Praan Jaye Par Shaan Na Jaye Hindi Movie
Here's a show of realism with a dash of lime and a pinch of salt. Masala movie as they say it. Of course, a certain section of the audience (the so-called classes) may not find flavour with the subject for the treatment is quite raw and mass-oriented. But then we have had enough of those mushy kinda stuff and this one is indeed hatke.
Sushmita Sen plays the narrator and introduces us to a group of lower middle class Mumbaites, who live somewhere below the bungalows and above basti - in the chawl. Soon a co-narrator Ganpat (Vijay Raaz) takes us on a guided tour explaining the traumatic problems of each family. Then comes a builder who wants to construct a complex over the chawl but the residents refuse to vacate the place. Enter a new kind-hearted tenant (Aman Verma) who helps the other residents get huge loans. But soon it turns out that he's an accomplice of the builder. And just when the builder starts feeling lucky, another chawl resident, Laxmi (Raveena) plays a new trick to drive him away.
In between are spread many varied characters, some with whom you sympathize and others at whom you laugh. Manjrekar's screenplay alternates from intense outbursts to sarcastic humour. Also, the director makes satirical remarks on everything from Bollywood, victimized Muslim, Hindu fundamentalists, feminist organizations to blind religious faith. And perhaps in its attempt to deal with so many aspects, the movie at times tends to become heavy and unstable. The dialogues are a major highlight varying from wild and wacky to stark and hard-hitting ones. Of course, there are too many cusswords (I won't say unnecessary) and ironically the censor board makes obvious attempts to drive your attention towards them by making deliberate punches. The spoof scenes from movies like Sholay, Anand, Deewar (remember the mere paas maa hai scene) and some song parodies are totally hilarious. Also there's a philosophical take off on R.K.Laxman's common man.
Vijay Raaz takes the film's best lines and is a real delight to watch. Aman Verma gets good footage. Diya Mirza is likeable in her typical south Indian blonde character. Divya Dutta and Shwetha Menon leave strong impact in the bold scenes where they are shown getting officially raped by their husbands. Sadly Sushmita Sen and Manjrekar are totally wasted. Other regular side artists from the Manjrekar camp lend adequate support.
Entertainment Nimbu maarke!
Overheard snippets at the screening: Pran jaaye, sab kuch jaaye, par Mahesh Manjrekar ke mooh se gaali nahi jaaye. But then these same people were laughing and enjoying at his gaali-gags.
P.S. Warning: Viewing with conservative friends/family is not recommended to avoid embarrassment at times.
