Movie: Begum Jaan
Direction: Srijit Mukherji
Cast: Vidya Balan, Ila Arun, Naseeruddin Shah, Rajit Kapoor, Ashish Vidyarthi, Vivek Mushran, Chunky Pandey, Gauahar Khan, Pallavi Sharda
Music: Anu Malik, Khayyam
Cinematographer: Gopi Bhagat
Editor: Monisha R Baldawa, Vivek Mishra
Genre: Action, Drama
Rating: ∗∗½
What is it about: This film is based on true events during The Partition of India-Pakistan in 1947. It revolves around a brothel, which lies between the border and the conflicts they face in being evicted by the government forms the crux of the story directed by Srijit Mukherji.
Why it’s disappointing: The film had an amazing premise which was built on potential characters. The period was right and was laid out well with perfect set up. But, all this was not executed well with a strong screenplay which was the need of the hour. Srijit was quite rushing through, was seen divided between maintaining the period and the characters. And the duration was less, this led to a stumble of the content. The depth and intensity required was missing, which made an intense epic drama fall quite flat on its face. In spite of the soulful characters, it didn’t work due to lack exploration of them in the right direction.
What to watch out for: But the actors were a big life saver to the film. Without a doubt Vidya Balan gave her best as Begum Jaan. Which was closely followed by Ila Arun, Pallavi Shradha and Gauhar Khan.
The rest of the cast, Raviza, Ridheema, Priyanka, Flora and Poonam did a commendable job. All of them had put in soul to their characters, which seemed very natural and convincing.
And that was perfectly supported by Pitobash and Chunky Pandey.
The cinematography by Gopi Bhagat was apt and was edited well by Monisha & Vivek. But the music was quite average by Anu Malik & Khayyam.
Verdict: Srijit, managed to draw a strong content but couldn’t contain the intensity it demanded. Can watch once for commendable performances by the entire cast.
