Liar's Dice

I was looking for Babumoshai Bandookbaaz on YouTube. The video I clicked defaulted to Liar's Dice which actually I had never even heard of. Anyway seeing that it starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui I decided to watch. That the first part was set in heavenly Chitkul was another factor.

To start with, this film is very poorly shot as though by an amateur with a hand held camera. The storyline takes considerable effort to discern and even Nawazuddin's expectedly good acting as well as the stunning Chitkul scenery did not do much to enhance the movie.

The sets were quite realistic and all the characters looked like they were real life locals roped in for the film. Perhaps if the cinematography had been better, it would have helped. Though the plot needed better definition either way.

I do not know how awards are dished out. Liar's Dice didn't really deserve any.

I like Nawazuddin Siddique.

He reminds me of Stephen Graham (a fellow scouser).

An aura of someone you wouldn't straightforwardly think of delivering an acting masterclass but delivers every time.

I have seen Nawazuddin in a number of films. Never disappointed by him.

So, the reason I watched Liar's Dice was simply because he was the draw.

Glad I did.

I honestly had no idea of what to expect and with all the horrible situations that people find themselves in Big City type Indian based Independent films, you think, eeeek this could go sideways.

Put it this way, the film concentrates on the goal throughout. Where is the husband?

And that drives it all the way to the conclusion, providing closure (and you have to really pay attention to the last few minutes to then ascertain in your own mind) to the lives of the three road companions.

The ending is beautiful. It makes you think a little.

In terms of storytelling, this isn't that gangster led modern Indian film. This isn't a Bollywood musical. This is good storytelling and even though there aren't any dishoom dishoom (fighting) scenes, you think you would get from a film heading for the big city, it nevertheless never leaves the viewer bored or unengaged. You really want to know what happens next.

In fact, the characterisations are excellent. From the wife (excellent acting) who is (in her own way) determined to locate her husband, to the daughter who is a lovely touch, to the extra traveller who has his own agenda (or does he?).

I googled the explanation for the ending (I had an idea, I just needed someone to confirm my thoughts) and it was as beautiful as it was shown.

If you had Leonardo DiCaprio and say Emily Blunt as the leads, set it as a road trip to Hollywood and people seeking work....you'ld be looking at oscars.

It's really good. A lot better than the regurgitated recycled fantastical dross that some film companies churn out.

It's different and it's worth watching of a quiet Sunday (when you feel in a reflective mood).

Definitely one for Indie film lovers and modern Indian film lovers.

Nawaz's character was bit confusing but overall the way story been portrayed from the very beginning; it is worth watching.

Great background, everything seems real, great story.

Life of any other migrant worker. Painful.

This is a very focused, gorgeously shot and tense film. If features characters from the fringes with little resources searching for lost ones. With only fleeting hope of restoring a happy life with a loved one that has vanished into the modern maze of anonymity, the lead actress leaves her picturesque mountain village to embark on a desperate journey into the suffocating wilderness of megacities and the violence fostered by money. Shot with a naturalistic realism and a patience to allow the audience to breathe in both stunning natural and urban scenery, the film presents a powerful visual exploration of a woman struggling to restore a life she once had, and the looming threats of abject urban poverty that threaten to swallow her pure soul. I recommend this film for those looking to understand life for those without material wealth, and an audio visual experience of cities that most films won't show.

In a desperate search for her missing husband who has not been in contact for five months, Kamala decides to travel to Delhi where Harud, her husband, works as a construction worker. Kamala, her daughter Manya and their pet goat, meet the mysterious army deserter, Nawazuddin, along the way and they make their journey together in search for Harud.

The film explores serious issues such as the dangers faced by unaccompanied women in public, the absence of workplace safety practices, as well as the recruitment and exploitation of poor migrant workers, the myriad of nameless people who are regarded as a mere statistic to whom this film is dedicated to.

Despite the dark underlying themes, the highlight of the film is the beautiful cinematography as it takes us on a journey from a remote village in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, which is on the border with Tibet, through to the colourful and chaotic streets of Delhi, a big city which preys on the urban poor, where not even a goat is safe.