User reviews

Rituparno Ghosh's The Last Lear is an artistic though slightly simplistic work. I did not really like the film being in English but obviously it wouldn't have been possible in Hindi or Bengali, considering it's about a Shakespearean actor. The story is interesting, and the idea of taking an old, Shakespearean theatre actor (Bachchan) and casting him in a motion picture is intelligent. Not less impressive is that despite the film being entirely about Bachchan, all the other characters are well-written. Every character is portrayed as a struggling person. In his way to become a film actor, we meet several characters through Bachchan's Harry: his co-star, Shabnam (Zinta), a model-turned-actress who does not know how to act and what to do with her film career, and who has problems with her jealous husband; Siddharth (Rampal), an arrogant independent filmmaker; Vandana (Shah), Bachchan's mistress (double-meaning); and his confused nurse, played by Divya Dutta. I think the film was well written, although it does become a bit slow at times. Harry's character is wonderful - an artist who insists to work on his own artistic terms. I liked Bachchan's scenes, I liked the scenes of the three women who have a nice evening on the day of the film's release, I liked the scenes of Bachchan and Zinta together, their conversations about what acting is.

Bachchan is extraordinary - one of his finest and most difficult performances ever. He is intense, generous, impulsive, and his English line delivery is spectacular. The film belongs to him completely, although the rest of the cast do a good job. Preity Zinta is extremely vulnerable as Shabnam. She lets go of her bubbly, vivacious image completely, and is portrayed as a very conflicted woman throughout. Although she gives a fine performance, I don't find it up to the level of her work in her commercial films - I generally prefer her in roles of vibrant and strong women who are full of life. Anyway, I liked the scenes in which she smoke anxiously, I liked the scene in which Bachchan teaches her how to release tensions by screaming, and she breaks down (this scene has appeared several times in different films), and she was particularly impressive in the film's last scene. Shefali Shah turns in a brilliant, exceptional performance, not that I expected any less from her. Arjun Rampal and Divya Dutta are very good as well. I knew from the very beginning that this film would not work for the wide audience, it's a film for people who like artistic films and festival stuff. This is not a particularly entertaining film, but I enjoyed it mainly due to Bachchan's performance.

I've run into comments about this movie that call Amitabh Bachchan a scenery-chewer in this movie. I'd say he's not. That makes it sound as if you're going to get Prithvirraj Kapoor in Mughul-e-Azam -- but Amitabh's character, Harish Mishra/Harry, not AB, is himself something of a scenery-chewer, and in fact in The Last Lear he gives a nuanced performance of maybe the best character I've seen him play in this career phase, and maybe ever.

(Most coincidentally -- the current New Yorker Magazine - Nov. 19, 2007 -- has an article, "The Player Kings," about this kind of bigger-than-life Shakespeare guy,Orson Welles and Laurence Olivier.)

It's wonderful to see major "Bollywood" stars take on straight acting roles in English. And for some time I hoped Preity Zinta, cast as Shabnam, an actress Harry's co-star in the film he is making, would be given something like this to do that used the mature intensity I thought I saw in her.

Importantly and fascinatingly to me, The Last Lear takes the 75-year-old Harish Mishra and us eventually and starkly into some of the themes of King Lear, not that you have to know the play to be affected by his performance as a retired/withdrawn Shakespearean stage actor in Calcutta, persuaded to take his first film role by Siddarth, the hotshot young director played by Arjun Rampal.

I'd say it's only in the last maybe 20 minutes of the movie that you might start having a cascade of recognitions about the Lear themes here. This guy is irritable and cranky -- plenty of scorn for the movies heaped on Arjun -- but also wise, loving, and fully responsive to life. In a great scene on an outdoors shoot in the mountains, you see true delight replace bluster when the old actor, on a film set for the first time, catches on to the filmmaker's way of using shots of unguarded conversation to compose his story.

What makes this powerful old guy verge on boorish in one situation - he declaims Prospero's big speech about his mastery of the spirits to the back of the house in his own smallish living room, to teach Arjun something or other -- makes him a wise counsellor for his co-star Preity in the next, when he uses what he knows about both life and art to push the unhappy and inexperienced young film actress to shout her anger out to the faraway mountain top, and we can feel and see her grief unlock and blood start to flow.

The movie begins explosively on the Diwali when the film is having its opening, with a fight in a fancy flat between Preity, Harry's film co-star, and a man she lives with who is hectoring her offensively about where she's going. She's going to visit Harry instead of attending her premiere, and he now some kind of invalid. Her character is strong and self-possessed, somebody a woman would want for a real friend. She's also somewhat bottled up.

In the course of a long night with fireworks in the background Shabnam, Shefali Shetty as Vandana, Harish's long-time companion, and Divya Dutta as Ivy the night nurse, form a world in Harry's old Calcutta flat, furnished like the home of a London stage actor at mid-century, and the story leading up to the accident on a film-shoot in the mountains unfurls along with their own stories.

The back-story scenes of Siddarth and Harry meeting in Harry's flat, quoting Shakespeare and bonding over watching guys relieve themselves against the wall outside on the closed-circuit TV Harry has installed, are comical and moving.

As the night goes on - it's really a night of metabolization of what has happened -- the night nurse is fired and then offered tea, and she's agitatedly trying to get hold of a boyfriend who, like Shabnam's man, is a persecutory, entitled jerk, full of offensive accusations, and the two older women -- try hard talk her out of submitting to him.

By dawn when Preity crosses the threshhold into Amitabh's room, I think you start to get it about his tragic flaw - I am not spoiling things if I tell you it has to do with his pride - as well as the flaws in someone he's trusted -- that's ended him up in a tragic situation, and thus you're prepared for the brilliant full emotional finish that follows.

One thing I'd hope for from another viewing is a better understanding of what's going on with a shocking decision made by Arjun's character.

I haven't said much about Shefali and Divya, but they are wonderful. Vandana is loving, loyal, angry, exasperated -- if the spirit of Cordelia is in the story, it's distributed between her and Shabnam; Divya is adorable -- she supplies a comic presence -- and touching as a girl who probably can't help going down a tube she's been warned about, off into her own tragedy in the name of love.

I hope the actors found this first English-language movie as rewarding to make as I found it to watch at a film festival, but I also hope this finds theatre release in English-speaking places – if it doesn't, that will be a tragedy.

Those who really love watching movies and fan of Indian cinema,then for those this is a special movie.One thing which makes this movie so special is director Rituparno Ghosh and the great legendary actor Mr. Amitabh Bachchan along with Preity Zinta,Arjun Rampal and Shefali Shah.There is no doubt about the movie as we all know the movie is awesome,a Shakespeare's play based movie with lot of great actors and all were awesome in the movie.Amitabh Bachchan came with a role named Harish,a stage actor and he was brilliant in the movie.For me this is his best performance in this carrier.In the end,The Last Lear is a brilliant movie with brilliant actors.

Being a Bengali,i love watching Bengali movies but watching Amitabh Bachchan in an English movie is a treat.And one more thing which attract me towards this movie The Last Lear is Priety Zinta.The way she dressed,her makeup,she carries herself beautifully.I find her very beautiful in saaries with a big bindi on her forehead. She looks so beautiful in the movie,the funniest thing is i used to copy her most of the time but can't look exactly like her.For me,she is the most beautiful actress in our bollywood.The movie is based on Shakespeare's play,the way Rituparno explains the story of Harish played by Amitabh Bachchan is just mind blowing.All must watch the movie,the movie can't be missed.

I watched "Raincoat" I thought it was "Satyajit Ray with commercial sensibilities" product. Needless to say I was excited about Rituparno Ghosh – Big B combo. "If not better than ¨Black¨ at least equal" was my expectation.

Rituparno is excellent when it comes to extraction the best in terms of performances, so lets not even go there.

The spoilt-sport is the content itself which fails to connect. Too many flashbacks hamper the narrative. The screenplay could have been sleek and execution more taut.

Yes, there are many layers to the characters in the movie but a few of them unwarranted leading to overkill. "Two is a party and three is a crowd", thereby one-to-one conversation between Preity & Shefali would have been apt. Divya Dutta's character was unwarranted, perhaps forced to drive the message of domestic violence and abuse.

Unlike others from the same clan, I expected Rituparno to be secular but guess he succumbs to blowing the trumpet. Too many Bengali references and unnecessary mouthing dialogues in Bengali.

O. Henry kind of ending was decipherable in "Raincoat" but in "The Last Lear" the open-ended question seemed more like a can of mysteries.

" Tragedy in the form of King Lear's play is not new to Shakespeare fans. However , Rituparno used King Lear as a character sought to be played by Harish (Amitabh) ; a veteran stage actor primarily on Shakespeare's plays. However, the basic crux of the film "The Last Lear" is neither about Shakespeare primarily nor King Lear. So what was it all about ? Well here you go – 1. Dying Art form and the desire to perform one last time – Harish played by Amitabh is an ex stage artist on Shakespeare's plays. He now lives a retired life in unknown alleys in Kolkata along with his live in partner 'Vandana' (Shefali Chaya). Harish is a purist who had a last desire to perform the lead role of the tragedy King Lear, however his past did not allow him to play it. Hence there is a fire in his belly to perform Lear which will never come as films today have killed stage plays. Hence Harish hates films and differs to agree it as an art form. The film moves on where 'Siddharth'(Arjun Rampal) offers him a script of a character known as 'Maqbul', once a renowned skillful clown who goes jobless because of invasion of TV in life of kids, commits a crime and absconds.' Maqbul' then lives in the hilly slopes, secluded looking for a perfect opportunity to run away from life and Police. The character of 'Maqbul' reciprocates that of Harish himself and he agrees to play the lead role in his first film. 2. Women – Like most Rituparno films Women play a pivotal role in the "The last Lear". There is a common facet here, viz. Men taking Women as a moral right to bully and try to control them. The film shows the same act of bully with the nurse of Harish, with the co-actress 'Shabnam', with 'Vandana' as Harish's live in partner. This flow is shown in common across the society. 3. Tragedy – King Lear divides his property among his daughter and ultimately becomes insane in strange circumstances. 'Maqbul' too is tragic who falls from a cliff while escaping Police in the climax and so does Harish who refuses to take a dummy action lead and dictates to do the last climax of Maqbul himself and get's his backbone fractured. 4. Film within Film – Maqbul's story drives the main film. There is a film within a film. Harish is basically 'Maqbul' in some ways. 5. Confusion and gaps in contemporary Indian film production – Its diwali when the film finally premieres. This is not strategic but due to a planning blunder. Siddharth the director does not want to meet media, The lead Heroine Shbanam (Preity Zinta) runs away to Harish as he is bedridden and overall the lead 'Maqbul' is missing too.

However, I would be candid in saying that this is a very complex film and if someone does not like Shakespeare much he would be bogged down by the numerous dialogues which the film uses. See this film if you love Amitabh and just admire the acting skills of him. For sure, it's also one of the best performances by Arjun Rampal as the young director. Rituparno did a great job but this for me is not his best work but definitely in his top 10. As I leave you in the wonderful world of the clown Maqbul and his dying arts I ask you all, how will you fell if you give 30 years to a profession and excelled in it, but just to realize that today your expertise is history; a null and void past. What you would have done if you were Harish/Maqbul ? Would you have taken a second chance to do your best , one last time ? If yes, then you too are the Lear ! "

The Last Lear is a very special film for cinema lovers.What makes the film so special is the coming together of director Rituparno Ghosh and the legendary Amitabh Bachchan along with Preity Zinta,Arjun Rampal and Shefali Shah. No doubt the film is really good as could be seen during its world premiere at Toronto International film festival,where it received tremendous reception and was highly appreciated.Amitabh Bachchan who plays the role of Harish,a Shakespeare age stage actor is brilliant in the film.This could be said to be his best performance till date.All the stars in the film,be it Preity Zinta,Arjun Rampal or Shefali Shah,are exceptionally good in the film. People should see the film to see Amitabh Bachchan's brilliance.He is simply awesome and with each of his movies shows a completely new face of his acting skills.The last lear is an outstanding film by Rituparno Ghosh supported brilliantly by his actors.

The Last Lear is a very intelligently and well-made movie. Shakespearean dialogs and references are used cleverly. Amitabh Bachchan is mesmerizing. Once again, he defeats his toughest competition--himself. He improves noticeably with each and every film. As his character demands, Amitabh gives a performance full of passion and vigor. Each scene is very nicely executed making it a pleasure to watch be it when the three women are dealing with their frustrations in the middle of the night or when Amitabh and Arjun are trying to stop people from urinating in public areas. The emotions are beautifully relayed across the screen. Shefali Shah is also fantastic. I'm not an avid reader by any stretch of imagination, but I enjoyed this one. However, those who are put off by art cinema might not fancy this flick.

It is a move made in english language, very uncommon for the big star Indian directors. Yes, even though making art films till his death, Ghosh was a very much celebrated star by then. You will understand this from the lead of this movie based on Utpal Dutt's semi-autobiographical play 'Ajker Shahjahan'; the Amitabh Bachchan. It also featured a cool ensemble from bollywood - Preity Zinta, Arjun Rajpal, Divya Dutta and Shefali Shah - who were actually playing the non-lead counterparts of Shakespeare's 'King Lear'. Just came to my mind, this movie is even more enjoyable now where the ageing, narcissistic actor is showing tantrum to the new age director whose views are not understood by the old man.

Just over a year ago, I had heard about this movie and that it was being released. But then nothing happened. Then finally it has been released and it was worth it. Ritupatrna Ghosh has done what no other director has done since Aparna Sen released "36 Chowringhee Lane" in the early 1980's – a movie with Bollywood stars in English, mixed in with some Hindi and Bengali.

An ageing Shakespearean stage actor, Harish Mishra, quits acting a week before he is to due to give a performance of his life in William Shakespeare's "King Lear." But then a movie director persuades him to work in his film and once the filming starts, the ageing stage actor, trains his co – star in pitching her voice.

Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Arjun Rampal, Shefali Shah, Divya Dutta and Jishu Sengupta, this is one movie that can be considered to a speciality one. Aparna Sen's style of direction has been applied here in the most effective manner for a movie. It gives one the feeling that they are watching a Shakespeare drama on a screen and I am saying this from my own experience in not just studying some of the bard's dramas, but also having acted in one many years back. The director has taken all the efforts in portraying the characters in the rightful manner related to a Shakespeare drama that unfolds and does not have a dull moment ever.

It can be said that this is Amitabh Bachchan's best performance – not that it needs to be mentioned. He truly shows what acting is all about and his versatility as an actor can clearly be seen.

What made this movie so interesting besides the Shakespeare side of it, is that its starts off from an intriguing and inquisitive point and then through the back flashes everything unfolds. This is not a typical Bollywood style movie with songs and a dance troupe or with all sorts of glitz and glamour but it is a simple story, which is enjoyable for those who enjoy Shakespearean style acting.

Conclusion: A movie that is most definitely worth watching but not so if one does not fancy watching something that does not have songs, etc and more so if one doesn't like Shakespeare.

Hail Indian Cinema and its talents, Hail the contemporary age of film making but also Hail the old school concepts and Hail Amitabh! Over the last period or so, quite very often nowadays, I have begun taking notice of the fact that along with the usual plagiarized concept of movies and the typical trend setting commercial Indian entertainers which when once appears, seems to come in a chain or pattern one after the other with the same level of thoughts and stuffs, comes some outstanding masterpieces comparable to the best of World Cinema and compete with the classics of the past and present. Are we having a dearth of talent in terms of versatility in Indian Cinema when it comes to direction and movie making? Well the answer is certainly a big NO! HOW? Well, How about some movies that include taaren zameen par, a Wednesday,Mumbai meri jaan and now add to that..The Last Lear.

I haven't sent much of Rituparno Ghosh's work but I have labeled him as a talented filmmaker but after seeing The Last Lear, I believe first I have to applaud him and then label him as one of the best directors in the country at the moment.It was simply exceptional.I would never had thought that such a movie would ever be made after the days of Satyajit Ray. I was literally in awe of the performances and also the story. I have a taste for movies of every genre and I can separate quality from crap but when it comes to making of a movie as The Last Lear and watching Dr. Amitabh Bachchan give a performance of a lifetime, I just didn't know how to separate quality from quality.

Amitabh Bacchan as we all know is a versatile actor and is a mark of greatness in the Indian Film Industry.Along with the likes of Nasseruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal,Anupam Kher, Om Puri, he has been the pillar of strength only and only in terms of pure acting talent and when it comes to role personification and giving powerful performances.When we talk of acting, we generally think of delivering or presenting the role of a character of a story in front of the audience and playing the character in the most skillful manner possible so that more than anything else the viewers gets to know the character and the character sells the movie to all.But nowadays,it's the actor who consumes or engulfs the character and not the other way round and sells himself and not the character. Almost everyone does that.When we look at a movie, we see a Shah Rukh Khan or an Aamir Khan or Hrithik Roshan or Rani or Preity etc not the characters.In the last lear,after a long long time that I see the character of the movie Harish and not Amitabh Bacchan because what Amitabh did was he became Harish and was not seen anywhere as the personality that he is.Amitabh Bachchan was at his imperious best.The direction and plot was outstanding and the movie was so well conceived that it just grabs you like anything.

Right from the beginning, when we know not as what has happened when slowly till the time Jishu sengupta(the protagonist) brings light towards the events that takes the movie forward and enter the characters one by one. First, Preity Zinta was very good.Portraying Shabnam, an actress troubled with her marriage and personal life, who decides to take a visit at Harish's residence who is dying on the day when his first movie is being premiered.Arjun Rampal meanwhile contemplates some thought that worries him.Soon we get to see the whole plot unveil itself and what exactly happens in it. How amitabh Bachchan, a man who was once a stage actor and used to play the characters of the different plays of Shakespeare being completely obsessed with Shakespeare and still lives in the lines of the plays gets to first meet Jishu and then Arjun rampal. How arjun convinces Amitabh to act in his directorial venture in a film and how the relationship between him and Amitabh(Harish/Harry)develops as between two friends and also between a director and an actor.Also unfolds other strong relationships between Shabnam(Preity) and Harish. The scenes describing the shooting of the Film, the colourful events during the shooting and also the how the film reaches its climax through the film's description.The story of the plot unfolds is narrated both by the protagonist( Jishu) and Preity Zinta who meets Shefali Chhaya(daughter of Harish).The events in the house of Harish that take place in between the scenes of preity, Shefali and Divya Dutta(the nurse) are also quite realistic and well crafted.The small events in Harish's house when he first meets Jishu for an interview about Neeraj marked the introduction of Amitabh in the Plot and it was fabulous.How Harry watches everything from the window outside and scorns the public for anything he sees wrong. From the first lines that he shouts "Idiot" to the mocking of the people who litters on his boundary walls is just amazing. The way Harry suddenly breaks into the Shakespeare characters time and again is superb. The ending of the movie is so very touchy and awesome that the character of Harry just consumes one. The technicalities of the movie were brilliant.The camera-work, background score and editing was fascinating.What really impressed me the most was the cinematography. The way small stories within the major plot take place is also so beautifully crafted. I won't reveal the plot anymore though I 've already spoken a lot but what I can say is a masterpiece has been produced.If anyone is interested in watching genuinely good movies as this one, please watch it and if you like it, write your comment here.I don't think it'll be very different from that of mine.Simply exceptional

The movie is simply amazing as it shows the brilliant combination of two great people.Amitabh Bachchan and Rituparno Ghosh are two legends in their own field. Last Lear is a movie about how Amitabh Bachchan, also playing the lead role in the film wants to be a great stage actor.Preity Zinta,Arjun Rampal,Shefali Chhaya were among the other casts in the movie.Believe me,all have given tremendous performance. in the film.Amitabh Bachchan needs no word to describe his acting.He is always super in any role that he plays.Arjun Rampal perhaps can be proud to be a part of this film.It is one of his best film where he has played his in a much better way than what he does.Preity Zinta is in a completely different role and is superb. Great direction,great screenplay,good story line and amazing performance- last lear has it all and must not be missed at all.

Rituparno Ghosh. Amitabh Bachchan. William Shakespeare. I had already started loving the movie when I knew these were the names involved. An intriguing movie in typical Ghosh style, where people quietly sit and talk and the narration is by means of flashbacks. The story is that of an ageing and ailing stage actor being persuaded to act in a movie, which happens to be his last, and has been left in a coma as the aftereffects of the shooting. Idiosyncratic, vain, impetuous he is, occasionally lashing out at the modern world, and using too much of Shakespearean verses in normal conversation. Though AB looks funny in the poster, he looks amazing in the movie, and has delivered an intense performance. Preity Zinta's role is her most un-bubbly one, and her English dialogues are only slightly better than the rest of the cast, in which case they sound like recitals. Out and out an AB film. Watch it for him.

The last lear is simply amazing as it shows the brilliant combination of two great people.Amitabh Bachchan and Rituparno Ghosh are two legends in their own field. Last Lear is a movie about how Amitabh Bachchan, also playing the lead role in the film wants to be a great stage actor.Preity Zinta,Arjun Rampal,Shefali Chhaya were among the other casts in the movie.Believe me,all have given tremendous performance. in the film.Amitabh Bachchan needs no word to describe his acting.The way Harry suddenly breaks into the Shakespeare characters time and again is superb. The ending of the movie is so very touchy and awesome that the character of Harry just consumes one.A movie that is most definitely worth watching but not so if one does not fancy watching something that does not have songs, etc and more so if one doesn't like Shakespeare.The story is very good supported by equally good acting.The movie and its maker deserves all applause and appreciations!

The last lear is an excellent film and movie lovers had the great chance to see the awesome combination of Amitabh Bachchan and Rituparno Ghosh.Both are masters in their film and very rarely we get the chance to see the director working with Bollywood legends. The film is about Harish Mishra played by Amitabh Bachchan.He is a huge fan of Shakespeare in the movie and wanted to be a successful stage actor like any other fan.Arjun Rampal plays the role of a director and the last lear can be considered to be his best film as an actor till date.Preity Zinta and Shefali Shah are also in the film as Shabnam and Vandana.Shefali particularly is superb in the film and deservingly won the National awards too for her performance. The last lear is an awesome art film.People generally do not like art films but this is a different film and backed by brilliant performances,I don't think any one would like to miss it.Watch it to experience the brilliance of Amitabh ji as Harry.

Rituparno Ghosh has taken all the efforts in portraying the characters in the rightful manner related to a Shakespeare drama that unfolds and does not have a dull moment ever.In the movie,Each scene is very nicely executed making it a pleasure to watch be it when the three women are dealing with their frustrations in the middle of the night or when Amitabh and Arjun are trying to stop people from urinating in public areas. The emotions are beautifully relayed across the screen..The movie talks about Harish and his love for Shakespeare's plays and theater.The movie shows how he wanted to be successful as a stage actor but on his last performance he goes in comma.If you want to know more,watch it by yourself !

The awesome combination of Amitabh Bachchan and Rituparno Ghosh can not be missed.Amitabh Bachchan's breathtaking performance is something that can't be missed.Rituparno Ghosh is one of the finest storytellers from Bengal and for this film,he chose Utpal Dutt's play 'Aajker Shahjahan'. The movie is in English and is an absolute treat for all those people who love watching movies specially art film. Talking about the movie,the movie revolves around Harry(played by Amitabh Bachchan)who is veteran Shakespearean actor who is so passionate about theater.Preity Zinta plays a young model turned actress Shabnam, who bonds with Harry through a very different bond.The rest you all should watch it by yourself.

I have seen The last lear last weekend and find that the movie is awesome.I usually go with bollywood movie but this time because of The Great Amitabh Bachchan and planman production i have watched the English movie and the movie is brilliant.I came up with a huge smile after watching the movie. The Last Lear will give you the chills, but in a good way. Each actor and actress have given justice to their roles and have made this an exceptional movie experience. It's so perfect and the segues are just right that you don't get time to notice any flaws, if any. On the whole, it's very evocative and is brilliance. I recommend that you watch it.

The Last Lear is a brilliant movie made excellently by Riturparno Ghosh. Amitabh Bachchan is equally excellent in the movie,as always.Amitabh Bachchan has given a lifetime performance in this Shakespearean age play. The Last Lear is the story of an aged theater personality who claims to have set the stages ablaze with his performances. The kind of actor who considers himself too good simply because he just cannot be bad.Each and every scene has been beautifully shot and the emotions of actors are beautifully relayed across the screen. I am a complete movie buff and enjoy watching English flicks and this is one is among those movies that I enjoy watching.The movie may not be liked by people who don't like art films but will be fully enjoyed by all keen in watching such movies. The story is very good supported by equally good actors.The movie surely deserves a 10/10.

The Last Lear,also Amitabh's best performance,magical combination of Amitabh and Rituparno Ghosh.One of the best movie of Indian Cinema.For me,the last lear is an Oscar winning movie.The story is really different and Amitabh Bachchan who plays a Shakespearean age actor does full justice to his role.Preity Zinta,Arjun Rampal &Shefali Shah are also too good in the movie.Preity looks quite weird in such serious roles because of three kind of girl she is but she has done good job.I loved the movie more so because most of the people in the cast.Preity Zinta's English dialogues are only slightly better than the rest of the cast, in which case they sound like recitals. Its a complete Amitabh Bachchan's film.

THE LAST LEAR is the story of an aged theater personality who claims to have set the stages ablaze with his performances. The kind of actor who considers himself too good simply because he just cannot be bad. The kind of thespian who breathes Shakespeare and would kick you out of his house for not knowing you're A Midsummer Night's Dream. That is the larger than life personality that we meet by the name of Harish Mishra, aka Harry (Amitabh Bachchan). Alongside Bachchan's scene-stealing, the ultra-popular pair of Zinta and Rampal manage to hold their own on screen. It's an interesting paradox to watch a star like Zinta deliver a good performance as a woman who's widely known as a bad thesp.

This is the only art film that I have seen till now.What actually intrigued me to watch this film was the presence of Preity Zinta in a very different and intense role.I am a fan of her and loved her in her role in this film as well.A cheerful and bubbly lady playing the role as such in such brilliant way is simply mind blowing. Not only her,the film includes Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role of Harish Mishra,a Shakespearean age stage actor wanting to be a very successful stage artist.Shefali Shah,arjun Rampal are also a part of this multi starrer film along with Divya Dutta.Everyone has an important role in the film and all are very good too.I have hardly come across such multi starrer film where everyone is so brilliant.The credit for all this and the outcome goes to director Rituparno Ghosh,a big name in the world of cinema.Amitabh Bachchan is excellent as Harish and it goes on to show the versatility of the legend. The film was an excellent platform for most of the actors to prove their worth and they have done it very well. The very combination of Rituparno and Amitabh is the USP of this beautiful art film by the Planman motion pictures.

The Last Lear is a movie based on Shakespeare's play and after watching the movie you will surely realize how amazing the director Rituparno Ghosh is.The movie talks about Harish and his love for Shakespeare's plays and theater.The movie shows how he wanted to be successful as a stage actor but on his last performance he goes in comma.Planman production always came up with brilliant star cast and this time they have taken the great Mr. Amitabh Bachchan.Not only him,all the other star cast priety zinta,Arjun Rampal and others all were very nice in the movie.Amitabh always experiments with his roles and have tried to show the mature and intensive performances day by day.

The Last Lear is a movie that should not be missed by anybody.I really like the movie and i can watch this movie again and again.The movie is purely based on Shakepeare's play.The last lear is about Harish Mishra(Amitabh Bachchan),a retired Shakespearean theater actor who spent precisely more than thirty years on stage and then suddenly quit.He is immensely passionate about Shakespeare and believes that nothing even comparable can ever be written, knows all his plays by heart, lives in those stories, condemns modern cinema and considers theater as a much higher art form for directors and actors to convey their message to an audience. As the story unfolds, one gets to know Harish's relationship with Vandana, the reason behind his quitting theater and last but not the least the reason for his illness.