Kuttey

Ever watch long drawn slow motion footage and wish it would go a bit faster and get to the meaningful bit but it never does? Kuttey. Aasmaan Bhardwaj, in his debut, takes the baton from his father and tries to make a film in that Guy Ritchie and Tarantino space with intermingling heist attempts and long drawn conversations. The choice of style of direction is the "keep the camera in front of the actors and let them have a go at it" approach which works wonders if the writing is taut, dialogue is engaging, and the edit is tight. Kuttey fails on all three counts, causing a cascading effect that makes the actors look bad. Stalwarts working so hard on their performances and being let down by the writing and direction is difficult to watch. A lot of the acting looks like it was meant for stage. Editing style and the way events unfold is very similar to Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels but you see it all coming from a mile away. The only positive to come out of this film is the title track wonderfully composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, sung by Rekha Bhardwaj and based on the Faiz Ahmad Faiz's Kutte. The rest of the music is good as well. Except the reused Dhan Te Nan track. The pneumonic plays throughout the film and was a bit disappointing because you don't expect recycling from "art" filmmakers. It's one thing to use the track for promotions and to evoke nostalgia but then to play it repeatedly in the film was a bit excessive. Overall a very disappointing film given the long list of exceptional actors, producers, musicians and technicians attached to the project.

These days, directors think that if they can have their actors say curse words, they feel like they are making "The Departed" or something similar and feel cool about it. The only thing good about Kuttey is it's length, thank God director decided not to bore us beyond 01:49 as I was waiting for it to end so desperately. Other thing is, do yourself a favor and don't take your children with you as not only they will get bored but also they would pick up curse words as it has around 200 gaalis (yes I counted).

Expressionless acting by the lead actor (whatever his name is) and pretty average work by the remaining crew. Not worth your 250 rupees I would say so spend carefully. Let my sacrifice save something for you and watch for it on OTT which will be fairly soon I think.

When Konkona narrates the story of a dog,lamb and a tiger in the beginning of the film,I hoped the story would adhere to it for making the naming of the film as "Kuttey" justified and the epilogue significant. But the narrative doesn't even add up with that story,which is why I was wondering the importance of that fable told by Konkona throughout the runtime and at the end was disappointed with whimsical climax. The film is filled with cluster of events one after another which keeps you engaged but it feels like over-saturation after first half. The film follows a rashomon structure,and a labyrinth of perspectives and coincidences galore as it progresses. The screenplay lacks depth and fails to make the characters dark as the premise of the film demands. The visuals,score demands more grittier approach than the narrative follows,none of the characters were intimidating enough despite such a great ensemble. If you take out individual performances,none of them disappointed and again Tabu is a winner,what a brilliant performer. Kumud Mishra's character was given a gentle backstory which works well and the only character you could have a little bit sympathy for.

The visuals,the background score are terrific,also being a film school pass-out Aasman Bhardwaj intelligently crafts the action sequences and beautifully utilizes his knowledge of blocking in those. The one take action sequence during the heist evokes brilliance in terms of execution,and easily the best part of the film. Aasman's film is clearly highly influenced by the style of Tarantino,Guy ritchie and his own father's films. What I didn't get from this film is originality,which I was anxiously looking for. Aasman need to grow over his father's shadow and establish himself as an individual filmmaker. I assume he will grow as a filmmaker,because the sheer technical prowess he has regarding films ,what he needs is more polish in his narrative.

And last of all,Arjun Kapoor doesn't look like a sore thumb in the middle of a brilliant casting,he was not brilliant but certainly not someone who spoils the party,Aasman worked hard to bring out a credible performance from him.

Expecting more from Aasman Bhardwaz in future.

Such a baseless and illogical film I have hardly seen in last 10 years. Arjun Kapoor should leave acting field and start some gym work. This film is far far from reality and thats why people wont accept this kind of film. Direction wise this film is good but thats not the only thing that makes a film hit. Story or content is what people want today. People understood that Bollywood is trying to push its anti India agenda in every way possible. That is why I say Bollywood will soon dig its own grave. Naseeruddin shah, Konkona sen, Tabu acted well but Arjun Kapoor same old style. Henceforth this is my last film of Arjun Kapoor.

Everyone in the movie is portrayed to be oversmart. Dialogues are bad. Its almost like 10 year old dialogues in a new wrapper. Mumbai police has been portrayed as corrupt from the inside out. I think Mumbai Police should object this utter nonsense portrayal. There is no entertainment whatsoever. The peon in my office looks smarter than Shardul Bhardwaj. What an absolutely waste actor. He is good for a spot boy. Maybe bhardwaj surname got him this role. Arjun kapoor n tabu's acting is horrible. Its a complete waste of money. Radhika, naseer, kumud are okay. Otherwise, its a really boring movie. Feels like the movie is 3 hours when its just one hour 45 mins.