Anwar (2007)

Dir: Manish Jha (also by him Mathrubhoomi)
This movie had potential. Alas, the lack of good editing spoiled it. As adaption of a short story in Hindi, the movie, according to me erred in the fact that it was too slow. Yet while your so called 'art' movies are also slow, it is coz the director is exploring thought provoking scenes. In Anwar similar scenes tend to be just irritants that force you to check the slider's progress on the media player.

The plot is certainly good and i believe the short story would make a great read. Probably an attempt was made to reproduce the text word for word.

I also felt that the movie failed to focus on a central theme. It explored several ideas in bits and pieces and tried to create a climax of sorts. To speak in favour of Anwar, the last 15 minutes were absorbing.

Siddharth Koirala plays Anwar and does a good job. Looks every part the protagonist, Anwar. Nauheed Cyrusi plays 'Mehru', the girl whom Anwar falls in love with. She looks great in the movie.

Eventually, a thought provoking film, if you can manage to sit through it. And ofcos, you could watch it for the mellifluous 'maula mere maula mere' song which is beautifully picturized.

Concept: 8/10
Screenplay: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Technical: 6/10 (Editing)

Overall: 7/10