Manmarziyan

The best adaptation of Casablanca

Ever since Casablanca(based on an unproduced stage play, Everybody comes back to Rick’s) was released in 1942, time and again, film makers have an irresistible urge to adapt it. 

This adaptation of Anurag Kashyap is probably the best adaptation of Casablanca, till date. 

My friend Arunkumar VR, after watching Manmarziyan, was wondering, if it had the stamp of Anurag Kashyap.

I am tempted to revisit, what has defined Anurag kashyap over the years.

To my mind here are some of the consistent, recurrent AKisms

Brutal Honesty

Nil space for Hypocrisy

A seething anger against Status Quo

4. An undercurrent of overwhelming concern for the society       at large

Wit, Sarcasm and humor all rolled into one explosive mix

The ability to infuse a kinetic narrative and toss it up with restlessness

Brooding intensity

Characters that we can easily relate to

A quotient of  unmistakable profanity

Darkness and Cynicism, whenever the subject demands it

Arunkumar VR, I think all the Akisms were very much there except thankfully, Manmarizyan, has less of profanity and no place for darkness and cynicism.

AKs go to cocktail  is Kanika Dhillon’s screenplay, Amit Trivedi’s foot tapping music, well fleshed out characters, Tapsee’s performance,  Amritsar 

and good old Punjabi.

AK’s evolving craft and his quest to integrate with Bollywood mainstream is quite heartening.

Promiscuity is a mirage. Lust is ephemeral. It is responsibility and commitment that define a lasting relationship.

AK, explores, the sanctity of a relationship, in a way that he alone can.

The flavor of Manmarziyan will be probably be halved,  if you do not understand Punjabi, but in Chennai, Satyam Cinemas, has subtitles, you can still watch a most energizing movie.

I will not mind watching Manmarziyan over and over again. 

Nimmi Rangaswamy, Thank you very much for your recommendation

P.S: I have forgiven AK for his deplorable Sacred Games and the horrendous Immaikka Nodigal performance.