Expectations lead us to disappointments, by and large. But with Imtiaz
Ali’s HIGHWAY, it is us who fall short of what to expect from this modern-age
master of romance. Imtiaz is known to dig up diverse human relationships in
order to drench us in the most vigorous and spirited emotions one can feel.
HIGHWAY is no exception in substance but definitely in its approach. Through
this journey of love, longings & togetherness in just not-so-feasible
settings, Imtiaz dares to push his boundaries as a filmmaker and comes up with
a love-story much darker, edgier and better than his bests.
Loosely based on ‘Stockholm syndrome’ where victim starts feeling
compassionate, concerned, considerate and connected to offender’s sufferings
that come as baggage from times of yore and drive him to perform such crimes,
HIGHWAY brings two damaged souls troubled with their respective haunting pasts
closer. Just a couple of hours before her wedding, Veera [Alia Bhatt as a revelation]
accidently gets abducted by a murderous gang of goons largely dealing in petty
illegal practices of land-grabbing & mugging on highways. Realizing the
fact that the father is a hot-shot industrialist having his connections rooted
in powerful politics and that their unplanned abduction could turn things on
their own; they, especially the leading man here cold-hearted Mahavir Bhati [Randeep
Hooda proving his comfort, ability and confidence in playing the character]
decides to stick with the plan. Not knowing where it could get them both, starts
the road-trip through scenic, rustic, mystic locales of North India.
Fans would agree that Imtiaz’s films have always been loud about life’s
very existence despite its own flaws and imperfections but here silence speaks
more. So, most of the times all you hear is submissive background score by AR Rahman
filling in to the subjective road-shots captured from behind the front glass of
the truck. Characters here have deeper secrets from pasts. Veera is a victim of
incestuous child abuse. Mahavir has seen a tormented childhood where his father
would throw his mother into sexual favors to his rich & powerful master. Sure
you haven’t expected all that in an easygoing Imtiaz Film. Sure you wanted to
get entertained with all candy floss romance and not some harsh reality that
speaks how women are unsafe even if they are in considerably the most secured
place for them called home. So, disappointment comes easy for you.
What you can not have any iota of uncertainty on is the performances. Alia
Bhatt is a surprise packet of the film. The presence, effortlessness, confidence
she shows is extremely rare for anyone who’s just one film old in the line of
work. She’s beautiful and she acts the same way. Randeep Hooda sinks his teeth
into the rugged, rigid, vigorously ferocious character of Mahavir. Watch him in
his final outburst as he hesitates to go on the crossroad that could either
take him to a better world filled with love & affection or could throw him
back in the pit of crime and hatred.
Breathtaking visuals, grasping soundtrack, juicy dialogues and
performances that will never leave you alone even after leaving the theatre;
HIGHWAY has it all but not for all. With the portions with docu-drama style of
shooting, extended shots, rhythmic travelling footage, reduced usage of dialogues;
it is not an easy film to watch. It’s different. It’s dark. It’s one of those
that add up your expectations. I am all excited to see what next Imtiaz Ali
could come with! Recommended! [3.5/5]
No comments:
Post a Comment