Mee Raqsam

Sensational is what attracts attention. But in the ordinary there is a lot that gets overlooked that can stir you up. The Director did make sure you are emotionally intrigued whenever you see a father standing by his daughter or when the daughter has no idea of how the religious lenses view her, or when the religious custodians always fail to understand the innocent pleasure of an artist. There is no talk of correction or feeling sorry of why things are like that or what is right or wrong, it's about love all the way! Things are left the way they are while the protagonist makes her brave choices and moves ahead with life. And yes, the true sense of the fact that your friend belongs to a different religion does not come to you till you are out of your college, till some custodian points it out for you harshly. Are we most Indians not like this ? Glad someone showed this side in the movies because for most of us, that side never matters beyond friendship.

The movie does have a lot of positivity in a subtle form without going overboard. And after a long time, I felt good hearing the sound of a Sewing machine, this is the one most of us grew up hearing. It says a lot about dignity of labor, of a man who knows his craft well, of people who are real, like all around us.

Mariyam (Aditi Subeidi) does a fine job with a natural performance! Way to go. Movie rests on the shoulders of Danish Hussain, who delivers an envied performance, mostly an underplay but not losing a nerve of reality. Most actors seemed to be from theatre which works well including Kaustubh Shukla, Shradha Kaul, Juhaiana Ahsan, Rakesh Chaturvedi and all others. Naseerji is the face of the movie and lights up the screen with his mere presence, whenever we see him.

Movie has its flaws, but worth ignoring below the positives. Hats off to Baba Azmi and Shabana Azmi to bring out such a story. The world definitely need something positive. The Director never went preachy and the story remains as the one of a passionate mind! The movie leaves behind a good taste, go for it! I could well imagine the viewpoint of a few real life examples who challenge the normal.

This movie touched heart with acting and story. Scripts, dialogues, screenplay all were so good.

Every child is special who has unique skills which if identified at early age, can make the child realize potential and will help to achieve the dream. You need to believe in their abilities, cherish and nurture them. Mee Raqsam, released on Zee 5, is beautiful tale of bonding between father-daughter through thick and thin times.

Mee Raqsam (means "I Dance") tells the story of Maryam who aspires to become a Bharatnatyam dancer one day but is swayed away by low-thinking community in her village who stands in way to achieve her dream. However, her father Salim is determined and believes in Maryam's love for dance and stand against the entire community even though he has to sacrifice to make ends meet.

Directed by Baba Azmi, who was a cinematographer, Mee Raqsam is a powerful and engaging drama. The film is simple and yet powerful, goes on to prove that a talented person cannot be stopped if supported by the right people and at right time. The film charms its way through the very beginning and each and every frame has been perfectly shot. The first half has its glorious moments - the scene between Salim and his daughter Maryam will move you, Salim's standing tall against his community who oppose his daughter participating in the Bharatnatyam dance is pretty solid. and the dance sequence performed by Aditi Subedi is engaging. Hats off to Baba Azmi for standing out in his first film itself.

The film does have its share of flaw as well. Few scenes in the second half begins with melodrama - Maryam easily getting selected for Bharatnatyam dance competition could have been shown with few more shots of her dance skills while the dance sequence in the climax could have better. Also, the editing and music (very important for a musical film) takes a back seat in the second half and should been trimmed for few minutes. Nevertheless, the film never loses its track and overall satisfaction will compensate for few shortcomings. Art direction is great while Cinematography (Mohsin Khan Pathan) is splendid. Screenplay by Hussain Mir and Safdar Mir is good while casting is perfect.

Mee Raqsam belongs to Danish Hussain and Aditi Subedi. Aditi Subedi proved that she is here to stay and should go a long way in terms of acting. The charming actress emotes expressively and her bonding with Danish Hussain is phenomenal. Coming to Danish Hussain, he is simply mind-blowing. Hats off to his performance as single father who does not give up on his daughter's passion. I also liked the young actor playing the role of supporting auto rickshaw driver. Naseerudin Shah in a special appearance was just about okay.

verall, Mee Raqsam encourages you to chase your passion and live your dream. Very good attempt - Go for it 3.5 /5

#FinalVerdict

Presented by Shabana Azmi and directed by her brother, the acclaimed cinematographer Baba Azmi, Mee Raqsam - which literally translates to "I Dance'' - is an honest attempt at tackling a bold theme. A terrific film that will stay in your heart!

Mee Raqsam is an ode to Kaifi Azmi Sahab. Although an effort like this is sure to find its share of bouquets and brickbats but the message that the film conveys resonates loud and clear, without getting preachy.

Till sometime back, certain themes were kept locked inside the almirah. Delicate and sensitive issues and relationships are slowly stepping out of the closet. On celluloid. Written by Safdar Mir and Husain Mir, Mee Raqsam connects with every segment of moviegoers. Director Baba Azmi has treated the film with utmost sensitivity. There are several scenes that linger in your memory for a long time and prove the director's command over the script and medium. A welcome change from the oft-repeated themes which degrade a woman no end!

But Mee Raqsam isn't a foolproof product. It has its share of flaws. The turn of events isn't captivating at times. The characterisation of certain characters and their track seem incomplete. But the film packs in so much, there's no time to think or analyze.

Mee Raqsam is soaked in reality. It takes the realistic route without bowing to market diktats or over-stretching realities. The film stays true to the material. Besides, the director along with the team of writers stay away from the tried-and-tested tropes. There's a strong emotional connect as the film depicts the delicate relationship shared by a father and his daughter most realistically. The drama is spot-on. The emotional quotient is heartrending. Moreover, the culmination takes the film to an all-time high.

George Joseph-Ripul Sharma's background score is effectual. The DoP (Mohsin Khan Pathan) deserves tremendous praise for doing complete justice to the vision of the director. Dialogue empowers the film wonderfully. Pooraj Kapoor's editing is watertight.

Mee Raqsam is a Danish Husain show all the way. Newcomer Aditi Subedi is truly fantastic. Way to go! Naseeruddin Shah, Shraddha Kaul, Rakesh Chaturvedi Om and Sudeepta Singh are mature performers. Shivangi Gautam, Juhaina Ahsan and Kaustubh Shukla inject freshness to their respective characters.

To sum up, Mee Raqsam is director Baba Azmi most accomplished work so far. He deserves brownie points for narrating the story with flourish. The narrative style is simplistic, yet solid and that's what catches your eye. Watch Mee Raqsam On ZEE5 right away!

This is not a big-budget movie, but is is a film that I will remember. A simple desire of a girl from a small village to learn dance, and the tensions that creates in her small world, a steadfast father that will stand up to much stronger men for his daughter, and a daughter that is willing to sacrifice for such a father. Naseeruddin Shah has played his negative role really well. The acting is pretty flawless, and the movie is well directed. I watched it with my family, and they loved it, especially my teen.