Not used to watching movies without a known name so did not have any expectations at first, but surprisingly something kept me drawing in to the film from start to last frame. (Insider tip: don't leave until the last frame :). I found the film not only watchable but also compelling. It is a great film for many reasons.
Life! Camera Action... is two movies in one. Amazing story and moving meaning. Although the film is perhaps a little slow in fully developing, the consequent results are astounding. At times, I felt that the pace is slow but that's how a real drama is. It's a very smartly done movie. Unknown cast (that allows us to immerse in the story), real locations, real feel just as it happens in real life. Nothing flashy or dream sequences that leave us with just dreams never to come true in reality. Some times the music is overboard but that did not disconnect me from the entire movie. I couldn't help but care about Reina (Dipti Mehta), Mike (Shaheed Woods), Parents and desire to find out what happens to them.
Uncle at the restaurant (Noor Naghmi) is a look alike of a Bollywood iconic actor Navin Nischol. For a minute I was puzzled at his resemblance. His scenes are awesome. Great chemistry between him and Reina. Love Reina's birthday and audition scene. Camera is shaky at few places that made couple scenes distracting but just like music, this doesn't do much damage to the entire picture. In fact it added to the tension, so to say. DVD store scenes are hilarious. Actors are totally unassuming. The final scene (superb performance by Dipti Mehta) took me completely by surprise. Totally unpredictable and touching!. There are two songs and both are beautiful and heavenly. Feet-tapping music. Theme song "Hain Yeh Kaisa Safar" is everyone's safar (journey) in someway I would say.
I loved the opening school scene especially the definition of filmmaking. "We get to learn how to make people like you sit in a dark room for two hours and watch all the sxxx that's running in our heads, and above all, we make you pay for it. Fortunately we never get to see the sxxx running in your head". Wow. well said. Love it.
Another favorite: "To be born with a personality is an inherent gift from our parents, but to live as a personality is an achievement of our own and a return gift to our parents". Very well said. This movie also reminds us of our basics: Our source: Our Parents (very reason for our being). They are usually seen as interference in our careers not realizing that they are the only two who unconditionally loves us and are our well-wishers. This movies embarks on such a journey and connects all dots along the way.
Life! Camera Action...is about following your heart calling. We all hear our callings but seldom follow them. This film shows that nothing is impossible. The theme is so universal and so very appealing; that I can assure it will stay with you long long after the movie is over. And for some like me, I think it'll stay forever.
LCA is one of those films that is bound to give you a perspective on your own life.
