Udaan- film review

Each one of us has memories from our growing up days…some fond, some bitter and many in between. Grouping with friends, ‘bird’-watching, staying ‘out’ more than in house, confusion over deciding a career path, struggling against parent’s wishes, occasional rebellion and much more…if you wish to relive any of these moments, you owe it to yourself to watch Udaan, a realistic coming-of-age film…a first from India.

Story

Udaan tells the story of a creative boy - Rohan, in his early twenties. He is about to complete his schooling, but lives in a hostel, however gets expelled in the beginning reels of the film. The movie then depicts his trials and tribulations as the motherless boy is made to live with his aggressive, brutally strict, drunkard and often hypocrite father and a younger step-brother, Arjun.

Rohan wishes to be a writer / poet but dad dryly tells him to ‘chhod do!’. He instead wants his son to become an Engineer AND work part-time in his factory as a labourer. For him, even offering shelter and food is a ‘favour’ and he expects prompt returns from his sons by whichever means. And when little Arjun unwittingly makes him lose on a business deal, he hacks him to the point of hospitalization (shown only indirectly). Additionally, dad routinely insults Rohan by calling him ‘ladki’, threatens of physical abuse and makes him do the rounds of whole town at dawn. He is one dad from hell indeed. 

But amongst all this oppression and the obligation to address his father as ‘Sir', Rohan eventually starts to live his life on his own terms, albeit only at the super late hours of the nights, that too by stealing his dad’s car! He finds unlikely companions in his college seniors, who are wasting their life in booze, swearing and pub brawling. It doesn't exactly suit the characterization of a sensitive and moderately cultured boy that Rohan comes across, but he defends his misdeeds by terming them as the need of having 'a different experience’.

The only sympathetic shoulder he ever receives is from his uncle, who also later gives up on him after getting harshly insulted by Rohan’s dad for supporting Rohan. This incident brilliantly highlights the power of (bad) words, the language people use to insult others without even literally abusing, cutting them off with irreparable damage.

Treatment

In general, the film beautifully conveys many emotions without lengthy dialogue and excessive melodrama. Also, many scenes contain razor sharp and to-the-point interaction between characters, without avalanche of words. Due to a thin storyline the film admittedly drags in the second half, but the scenes aren't stretched to the point of boredom.

It is easy to see the dad as a villain and indeed, the film leaves no stones unturned to show his evil side by any means, short of sexual abuse. However, at one point dad confesses that he only knows this form of parenting as that’s how his own father treated him during his childhood. It effectively conveys the horror of bad parenting and how it can corrupt generations ahead. However, on one (trivial) occasion he apologizes to his sons, displaying his rare tender side.     

The cinematography is adequate, capturing the smog filled industrial environment of Jamshedpur appropriately. I particularly liked the background score that is played when Rohan is first made to jog with his dad. It gels so perfectly with what’s going on the screen. 

Acting

Acting wise, Rajat Barmecha as Rohan, given his natural cute boyish looks, wasn't required to display any acting histrionics and he does an adequate job. But the child actor who performs the role of Arjun is one fantastic find! He will tear thru your soul with his innocent eyes. He conveys such pure emotions and maturity thru his expressions alone, you can’t help but feel for him deeply. He is shown as a perfect counterpart to his brutal father. He was the reason I was chocked up on more than one occasions. Ram Kapoor, as Rohan’s uncle, also does an impressive job. Hats off to the casting director. 

Ronit Roy as the dad is a revelation. In Hollywood, you see many film actors ‘becoming’ the characters in flesh and blood, but in Bollywood, its very rare, except for some notables like Pankaj Kapur, Nasirruddin Shah, Tabu etc. Undoubtedly, Ronit’s performance in Udaan should make him stand toe-to-toe with these biggies. Forget anything you know about his image from Television serials. His acting in Udaan far outweighs many attempts from the so called badshah’s of Bollywood, who make hue and cry about their ‘acting skills’ even if they are nothing but glorified make-up miracles (see Amitabh Bacchan in Paa). Ronit's dialect, accent, body language, the sheer anger fuming through his eyes..he has enacted the part with complete understanding of the character and showcases his hitherto unknown acting capability in full force. He of course will not get any mainstream awards for Best Acting, as that will jeopardize the chance of our popular ‘heroes’ to get awarded for their stupid roles in hit movies (Imran Khan in "I hate luv storys", for example!!). However, if award organizers have any sensibility, I expect them to at least nominate him.

Final words

As a debut film from director Vikramaditya Motwane and co-produced by Anurag Kashyap, Udaan was India’s official entry at Cannes film festival 2010 and since then it is generating steady buzz amidst bloggers and lovers of good cinema, and for good reasons.

                             Udaan cast on Red carpet at Cannes 2010   
      (L to R: Rajat Barmecha, Vikramaditya Motwane, Ram Kapoor, Ronit Roy)

Udaan is realistic yet entertaining. Never preachy and subtle on most occasions. Although one can predict the film ending right away from its title, its the inspiring journey of this 17-year old boy that will stay with you long after you leave the cinema halls. Highly recommended!