Mithya – Truth, Lies and beyond!

(Photos) Consider it a woman’s instinct or a biased psychology, I always had a feeling that Rajat Kapoor is synonymous with good Offbeat Cinema. I remember watching him do a class job in advertisements and some worthwhile action in the television, and then he came in playing the role of an old child-abuser in ‘Monsoon Wedding’. It is difficult to say why but I knew, he was going to stay right here and act in some good movies and when it comes to film making, I think now the time has come to disclose his silver. ‘Mithya’ is not exactly a surprise but with movies like ‘Raghu Romeo’, ‘Mixed Doubles’ and ‘Bheja Fry’ from Rajat Kapoor, it was quite expected. Arindam Chaudhuri’s ‘Mithya’ is a very well narrated lie, with everything from dramatic, comic, roman antic, thrilling and tragic elements stirred well in it. Mr. Chaudhuri has some how amended for his sins by making ‘Rok Sako Toh Rok Lo’, a good choice by putting money in Rajat Kapoor and letting him do his bit peacefully.

Rating: 3.5/5

Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey in Mithya

Though not exactly a Mainstream, Parallel or Alternate Cinema, this movie is an offspring of the new breed of experimental movies that is round the corner. Bollywood is now ready for directors like Nagesh Kukunoor, who are interested to try their hands at Mainstream movies. Be it Rajat Kapoor, Ranvir Shorey, Saurabh Shukla, Vinay Pathak, we just expect sensible cinema from them. Remember ‘Khosla ka Ghosla’ or ‘Mixed Doubles’ or ‘Bheja Fry’, these actors have weaved such realistic portrayals that they made, not only the masses but the niche audience glued to the seat. Keeping in mind their past endeavors and specific acts, they seem to be the true descendants of French Cinema.

The concept of the movie is, however, a regular one, the Bollywood Dreams, much like ‘My Name is Anthony Gonsalves’ and ‘Superstar’ the two other movies that have similar kind of plots. The other factor that makes the movie fall into the masala category is its other theme that deals with double roles and character switches, say movies like ‘Don’. We have had seen such themes but what puts this movie at a different level that the other movies is the superb screenplay and script by Saurabh Shukla and Rajat Kapoor and the capricious impact that they create without fail. Through out the movie you feel you are on a hilly and tricky expedition.

Sourabh Shukla in Mithya

The plot revolves around a struggling actor VK, played by the natural and talented Ranvir Shorey. He plays VK, who is a small time actor who wants to make it big in Bollywood, but grabs small roles to keep his body and soul together. While he is tussling around his struggle enacting Hamlet, his look-alike Rajebhai is enjoying a hunted life as an underworld don. And by sheer chance VK plays a significant role in the dirty game of underworld. Gawde, played by another talented actor Naseruddin Shah, and Shetty played by an inimitable Saurabh Shukla, who are the rival dons, wish to kill Raje and place VK as his puppet in that gang. They take the help of Sonam, who is the don’s sexy moll, played by Neha Dhupia, who is also a struggling actress, to groom VK. Now, when the plot is ready and VK is all set to put on Raje’s shoes, he meets with an accident and looses his memory. The struggle between our protagonist’s dreams and destiny makes it worthwhile to watch. We also have some amazing gags by Ram played by Vinay Pathak and Shyam played by Brijendra Kala. They pull you in to spells of laughter, but how we would have loved to have some more of them? We also have a wasted Harsh Chhaya, who plays the role of the Don’s big brother Bhanu. We have a very good performance from Iravati Harshe, who plays the role of Revati, the perfect wife of the don, to the perfection. Now, with this bunch of master actors, even Neha was able to act well, we can’t really expect anything but a hilarious screen time. The credit goes to Rajat Kapoor, however, he could have scored 10 on 10 if he had managed the humor well in the second half as well, though no doubt puts in enough masala for a roller-coaster ride!.

Neha Dhupia in Mithya

Made for an intelligent audience, it definitely does the task pretty well. Sagar Desai does an ok-ok sort of job with the movie’s music. It is heard that this movie is chosen for the Osian Film Festival. It fully deserves it, with beautifully written script and seasoned characters played by only handful of good actors we have now in Bollywood. Finally, you feel that you have not wasted your money and that you chose this film over others. The master craftsmanship of the bunch of movie maker and actors here make you feel involved deeply into the intriguing plot by and by without the slightest wish to buzz from the seat at all. Now with multiplexes, the parallel cinema buffs got a scope to come to limelight, but the movies we get to watch owing to it, is just simply amazing. We have after all come towards entertaining an international audience. Bravo Mr. Kapoor, you deserve all the praise!

Rating: 3.5/5

— Mahua Ray for Hamara Photos