know where Mausam comes from & why it is so special and wht it acheives is capturing of that emotion., a love thats undying. I could feel for the characters of Harry & Aayat.The feeling of having lost & not knowing where life's going & wht it will get, but still knowing wht remains is your love for that one person whether u will meet or not. Thts wht Harry Aayat's characters portrayed. they defined undying love.
ReplyDeleteAlso being a punjabi I'd wanna give full marks to Pankaj ji for portraying punjab so realistically. every second of the punjab portion is how it actually is in punjab. we see the real punjab than any Bombay set being shown to us as Amritsar. Only PK can do it. Sonam emotes so well when shahid is on Cart wheel to get the kid & for Aayat, one can feel wht she is going thru.
Thanks to pankaj kapoor for giving us something so brilliant. I laughed with Harry & wept with Harry-Aayat. i felt relieved when they met.... a sense of completion & satisfaction when Aayat after being rescued by Harry in Gujrat learns that it was harry and the moment when she is in his arms.... wow. Hope this movie does well. Ohh & I kinda pushed my dad to watch Mausam, & guess wht towards the end he was mouthing dialogues while shahid was saying them on the big screen...it was the one saying bhayanak saaye hain jinka na koi chehra hota hai na naam.
loved Mausam. Shahid was Damn hot in every frame of the film. His best act so far , He even out does his Jab we met performance.I dont want an Aditya in my life, I'd rather want Harry. & sonammmmm..... i've always known that sonam had so much potential as an actress. I love how she has managed to play the subtly of Aayat's character with such restraint & brilliance.No one cud have played aayat that well... Vidya wud've been too old for Aayat ... & looked older than harrry the punjabi munda & Kareena cudn't have portrayed the role with such restraint and & innocence that was required for playing Aayat's character. Sonam is the perfect fit.
& PK has displayed Such Brilliance of film-making & thought..... i'm gonna watch it again.... :) & Fari i dont intend to offend you, but i dont agree with your review. I just felt you were a too hard on it. The film is not flawless & there are only a couple of them towards the end. I liked PK's unique way of story telling. The place where shahid-sonam are conversing with each other, just in their minds.... haha... i thought that was a piece of my life brougt in their. Anyways. Everyone has a right to their opinion but when they're too hard it hurts, especially when one doesnt find it to be justified & coming from sombody, one thought was unbiased. :)
Well, Calena, Shahid's air force part looks convincing...the execution of the fighting sequence where they hit tiger hill is not convincing...as for u anonymous (i guess we know each other), well, its ur opinion and i respect that...u r polite and dignified and i like that....we at bollywood hungama tried to give the best platform to mausam from start to finish...everyone knows that...my views are absolutely unbiased...i was expecting a lot more from the film, maybe thats why i m disappointed more...
ReplyDeletebest wishes!!!
Saw the movie again today ---what to do, I am a sucker for good cinematography and wanted to savor Punjab. As it progressed, I realized that not only has Mr. Kapoor made the film with patience and thairav, he wants us to watch it that way - but he did not prepare us for it, and loaded it with history, symbolism and metaphors, not to mention lots of characters and travel. So be patient and mentally alert, and no yakking, texting or popcorn while the movie is on, ‘coz move your eyes away just a bit, and you will lose important eye contact between the characters or the full impact of Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar.
ReplyDeleteThe love develops only in Scotland, with a grace,restraint and dignity that we are not used to in Bollywood, and hence can miss it. Harry does come across as arrogant in most sequences as an officer, and also a bit of a peacock (did he need showcasing?)…but at second viewing, I realized he has matured immensely and is a little unsure of his girl, and is trying to put his finest foot forward (still, did he need showcasing?)…so, part of the arrogance has to be tied back to his cocky nature in Punjab, part of it is because of his training and position, and a little is left over for us to complain about.
Aayat is utterly graceful and princess like, both in Punjab and Scotland…Sonam was convincing in both scenarios. The café scene, the ballroom sequence and the outing are utterly lovely. At first glance, the cultural aspects come across as an indulgence, but now I think they are creating a space for grace and beauty.
Move forward and we lose characters that were introduced but not developed into anything meaningful…today I accepted that as loss, but the first time they come across as irritating loose threads.
There seems to be a lot of symbolism to trains. The frequent train travel is exhausting, not to mention the non-communication and missed letters. The train at the end of the movie has to be mentally connected to the burning in Godhra and to Punjab at the beginning.
It is annoying that so many events are introduced but not one is developed (Mr. Kapoor preps our mind, and then doesn’t take it forward…not nice sir.) Does the cross-cultural wedding have any extra meaning aside from being a lead to Ahmedabad?
Finally, the horse at the end of the film came across as a (laughable) cliché of the knight on the white horse, but at second look, I am not sure what was intended because there are frequent glimpses of a horse in the beginning.
There are some utterly lovely scenes throughout which are even lovelier to watch the second time. Nice work Mr. Kapoor, Mr. Pradhan, the gentleman who has provided the background score, and the late art director.
I liked Sonam’s performance even more today…she does grow on you. I hope she never loses her elegance and princess like quality. Shahid has done a great job and is looking wonderful as a mature person. Mallo Malli is not as catchy as other numbers, but is well executed (and very dignified), and from my point of view, an improvement on his previous performances. Aditi Sharma left a memorable mark – Rajjo’s jealousy is delicious.
Finally, even after a second viewing, holes and questions remain, and I do wonder if the story could have been conveyed in a less complicated way, but I do feel confident to say that this a well-made , intense film and is a must watch…but keep the brains on and be prepared for at least two viewings for full impact.
Next time Pankaj Sir, keep it simpler. Also, a talk/lecture in the mass media on the symbolism in this film would be nice (or am I reading too much into it?). Great work!!!
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ReplyDeleteHi Faridoon,
ReplyDeleteYours were one of the reviews I was looking forward to the most. ;) I went for Mausam three times as of today. Although, not because it was amazing - just that I was going with different group of people to garner the reactions of them and I need to help out Shahid in whatever ways I could! :) Besides watching Shahid on big screen is always a treat anyday. :)
After I came back, I tried to be as objective as I could in deciding what to make out of this. I agree with some of the points you make. I was interested how the 4 historical events will be weaved into Mausam ...and I was expecting something like parallel story lines that of Rang De Basanti. However, most of these historical events were just touch and go like th 9/11 attacks ...and it failed to evoke emotions out of me and I cry easily during movies!
Also, I agree ...the air scene was tacky along w/ the fall in the climax. It was so underwhelming! The climax was just so ridiculously absurd with the child & his hand magically working & I don't know what was the deal with the horse. 2nd half was unnecessarily dragged out and seems like they tried to pack in everything they can just so they have reasons to eep seperating Harry & Aayat. The script could have been tightened for the 2nd half and I don't know what happened w/ the editing. Also, i was thrown off that Mallo Malli was a credit song!
However, the good points!
- Without being biased, AT ALL ....Shahid was fan-freakin'-tastic! He surpassed all levels, which I did not think was possible but I am tremendously proud of him in this movie. The man can act! He created a volatile depth to the character. From the cheeky mischievous Punjabi munda to the mature, deep rooted Harinder Singh! His comedic timings were dang on spot (unlike his previous movies)His Punjabi accent! His expressions, while we was running after the train in Switz, Harry's anger & frustration on ohone w/ Rajjo, etc. Also, Shahid has struck the lovestruck look perfectly! (Sonam on the other hand, looks quite blank in certain scenes)
Sonam wasn't that bad either, WAY better than all her previous superficial characters and for the first time, I saw her act.
- Aditi Sharma was fannnn-tastic!
- The 1st two seasons were brilliantly executed! The last two ...not so much.
- Cinematography is utter brilliance!
- Dialouges were just so wonderful at parts.
- The songs are beautiful, especially Rabba, Shreya Ghoshal's rendition of 'Abhi na' and the Mehndi scene ...and Saj Dhaj Ke was a visual treat!
- Pankaji's direction is fantastic, but some bits are off.
- I loved the old-school charm of the movie.
At the end of the day, I was disappointed because I had 'Titanic style' expectations from the film because I have been following Mausam closely ever since Day 1 of the shooting, so I had extravagant visions of storylines in my head and I would SO rework on this script if I could have. With all these being said, objectively speaking - In my opinion, I'd give Mausam atleast 3 stars because so many things factor into the consideration as a whole (not just the climax, or few specific scenes) and it has quite some good points to it. Most of my friends who I went into watch with agree, and many seem to be liking it somewhat. So at this point, I'm just hoping Mausam will fare somewhat decently at the box office and it might pick up on word of mouth - because, whatever might be the verdict, this movie will always be special to Shahid. :)
Best Wishes!
I have been dwelling on this film a lot - it isn't something I have done before for any other film. The heightened romance that we are looking for is sizzling under the surface, like the embers and angeethis shown throughout....it is not a fiery romance. The chemistry between Harry and Aayat is crackling...look closely. I have just realized that the whole film is not unlike the Mozart symphony it has shown....four parts, with a light beginning that is accompanied by darkness, then crescendos and decrescendoes. I know nothing about western classical music, or any other music for that matter, but the symphony played in the film is a familiar and popular one...(Mausam makers, please help), but I can't pin it even though I explored YouTube. Anyway, Moazart's symphonies are known to be unnecessarily complicated and dark...and this film has those characteristics, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteI also realized that this film grows on you and I can watch it several times more and find something else to enjoy that I did not notice before. Except that right now I am not ready for a third run to the theatre!
Will I be getting ahead of myself if I call it a masterpiece?
Regardless, to Pankajsir, brava, brava, and thank you!
Faridoon...Just curious are you disappointed because you had a different vision of the film than what turned out to be...We all were disappointed because it didnt have the typical romance. emotional outbursts or over the top drama like other love stories in Bollywood. Infact, the first hint was given to us when the film's music released and no duets were on the tracklist..Typical love stories in indian films have romantic duets and this one had a strange compliation of songs that were going to be used in the background mostly..It was given that the film will not be a typical YAsh Chopra kind from Pankaj..I guess we are more disappointment that our vision was not presented in the film..
ReplyDeleteBut can we at least have an open mind and view the film for its different treatment. Its like eating the same food and never venturing out of the comfort zone to experience something different. You may like it or may not like it..But at least, dont impose your expectations when reviewing a film that was made differently..
Some of the things you have identified as flaws makes me wonder if you can ever watch any Bollywood movie that has no flaws..I guess you were disappointed and biased cause it failed to meet your expectation.You reviewed the film from the a typical Bollywood audience point of view and not from the Director's point of view..I think the film at least deserved a better review..the negatives were more magnified than the plus..
Nice review Nikki. Yup its gonna be a special film for Shahid. As for anonymous, would like to know ur names to answer...
ReplyDeletecheers
Hello Faridoon,
ReplyDeleteThis is Anonymous-NOTomgShahid. You can refer to me as NOTomgShahid. Don’t take the tag seriously…I couldn’t think of anything, and I wanted to convey my unbiased stance towards him.
It is I who posted about the second trip to the theater and compared it to a Mozart symphony.
Yes, I too expected an YRF/A Gowariker style grand statement and more IAF content because of the promotions and F16 hype.
Instead, what we got is subtlety, cheeky humor, a restrained and delicate love between the leads , politics, plenty of irritation, and no grand statement about love or politics.
But it is in this subtlety that Mr. Kapoor exhibits a phenomenal grip of the medium and his actors, and also an understanding of human emotions and conditions – social and political. He falters when he goes for the Bollywood style statement of emphasizing and dramatizing…mostly the sequences in Scotland when he tries to ‘exhibit’ Shahid, or when Shahid resorts to Bolly style outbursts on the phone. Of course, the travel is exhausting, and so we as an audience get irritated. But come back again to Punjab when Aayat returns to look for Harry, and you still see cheeky humor in all the darkness (Gulzari and his wife), Rajjo’s jealousy and love, and relationships that are not given up on. All this was done with great subtlety and skill, and very effective performances were extracted with what comes across as effortlessness.
Shahid is utterly amazing and natural in all of the Ahmedabad scenes…with Rajjo on the train, reminiscing about his love on the fairgrounds, and also the rescue. His tired, gaunt look is haunting. I don’t know if I like him better in his young parts or here…I am leaning towards here.
Overall, I think it is the middle portion of the film that has us all faltering Рmaker and audience. And of course, the clich̩s are the undoing of the film.
As a side, if you examine Shahid’s work closely, you see that his strength also is in the subtle emotions, which is why Jab We met and Kaminey are what they are, although both were helmed by good directors. He is a visual treat anyway, but he is particularly effective and graceful when it seems like he is not trying.
The point of this long write-up is that we are missing out on an otherwise great cinematic experience because of the distraction of the middle portion of the film.
I think Mr. Kapoor and Shahid nailed the balance between art, entertainment, and intelligence in the first part of the film. With a little more attention to compiling and editing, it would have been a film for the ages. I hope the DVD is crammed full with unused footage…the cinematography and overall aesthetic sense is a treat that I cannot have enough of.
As for me, I am just a lay person who enjoys cinema if it is made well. I have no agenda and no links to anybody. I myself don't understand why I feel compelled to write about this film - I have never done something like this before. Thank you for creating a space to communicate. Cheers.
well said. moreover the manner in which you've put your point of view is dignified.
ReplyDeletebest wishes
Hello Faridoon :)
ReplyDeleteI read your Review and it makes me sad, but I accept your opinion about the movie.
I saw Mausam and I have written a Review in English. Thanks to Calena for the translate :)
http://my-shahid-moments.blogspot.com/
Greetings, Biaji :)
I have finally arrived at an interpretation for the horse and ferris wheel scene…
ReplyDeleteThe horse represents work, commitment, loyalty, valor, nobleness of spirit…think of how a horse works in an ordinary environment and that of war.
Now connect the horse, Harry and Aayat. Harry rescues her and the child from a dangerous situation, even though he is not in optimal physical condition, symbolizing the same values. As an IAF officer, those values have even more meaning for him.
The ferris wheel represents the circle of life…life has come full circle for him when he has to rescue a child that has lost its mother. By adopting her, he is following through on his belief in life affirming actions (connect to the dialogue about alcohol consumption).
As for the strength in his arm, remember that it wasn’t completely compromised. But also think that during challenging times, we often find an inner strength that we do not know we have.
The whiteness of the horse, Harry’s clothes, and even those of Aayat represent a purity of spirit that is often threatened and tarnished, but if true, comes through. It also symbolizes Harry and Aayat’s union…think back to the white clothes on the terrace in Punjab before she disappears.
Next they show Harry’s house…the door is painted white and the Mool Mantar is playing in the background…symbolizing peace, a fresh beginning, and normal Punjab life. But peek into the Mool Mantar (translations are available online and on Youtube)…it talks of a timeless, fearless spirit that is free of hatred, that is true, and that cannot be destroyed…a spirit that is beyond all existence. Harry and Aayat not only love and accept each other despite their different religious backgrounds, neither of them succumbs to hatred or bitterness given the losses both have separately endured in their personal lives.
So yes, this is love beyond romance (one interpretation of it, anyway)…an affirmation of life, each other, society, and country.
A lot of thinking to do for a film…but this one got under my skin…and now I am at peace...:)
Thank you for bearing with me. Cheers.
Anonymous, I like your interpretation of the climax scene. I'm not artistic enough to come up with one one myself, so am always happy to read the ideas of others with more artistic sensibilities than I have :)
ReplyDeleteDear Faridoon, I took me quite a while, and while I'm still pretty sad that really every big and little thing that could have gone wrong went wrong for Mausam, I have made it through my initial depression. (I fear it'll take Pankajji and Shahid much longer than this).
I just hope this won't have any lasting ill effects on Shahid's career and neither on your rapport with #Shanatics.
(There's one tiny piece of postive news to be reported: My cinema in Vienna added a 2nd show per day in Mausam's 2nd week, obviously it's doing well here :) )
Regards,
Calena
@Anonymous-NOTomgShahid
ReplyDeleteYour interpretation is great. Like it :)