The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Ji haan... `silence' speaks volumes

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 05, 2007
ePaper

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Ji haan... `silence' speaks volumes

THE SUMMER OF 18: Amitabh Bachchan and Jiah Khan in `Nishabd.'

Nishabd (Hindi)

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Jiah Khan, Revathi

Director: Ram Gopal Varma

Destroying the idols of custom, breaking the shackles of tradition, Ram Gopal Varma's Jiah enjoys a rare freedom -- for an uninhibited expression of sinful pleasure. As a girl confident of her body, sure of her mind, she nurses a pulse that knows no tomorrow. She is ready to walk together with a man more than twice her age.

Jiyo Jiah!

With "Nishabd," welcome the brave new Hindi film heroine. She does not expose her body in a sequence or two, she covers it here and there. Her long, oh so long, legs, her barely covered top... She is not apologetic about her accent either. The fact that in this love story of an 18-year-old girl with a 60-year-old man, she has just returned from Australia helps. And Jiah Khan, not much older in real life, plays a part even she would find difficult to replicate in a career that might just go places if she plays her cards well.

As a teenager falling in love with her friend's father, she is a delight. First you find her ravishing. Then, she shows the nuances in her craft. When she licks her lollipop ever so seductively, you know innocent joy was not on Varma's mind. When her words trail off, when her comic interludes jolt you, you know here is a girl who has what it takes to sweep men off their feet. And walk straight into their hearts.

Little surprise, Bachchan as a veteran photographer here remains smitten. But ignore him at your own risk.

Here is a master artiste who almost always manages to dig deep into his reservoir for a demanding role.

And how eloquent is his silence here as the teenager pops up the inevitable question.

And how poignant is his quiet expression when he realises that he is but a moth to a candle aflame!

Does her marry her? Does he make a virtue out of weakness? That is for the viewers to find out. Suffice to say the window of atonement remains open till the vault arrives. And until then, with a girl like Jiah, life is a breeze.

Yet Varma's film is not just about the two lead actors. It is as much about Revathi who as the dutiful wife waits in queue to get her conjugal due. For long she deflects the inevitable, then realises that she had let in a temptress.

Fine performances, engaging, subtle comedy, fine editing. Is that all to "Nishabd" so many people thought was based on "Lolita"? No, the film is as much about Amit Roy's skilful photography, Amar Mohile's background score and Amrik Gill's dialogue. That Varma is able to blend substance with style is to his eternal credit.

Watch "Nishabd" if you want to experience the summer of 18 again. Watch it if you dread being 60. After watching the overtures of Varma's delectable new heroine, you might just want to be 60. Fast.

ZIYA US SALAM

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh