I had to come to Imdb to understand exactly what I watched. I saw three people in relationships but could not quite get a grasp of exactly who meant what to whom.
Now, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Often ambiguity adds another layer of meaning to a film. And I think that was the intent of thIs film. In this case, the relationship of the two friends-one in Mumbai an a short visit from New York-had a lot of backstory that we keep thinking is going to be revealed. We get fragments of information about each character, but they're random and incidental. There is nothing particularly defining about their status or in fact the purpose of their visit. We're given explanations of sorts, but they seem inadequate given the scope of the story we're being told.
I have mixed feelings about this film. The relationships of men who love one another feel modern and authentic. Motivation for the behavior of the characters is less clear, and that lack of clarity leaves me somewhat unsatisfied. I'm okay with filling in the blanks in films like this because sometimes what is unsaid can be more powerful than spelling things out precisely. In this case, I think we needed just a bit more.
Other reviews raise red flags over the sexual violence in the film. They seem to object to its inclusion, as if by depicting it, and the characters' reaction to it, social responsibility has been breached. I think that's naive. This kind of thing happens, and some people react to it the same way the characters do here. We don't like it, we don't like seeing it, but trying to wish it away doesn't help anybody. It is a major plot point and omitting it would have left even bigger holes in the story.
I don't regret watching this film, but I don't think I would recommend it. There are other gay themed films out there that cover this territory much better. However, if you're Indian and eager to see something modern about gay life set in India, you may we'll find it compelling.
