Pataakha Movie Review: This Vishal Bhardwaj's film is fresh, delightful and full of firecrackers
Desi, raw and good performances- These are the things which you expect from a Vishal Bhardwaj film and Pataakha, the filmmaker's latest outing tick marks all three criteria. Pataakha is adapted from a short story Do Behnein by Charan Singh Pathik. This beautiful grimy film dazzles because of its brilliant actors, director and writer. From small houses, narrow lanes, village style baarat to the scattered cow dung, Bhardwaj has taken care of nuances in Pataakha.
While stealing her western outfit, she makes sure to properly put the blanket on her sleeping sister. Such is the love but like India and Pakistan, these two sisters are always ready to ridicule and hit each other. Badki and Chutki, the names they (Radhika Madan and Sanya Malhotra) are often referred to as are flammable headstrong girls with razor-sharp tongues and dream to achieve something on their own. Women in Bhardwaj's films are never vulnerable and shy. These two young girls are unabashed and fiery but at the same time have care and love for each other which is seldom unearthed.
Radhika Madan, Champa Kumari is disinterested in studies as she wants to have her dairy business. On the other hand, Malhotra, who plays Genda Kumari dreams of having her own school in the village. Their father Shanti Bhushan, played by Vijay Raaz decides their fate by a toss. He is the father torn apart by his two warring kids who hate to be at peace with each other. His situation is better displayed by his slumpy shoulders and helpless expression. Sunil Grover plays Dipper, who is the catalyst of the story. Whenever you feel that the story has ended, Dipper jumps over the trigger leading to a series of amusing events. He is a mischevious character yet the most trusted one of the two siblings.
Instead of making her Bollywood debut in an eye-candy role like other Television actresses, Madan's first big screen appearance is something which will be stuck in your mind for quite a long time. The detailing she has displayed in her performance whether it is the way she holds her dupatta or the happy dances she does is enjoyable. Malhotra is a performer and we don't need a proof. Her second outing is dynamite. Genda Kumari is soft and not the one who ignites the fire, however, she is vengeful. Both the girls overpower their suitors in the very first meeting showing that they are here to take the charge.
Genda's Army boyfriend (Abhishek Duhan), who calls her Marigold and Champa's boyfriend (Namit Das), whom she calls 'Shah Rukh Khan ki aulad' live the dreams of their ladylove. The leading ladies' physical transformation into flabby characters for post-marriage portions also looks real. Sunil Grover and Vijay Raaz are phenomenal actors and they have added extra charm to their characters.
Vishal Bhardwaj, also the writer has used metaphors throughout the flick, calling for peace between hostile nations at the end. Comedy is situational and subtle. Pataakha will keep you engaged and entertained, however, there are moments when you think it is all set to end but that doesn't happen. Maybe because Bhardwaj wanted to give it a ' Bollywood ending'. You feel the need for the film to be chopped at the editing table to make it short and crispier. Thank god there are no unnecessary songs to hinder its pace.
Pataakha is fresh as its two leading ladies and genuine as its director.
Watch Pataakha Trailer:
Interview of Pataakha Star Cast