YEH SAALI ZINDAGI is a striking example of new age cinema. A daring film with a brand new approach, it's impulsive and engaging with skilful direction and power-packed performances as its strong points. This is one more solid attempt that takes the graph of Hindi cinema to a greater level.
Rating: 3.5/5
Overview:
When you saunter into a cineplex to watch a Sudhir Mishra film, it's given that this maverick film-maker will serve you non-formulaic stuff. As a viewer, I liked some of his efforts [IS RAAT KI SUBAH NAHIN, HAZAARON KHWAISHEIN AISI], but a few didn't live up to my expectations. His new film, YEH SAALI ZINDAGI, has already generated the buzz for a variety of reasons. It's 'controversial' or 'provocative' title being the key one.
Story:
Arun [Irrfan Khan] has to save Priti [Chitrangda Singh], the woman he loves, but for that he first has to save the man Priti loves, Shyam [Vipul Gupta], the future son-in-law of a powerful Minister. Meanwhile, time is running out for Kuldeep [Arunoday Singh], the young gangster who is on his last job as his wife [Aditi Rao Hydari] is threatening to walk out on him and he begins to suspect she is leaving him to go into the arms of another man.
The job has gone haywire for it is still unknown to Kuldeep that the Minister's daughter's engagement with Shyam is off and now she doesn't care whether Shyam lives or dies and more importantly, neither does the Minister who Kuldeep hoped would pay the ransom. Priti finds herself inextricably caught in this mess and Arun has to save her life. But for that he has to risk everything and put his own life at stake, he wonders why he should do it at all, if she still loves another man. He's torn, but love knows no reason.
Music:
The soundtrack of YEH SAALI ZINDAGI bears a different sound, especially the title track. Sachin Krishn's cinematography is perfect [the locales of Delhi and outskirts are well captured], but the only problem is that most of the shots have been dimly lit up, which may not be a problem at city plexes having good projection systems, but would pose a problem at smaller towns for sure. Something that even Vishal Bhardwaj had agreed with my viewpoint during KAMINEY.
Dialogue:
[Mishra and Manu Rishi], are straight out of everyday conversation. The hoi polloi in particular would relish the cuss words, which are generously interwoven in the narrative.
Background score is electrifying and the editing [most parts] makes the goings-on impactful.
Performance:
YEH SAALI ZINDAGI is embellished with gifted actors and as always, it's Irrfan who leads the pack with a superb performance, holding your attention from the very start. He's aggressive when required [with Saurabh Shukla], but docile when handling matters of heart [Chitrangda Singh]. Chitrangda looks stunning and matches up to Irrfan in most parts. In fact, her screen persona is so strong you can't take your eyes off this lady.
Arunoday continues to climb the ladder with every film. The youngster excels in his part and stands out not only because of his towering personality, but also because he's a complete natural.
Aditi Rao Hydari is very good.
Saurabh Shukla is an accomplished actor and he proves it yet again.
Sushant Singh is first-rate,
Vipin Sharma is utmost convincing,
Yashpal Sharma is remarkable and
Prashant Narayanan is superb, as always.
Vipul Gupta is another talent to watch out for.
Conclusion:
Sudhir Mishra is back in form. You need a strong belly to stomach this one!
The climax would meet with mixed reactions, especially the 'bullet' sequence. It would've worked big time in a Manmohan Desai film, but in view of the fact that Sudhir Mishra walks the realistic path, it's a bit difficult to absorb. Nonetheless, it's a brilliant way to end the film!
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