Makrand Deshpande’s directorial effort tackles the interesting idea of fan frenzy over filmstars. The maverick actor, who won some critical acclaim with Hanan , his debut film as director, has in a sense approached a novel theme. While Bollywood and its stars are bigger than ever, no one has actually tapped the subject yet.
For inspiration, Makrand didn’t look beyond the towering Shah Rukh Khan. At the centre of the story is Laali ( played by newcomer Pritika Chawla), a flower girl off the streets. She defines the masses in every way, who really make our moviestars worth what they are. Laali is an SRK fan, she wants to star opposite him in a film someday. That bit is laid out early on, although for now she is happy selling flowers on the street.
One day, a swanky car stops at her regular post at the signal. Someone inside wants to buy flowers. Laali is stumped because the man inside is Shah Rukh Khan. As the superstar buys flowers from the girl, he also compliments her on her looks. The problem: back in the slum where she lives, no one is willing to believe Laali. The bigger problem: glamour seems to go into Laali’s head. She seriously starts believing SRK will rid her of all troubles.
The film moves at a languid pace, at times rather too languidly. Makrand, who has also scripted this effort, tries pepping up things with the odd twist. To his credit, the writer- director presents an authentic portrait of life on the streets in Mumbai.
Hope, despair, love, hate, joy and anger on the streets come alive through deftly-handled sub-sequences.
Newcomer Pritika fits in her role well. The prop cast is a talented one. Kay Kay Menon as Laali’s brother is good as always. Of course, you get the bonus of Shah Rukh Khan playing himself. It’s been a while that the superstar has been visible on the screen, so even a tiny cameo looks good enough.
Rating - 2.5 / 5
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