Page 3

Page 3 (2005) : Brief Review -

A full-fledged exposé of entertainment journalism, PR machinery, business world & film industry. While widely acknowledged for exposing the darker side of cinema, I feel it is equally a meaningful film that dares to question the moral fabric of industries and people working in it. Bhandarkar crafted a powerful narrative filled with fresh conflicts, though unfortunately, he later turned many of these ideas into clichés in his subsequent films. Unlike Heroine, which felt more personal and limited, Page 3 retains a larger purpose. Told from the perspective of a journalist, the film could perhaps have had a broader impact if seen through a different lens, but its core remains compelling. While the entire story revolves around the entertainment world, the most remarkable character comes from outside it-crime reporter Vinayak Mane, played brilliantly by Atul Kulkarni. Mane dominates every scene, not just with his commanding presence but with his sharp intellect and biting words. While flaws can be found in nearly every other character, Mane's is portrayed with rare perfection. Konkona Sen Sharma delivers a memorable performance as an honest entertainment journalist struggling to survive in a fake and black world. The film opens by delving into one of the industry's darkest realities-PR-and instantly grabs attention. Bhandarkar maintains that grip throughout, weaving an explosive story with a gripping screenplay. Between the endless revelations of manipulation, betrayal, and moral compromise, he places a few deeply emotional and meaningful moments, preventing the film from sinking entirely into cynicism. Credit must go to Bhandarkar for his courage. Being part of the industry himself, it took real guts to expose its people and practices so boldly. Ironically, I can't say the same about today's world of entertainment journalism, which often avoids such confrontation. Even two decades later, Page 3 feels startlingly relevant, perhaps even more so, because PR culture, betrayal, and superficial stardom have only worsened in the digital age. Among Bhandarkar's trilogy of Page 3, Fashion, and Heroine, it is this film that remains his finest. The timing of its release was perfect-and its impact, lasting.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Yet again, Madhur Bhandarkar takes you on a ride to the wild side. And a remarkable one it is, literally and figuratively.

Mumbai hi-society -- stars and starlets, glam dolls and witch doctors, business tycoons and broker types, yep the whole stinking lot -- are in sharp focus here. In typical tabloid fashion, their worlds unfold, with every colorful story a clever sub-plot in itself.

A struggling starlet dumped by the producer after getting her pregnant, the stewardess and her high-profile husband, the pedophile businessman and his neurotic wife, the reporters and the police captain; all shades on display and countless hues in between.

Bhandarkar does a swell job of digging up the dirt on the drama kings, the dancing queens and the living dead. Atul Kulkarni packs a punch, as does Boman Irani and Sandhya Mrudul. Konkona Sen Sharma is effective as the ex-crime beat reporter, but she could have been dolled up a little in keeping with the job change and the party circuit.

Highly focused (running time 140 min) and refreshingly different film, well worth the money.

The first review I saw of Page 3 said "what is madhur bhandarkar finally wants to say?". Should he say something so decisive.

The most beautiful thing about Page 3 is it doesn't take sides. No propaganda whatsoever. This is the film that captures so many angles of an issue(I don't know what do I call as an "issue" here) and yet like any mediocre movie doesn't come up with an solution. I was so intrigued when I realized that the movie ended almost in the same scenario just like it started.

The movie defines so many characters who are completely with completely different priorities and different ideologies and yet they are all a part of the system which is all the more apathetic. I wish i can say more but there would be more spoilers ahead. So watch Page 3 if you wanna see one of the most mature films of the recent times.

I did not like Chandni Bar from the same director.

I did not watch his other movies. They came and went.

But Page-3 is nicely made. Seems real. Like Satya from RGV did.

The mental sickness of the so called high society is the summary of the movie. In the midst of all the sickness, its difficult to lead a normal life which the protagonist, Konkana Sen, does. Serious movie, not to be watched with children or expecting wives. Page-3 of newspapers is the usual place for reporting the activities going on in the parties of the rich and elite who indulge in much more filth then what is reported. How this Page-3 is also a business prospect is shown in the movie. Event management firms get paid to arrange parties and make a rich but not famous people famous overnight by clicking photographs with the celebrities invited to the party.

The western culture has crept into the high society of Mumabi quite deeply. The movie shows it boldly, no holds barred.

Madhur Bhandarkar starts a new journey from here.

Page 3 is most definitely a very enthralling and captivating eye-opener that very cleverly exposes the hypocrite lifestyles of Mumbai's elite. From the fake kisses to the plastered smiles, Page 3 leaves no stone unturned in revealing the shocking lives of the rich and the famous. Backstabbing, gossip, corruption, and scandal lurk in every dark corner in the world of glitz and glam. Humanity and generosity are analogous to an oasis in the desert in this world where Social Darwinism is the prevailing mentality. Everyone is constantly craving for more money, more fame, and a higher reputation, driving them to do the most shameful things imaginable ranging from signing film contracts at a funeral to child molestation. Anything is possible in this metropolis where there is a such a wide gap between the social classes. The audience sees the ugliness of both of these classes through the eyes of the protagonist. She observes the suffocating atmosphere and the mind-boggling frenzy that the socialites live in. Bollywood, business tycoons, politicians, and the underworld are all intertwined in a completely convoluted mess! Kitne Ajeeb Hai is a nice track as is the peppy Kuan Main Doob Jaongi. Terrific film with excellent character development!