Post by newauntie on Dec 4, 2013 14:59:23 GMT
I'm attaching the link from the old boards, it seems to have completely fallen under the radar.
www.bollywhat-forum.com/index.php?topic=35936.0
I just saw this little movie on a long transatlantic flight which had slim pickings... As I've heard nothing about it before, I went in with zero expectations and ended up loving it.
Arshad Warsi is Jagdish "Jolly" Tyagi, the downtrodden, small time lawyer who takes on a high profile case against a slimy and powerful lawyer, played by Boman Irani. While the plot is a bit stretched out, it's more a social commentary about the deep corruption of the courts and police force and their relation with the media, and how hard it is to keep one's integrity when facing temptation and power. Certain moments reminded me slightly of "Serpico", in that Jolly finds it very difficult to be the honest party when everyone around him engages in dishonesty and corrupt behavior.
Jolly's character is written beautifully, he's warm and passionate about what he does, desires to do a good job despite all the downfalls, but has his two eyes wide open and knows exactly how this world operates. He's basically an honest guy but definitely has his weak spots - his desperation and exasperation do cause him to deviate slightly at points, only to be driven back to his senses by his no-nonsense fiancé(Amrita Rao).
I can't say enough about Arshad in this role - I loved him in Ishqiya so I knew he can act, but this role suits him to a tee - he's so expressive and subtle, conveying so much with just small gestures and looks, but you feel the bubbling emotion in him and you root for him from start to finish.
Boman Irani is a total over-the-top ham but it works for him because his role is kind of a bigger than life shark-lawyer, who has everyone in his pocket and makes sure we all know it. Amrita Rao's part is small but pivotal, and she serves as Jolly's moral compass, steering him back to the right way when he "falls off the wagon".
The movie has many known character actors in bit parts which are both hilarious and disturbing - especially Saurab Shukhla, who plays the sloppy high-court judge who won't start the proceedings if his chai isn't served on time - and many incidental, small scenes, some incredibly heartbreaking and others which were so hysterically funny I laughed out loud(scaring the people in the seat next to me..).
The only disappointment were the songs which were nothing special, and very low-key dancing which is a let down for a good dancer like Arshad.