Usually, the expectations from a Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie is high because of its trademark grand sets but this is not one of those movies. ‘Malaal’ which stars debutant Meezaan Jaffrey and Sharmin Segal won’t make you feel Malaal despite the fact it is not a usual Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
The film is set in Mumbai of the late 90s and just like many of that era’s movies, Shiva, twenty-year-old plays a local ‘tapori’ who is raw, rustic and full of temperamental. He plays a bad boy who spends his day getting into street fights, gambling, and drinking. His life is all about the chawl he lives in and the fights either out of his home or inside it. All this carry on until he stumbles upon Aastha Tripathi (Sharmin Segal) who have newly moved to the chawl after running into financial troubles.
Because of Shiva’s rude nature, the interactions between them at first are abrupt but soon he finds himself falling in love with her. While Shiva is upfront of his feelings, Aastha is a rather reserved girl.
The problem lies that not only she is pursuing a degree in CA but is also soon getting engaged to the son of a well to do family friend. The only thing that bothers her about Shiva is his disregard towards even trying to have a career.
‘Inshallah’ is going to be magical journey: Alia Bhatt
The movie and mood created by the director Mangesh Hadawale are what works in favor of the movie and what goes against is the expectation of grand and lavish sets that people have from a Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s production.
What adds to the movie are that addictive background score and the cinematography. The details in the movie are shown with much perfection be it the passage of time or the timeless music from the 90s adding to the touch.
The soundtrack is vibrant especially on a romantic number and the title track of the movie which seems haunting and intense. The entire movie runs well but you may find the second half to lag at times.
On the performances front, Meezaan makes a strong screen presence debut taking over the frame. Sharmin too holds her character with much innocence and the chemistry between them makes them likable.
Overall the movie is a sweet romantic love story with tender moments to cherish. We are not saying that the film is beyond exception but the simmering love story won’t leave any Malaal in your heart for sure.
Check out the trailer:
One Day: Justice Delivered Movie Review: Anupam Kher starrer is an average vigilante thriller
