7.5 is what I'd like to give this. After Kahaani, to me this was Vidya's best performance. This can't happen if the actor doesn't trust the director and his vision isn't clear. So three cheers to the writer- director who has clearly lived this world for a while before actually shooting. From the casting of the twin sisters, to using Vidya's body type to cast to, to getting the milieu of the characters right, to smaller details in art direction by Dhara Jain, there was so much to like in this film.
The lemon and spoon race telling us something about her priorities, how she views stabilities, risks, etc, her journey of finding her own space between a work life and home life as an ex homemaker....enjoyed it all.
There were portions that seemed like they slowed the pace down. But three parts made me feel like crying. When she sees her husband as the rickshaw-wala, when she beats and hugs her son at the same time and when Neha Dhupia finally asks her to do the 'Hello' thing and she runs away. gorgeous performance.
Neha Dhupia just blew my mind. I've never seen her in an acting part before and I was surprised to find that she's such a natural in a good role.
manav Kaul's characterisation was beautiful. Talks of a man trying to find in place amidst changing times and a destruction of gender roles. A beautful man. Performed well. Needless to say.
Even the kid was cast beautifully.
I hadn't gone to see the film for the first week. But then I went to see it in Gaiety-Galaxy. Stripped of all effect and fanfare, at Galaxy, in the balcony, I saw a film just for its story and performances, no sound design, no 5.1, no xenon projection etc. And fell for the film.
Thanks to the team. And yes, 'A film by Suresh Triveni and team' was a touch of class. Something I myself believe in.