Udaan

For some reason I have been postponing watching 'Udaan' until finally I watched it last night. I figured, why shouldn't it be the first film I watch this year? I had only heard many good things about it but even then it surpassed my expectations. 'Udaan' is one of those rare Indian films that scores high on every component of filmmaking, be it, direction, writing, cinematography, casting, score... It looks authentic and it feels honest.

What particularly stands out about 'Udaan' is how true to life it is and at the same time it's not a documentary style film but one with a great big heart that tells an inspiring story of a teenager fighting for his dream to become the man he aspires to. Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap have done an outstanding job in the writing department. It's very detailed without being showy, poetic without being operatic, subtle without being too restrained and poignant without being preachy.

In addition, Motwane does a phenomenal job translating the words from paper to screen. The narrative style is superb and remains consistent throughout. The characters are very human and easily recognizable mostly because of how the relationships are depicted, with sincerity.

Shetty's cinematography works in a subtle way. Every frame is photogenic but not to the point of looking like a postcard or being distracting. Trivedi's score is used very efficiently, never intrusive but rather contributing by echoing the mood of the sequences. Kalra's editing is solid as never does the pace feel uneven nor does the film lose its focus at any point.

Now coming to the performances, each and every actor's portrayal is genuine. Starting with newcomer Rajat Barmecha who is spot on as he looks the part and acts sublime. Ronit Roy finally gets a role that showcases his previously unknown talent. This is definitely a breakthrough performance for the actor who's been in movies for almost two years. While his portrayal of the authoritarian father is haunting one can also sympathize for him as he himself is a victim of abuse and he really does believe that he's doing the best for his sons and yet shows signs of regret at some of the wrong decisions. Ram Kapoor is equally convincing as the supportive light-hearted uncle who is the polar opposite of the quick tempered father. And of course, last but not least, there is young Aayan Boradia who delivers one of the most accurate performances of a child. It's amazing how, mostly through non-verbal gestures, he displays Arjun's innocence, loneliness, quiet suffering and longing with such precision

While most of the first act and second act of the film depicts Rohan and Arjun's quiet suffering, the final act is excellently cathartic. I don't mean cathartic in the sense that events take an explosive turn that involves loud confrontations. Here it's rather matter-of-factly but at the same time energetic, invigorating and symbolic. Even though I was expecting what Rohan would eventually do for himself to escape his father's imprisonment, there are some precious little surprises that happen along the way, making 'Udaan' a one-of-a-kind gem.

'Udaan' is a celebration of the human spirit. I'm very glad I picked this movie to start the year.

Quite often the cinema of India is unique to its cultures. On this occasion however, we're presented with a universal story. A taut relationship, often violent, aggressive, and abusive, between a father and his son, with two amazing performances taking centre stage. A picture, a perspective, a tale that will sadden and upset, but reflective of so many who have, and continue to find themselves in similar positions within any number of countries and cultures the world over.

You might find the poster of the movie a bit misleading – because the poster and the trailer of the movie seem to suggest that it is college- teen story. And Udaan is anything but that. It is, however, a intensely heartfelt movie with a strong emotional connect – and with so much realism, that I cant shake the feeling it is, to a large extent, autobiographical. Even though it is populated with largely unknown faces, set in a bleak industrial city, yet this movie will linger in your minds for a long time after you exit the hall.

The plot of the movie is essentially a two liner. A 17 year old is kicked out of boarding school for playing truant and is forced back to an apathetic father – and to a 6 year old half brother he didn't know existed. Stuck in a small town with no friends, forced to study engineering and work in his father's iron and steel works, Udaan is a story of Rohan's struggle with his loneliness and desperation. It is not pure entertainment, but it has got a lot of soul

The overbearing character in the movie is Bhairav Singh, played by Ronit Roy. A despotic father (with some probable army background, though its never suggested) – who does not listen to any opinion that doesn't match his own and runs his life with army-like discipline. He even insists his sons call him Sir. He stands starkly in contrast with his younger brother, the affable Ram Kapoor. He is the only beacon of light in Rohan's new world.

And amongst them, sitting quietly in a corner is his younger brother Arjun – who doesn't speak much, yet wins your heart.

Everything from the background music to the photography is perfect for the movie – Amit Trivedi's music melodious yet not distracting from the movie and the bleak shots of Jamshedpur accentuating the void that Rohan feels around him.

Udaan is a coming-of-age movie that you will identify with because of its honesty and sincerity. Newcomer Rajat Barmecha delivers one of the most subtle, yet effective roles in sometime – putting up a stoic face against the circumstances, yet showing us the vulnerable teenager within. The movie takes a slow pace, which in my opinion is essential for the viewers to share Rohan's desperation – but some of my friends thought otherwise. That is probably the only slight flaw in this fabulous movie. Highly recommended

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Vikramaditya Motwane's 'Udaan' is a film, that lingers your memory, and gives you the hope to live your dreams. The film has everything going for it, it has a touching story, proficient performances, hummable music & striking direction. It's A Winner All The Way!

Rajat Barmecha stars as Rohan, who, after being abandoned for eight straight years in boarding school, returns to the industrial city of Jamshedpur and finds himself closeted with an authoritarian father and a younger half brother who he didn't even know existed.

'Udaan' is an inspiring story. Screenplay by Motwane & Anurag Kashyap is brilliant. Their protagonist, is not a passive one, he has a goal, that of becoming a writer, which has been stabbed by his authoritarian father. The Screenplay allows it's Hero to get courage in himself. It starts superbly, and continues it's momentum to the end.

Motwane's direction is great as well. The Cinematography is able. Amit Trivedi's Music is hummable. The Editing is killer.

Performance-Wise: Rajat Barmecha is wonderful. The youngster lives his character each moment. Ronit Roy as the authoritarian father, is electrifying. The actor performs like never before! Aayan Boradia is a wonder child. A dependable actor! Ram Kapoor as the polite & understanding uncle, is lovable. Manjot Singh appears fictitious.

On the whole, as my summary says, One Of The Finest Films Of 2010! Strongly Reccmended!

With "Udaan", director Vikramditya Motwane has proved that he is here to stay and be the 'change' that we are all desperately seeking. "Udaan" is so brilliantly written, directed and acted that it just mesmerizes you with its story telling. Rohan's journey after being expelled from boarding school in the city of Jamshedpur working under his tyrant father and the way his character evolves simply touches your heart. Little bit of one liners shared between Rohan and his friends stay with you. Rohan's younger step brother is absolutely fabulous and even if he spoke barely few dialogues in the movie, he made an impact by his sly little demeanors. Character of ultra strict father played by Ronit Roy is so well crafted and acted that it is very much believable. To top it all, amazing music from Amit Trivedi gels so well into the movie that it lifts the spirits up by tons. At the end, kudos to the whole team for delivering such a lovely work.