Though it might bear some resemblance to 'Anand' and 'The Bucket List', 'Dasvidaniya' is very much its own film (and far better than 'The Bucket List' and 'Kal Ho Na Ho'). With its sheer subtlety, simplicity and touch of humour, it reminds me of the beauty of Iranian films. Rookie director Shashant Shah gives the film a unique treatment. It amazes me how a first time film director could make such a subtle film with so much attention to detail and astonishing use of symbolism.
'Dasvidaniya' could have easily become just another melodramatic tearjerker but Shah's wonderful sense of humour and poetic narration make this more than a pleasant experience and the character Amar Kaul is so big hearted (but at the same time easily relatable) that the viewer, while sympathizing with his illness, feels joy as he achieves his goal and shares his triumph. The entire film focuses on Amar Kaul, a typical loser and loner who works at a call centre(?). But, as the story continues, we discover that Kaul is no longer a mere loser. He is and has always been a man with a big heart but just like many he just lost his way somewhere in life and now strives to make the best of his last couple of months and live his life. Arshad Sayed deserves mention for the terrific screenplay and humorous and witty dialogues.
Vinay Pathak is phenomenal. Finally he gets the lead role every good actor would dream of and he totally nails it. This is easily one of the best performances of the year. He is supported by a strong cast that includes: a food-addicted bossy Saurabh Shukla, a vivacious Neha Dhupia, a fine Rajat Kapoor (with whom Amar shares everything giving him the bigger part and keeping the smaller piece to himself...including that of life), an eccentric Sarita Joshi, a hilarious Joy Fernandes, a convincing Gaurav Gera, a flamboyant Ranvir Shorey and a refreshing Manoylo Svitlana.
There are quite a few songs but I loved them all and they add to the expressions of the scene's mood. Kailash Kher can surely sing passionately.
'Dasvidaniya' is one of the rare Indian films of the year (and quite simply one of the finest) where it all, that is, direction, screenplay, acting, music and so on, beautifully fits together. This is a must see gem for everybody.
'Dasvidaniya' could have easily become just another melodramatic tearjerker but Shah's wonderful sense of humour and poetic narration make this more than a pleasant experience and the character Amar Kaul is so big hearted (but at the same time easily relatable) that the viewer, while sympathizing with his illness, feels joy as he achieves his goal and shares his triumph. The entire film focuses on Amar Kaul, a typical loser and loner who works at a call centre(?). But, as the story continues, we discover that Kaul is no longer a mere loser. He is and has always been a man with a big heart but just like many he just lost his way somewhere in life and now strives to make the best of his last couple of months and live his life. Arshad Sayed deserves mention for the terrific screenplay and humorous and witty dialogues.
Vinay Pathak is phenomenal. Finally he gets the lead role every good actor would dream of and he totally nails it. This is easily one of the best performances of the year. He is supported by a strong cast that includes: a food-addicted bossy Saurabh Shukla, a vivacious Neha Dhupia, a fine Rajat Kapoor (with whom Amar shares everything giving him the bigger part and keeping the smaller piece to himself...including that of life), an eccentric Sarita Joshi, a hilarious Joy Fernandes, a convincing Gaurav Gera, a flamboyant Ranvir Shorey and a refreshing Manoylo Svitlana.
There are quite a few songs but I loved them all and they add to the expressions of the scene's mood. Kailash Kher can surely sing passionately.
'Dasvidaniya' is one of the rare Indian films of the year (and quite simply one of the finest) where it all, that is, direction, screenplay, acting, music and so on, beautifully fits together. This is a must see gem for everybody.