Miss Lovely Review {3/5} & Review Rating
Varied genres are being attempted in Bollywood! This week witnesses the release of the hard-hitting MISS LOVELY, a film based on Mumbai's C-grade industry in the mid-1980s and follows the story of two brothers, who make a living by producing sleazy horror films.
The territory of the film's plot is not new, since we have already watched several films based on Mumbai's entertainment industry, including THE DIRTY PICTURE. However, what sets MISS LOVELY apart from films of its ilk is the detailing that has gone to recreate the 1980s era [a couple of things notwithstanding]. Be it the radio jingles, interiors of a car, goggles, postcard photo portfolio, VCRs, TV … the film instantly transports you to the bygone era.
The film is directed by Ashim Ahluwalia, who made his directorial debut with the 2005 release JOHN & JANE [a film that won him the 2005 National Film Award for Best First Non-Feature Film of a Director]. The storyline of MISS LOVELY dwells into the passionately caustic relationship between two brothers Sonu [portrayed aptly by the talented Nawazuddin Siddiqui] and Vicky [Anil George]. The lust and lure of a mystifying woman named Pinky [Niharika Singh] gets translated into the downfall of Sonu.
While the first half takes the viewer through a series of events, sequences, action, drama, sex trade, skin show, sleaze etc., the viewer is left wondering as to what's the relevance of the film's title to all this. It's only in the second half that the reality dawns on the viewer. However, the problem is the slow pacing that acts as a roadblock. The film takes you through human traits like jealousy, greed, lust, money and the forbidden word 'sex'!
Even though Sonu shares a strong love-hate relationship with his brother Vicky, Sonu harbours his dreams of making a 'clean film' with the newbie Pinky, who has only been doing side roles, without her guardian uncle's knowledge. The love for Pinky forces Sonu to rob his own brother off his money and later bump him off when he is exposed to certain stark secrets.
Expectedly, Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a fine performance [but not his career best!] minus a few glitches as far as his voice throw is concerned. On the other hand, Anil George delivers an equally commendable performance. Debutante Niharika Singh carries the film well on her shoulders. The rest of the cast contribute their bit to carry the story forward.
While the cinematography is excellent, a special mention goes to the costume designers for the detailing of the costumes of the era gone by. The background music is extremely effective.
On the whole, MISS LOVELY is worth a watch for its taut screenplay, fine performances and the detailing that has gone into recreating the bygone era. At the same time, it caters more to aficionados of meaningful cinema!
