Tags
Aparna Sen, Konkona Sen, Love, Photography, Rahul Bose, Terrorism, Ustad Sultan Khan, Zakir Hussain
Poster..
Indian Cinema has focused on the topic Terrorism and the rampant political issues which take place in the country since ages. Mani Ratnam’s Roja, Bombay paved a new path for films in this theme where the story doesn’t look over dramatic and too realistic for the viewer’s senses! During the days when I used to be confined only to either Hollywood or Regional films, I happened to watch this particular amazing film Mrs and Mrs Iyer on Star Movies- on one eventful night ( Many great films I watched were in unexpected consequences- don’t know whether it is the same for everyone!!).
People who did not watch this film (or who just read the synopsis) for sure would feel it’s the same theme in a different context- and of course in Indian-English cinematic manner. But the brilliance of Aparna Sen- the director is shown right from the beginning of the frame- Let it be the introduction of the female protagonist of the film, an Iyer housewife Meenakshi (Played Phenomenally by Konkana Sen-daughter of Aparna Sen!) or the casual talk which happens between the different people traveling in the same bus- before the journey begins. The journey is incidentally from Arunachal Pradesh hillside to Kolkata.
The film starts with Meenakshi’s parents asking Raja Chaudhary (Rahul Bose’s best performance till date), a Wildlife Photographer for help during the journey as their daughter is travelling all alone with an infant. Raja looks quite relaxed and easy going in the first look and he just agrees for word-sake (Which gets proved terribly wrong as the film unfolds!).
As the titles roll, the mesmerizing title track of the tabla Ustad Zakir Hussain is heard- which made me feel why this gentleman doesn’t do more composing for films! The track “Don’t Look Away” is so soothing and reflects the calmness which one feels in the hillstation areas! The music even has an eerie feel which indicates something serious is going to happen in this journey our main protagonists Raja and Meenakshi are in!
The story takes a serious turn when some riots happen in the middle of the mountainside and Muslims are targeted by the fanatics. This is the time Raja reveals Meenakshi that his original name is Jahangir and he is a Muslim, and hence he is leaving the bus so that rest of the people would be saved.
Things take an interesting turn when Meenakshi (for some intuitive reason) rescues Raja from the fanatics saying that Raja is her husband-and hence the film’s name Mr and Mrs Iyer!Raja decides to capture the sad events of the riots on a chilly morning day, with a wonderful song “Gustakh Akhiyan” in the background. Watch the montage here:
The film touches so many sensitive issues which everyone in India can relate to- let it be the caste system, or the regional bias people have, and the wonderful concept of dealing situations while in trouble. When people are in dire situations, the traditions, customs, or the prejudices go aside and humanity comes in the forefront.
Meenakshi- the strict Iyer Tamil Housewife!
This is what exactly happens with Meenakshi. A Tamil Iyer by birth, and having strictly conservative ideas, she initially despises to even talk to Raja when she comes to know he is of Muslim origin. Despite being educated and well off, many people react like Meenakshi even in real life. But Raja is such a wonderful person that anyone would feel to take him as inspiration- as far as living life is concerned. He is utterly helpful to Meenakshi at every juncture, focused on his work (Photography) and has open minded nature which makes the viewer think- can there be people like this really in real world!!
Raja Chaudhary- one perfectly crafted character!
It is truly magical to watch Rahul Bose and Konkona Sen together in this film- they literally shine in every frame they appear, and the chemistry works wonders. The film speaks even about the delicate relationship which the main protagonists have, at the time of violent troubles!
One particular scene which is my most favourite from the film- where Raja invents a fictitious story about his love and marriage to Meenakshi (as a cover up) when they are stranded in the journey due to the curfew. The audience happen to be a bunch of giggly girls who travel with them, and they keep on prodding questions about how Raja and Meenakshi met and got married. The way Raja narrates this story just makes the audience( and Meenakshi as well) feel it is so convincing to hear!
Raja telling an amazing fictitious love story..which becomes real later!
If a wildlife Photographer with strong ideals gets lively- that is Raja Chaudhary from Mr and Mrs Iyer!
At one point of the time, Raja and Meenakshi get very close to each other- emotionally as well as naturally! Aparna Sen makes sure their relationship isn’t like opportunist or just for the sake of including love story. The scenes are excellent to watch on screen and the serious discussions between the lead characters- about Riots and Living life- is another treat to watch!
Raja Consoling Meenakshi- aftermath of a dreadful riot incident!This forms the foundation for their bonding!
Just like every journey comes to an end, but the people whom we meet in certain journeys are unforgettable- the film ends poetically by Raja handling over Meenakshi a film roll (Which has Meenakshi’s exclusive pictures taken by him) and leaving the Kolkata Railway station with wonderful memories in his heart!
A must watch film for every person alike- whether a movie lover or not! It makes the viewer re-think about how life is being led, and I must admit my Photography interest has started fervently after watching Rahul Bose’s realistic portrayal of a Wildlife Photographer in this film!
Happy Photography Times..Raja and Meenakshi!
Eternal Movies 