6 > 7 > 8

2006 > 2007 > 2008

At the end of the year 2007, I wrote an article titled '6 > 7' (read 2006 greater than 2007) focusing on the quality of cinema being far better in year 2006 then seen in year 2007. Today at the end of year 2008 I am adding one more digit to the right – '6 > 7 > 8'.

Yes, year 2008 is without doubt the worst of three. I agree with film critic Anupama Chopra that this year there is no best film, but some good films can compete for the runner up award. Memorable films of 2008 can be counted on fingers. To pick the best 10 is also a tough job. Here are my personal 6 best movies of year 2008.

Jhodha Akbar

History is mystery. And the director very wisely fills the gap by entering into the personal discourse of a royal couple’s life. The conversations between the Rajput Princess and the Mughal Emperor are engaging. The love story captures your attention. It the extras and the sub plot which actually makes the film little hooch-pooch. I have only one complain with Ashutosh Gowariker – that is with respect to editing. Laagan, Swades or Jhodha Akbar, all length in traditional 3 hours plus. Get a good cutter Sir; we really want to see you more, but in less (length).

Jaane Tu… ya Jaane Na

A commercial brilliance! And a perfect launch for Imraan Khan. A superb film! Everything works for the movie, the love story between the protagonists (who are unaware that they are in love), the parental conversation through a photo-frame, three rituals of being a Rajput Mard, Bhaloobhaiya and Bhagirabhaiya, the narration in form of a story within story and, very young and funny dialogues. The films also scores high on lyrics and music making every pappu dance.

Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!

Welcome to Delhi. Director Dibakar Banerjee's second film is on a chor's life. This movie has one of the finest and innovative dialogues seen in year 2008 – 'jiska paata nahi hota uska koi paata nahi lag sakta' or describing the police-chor relationship ' usne maara, maine kah liya, asie hi to relation banta hai'. The film is full of north Indian lingoes, worth appealing and enjoying. The innovation in terms of having one actor playing three roles and still conveying the message is a superb idea. Definitely an intelligent and a brilliant movie.

Rock On!

The brilliance of the movie is its sharp editing, fine acting, and solid camera work with decent music as added advantage. This film highlights on presentation compared to its plot. The story of four friends and their relationship is common and predictable, though it has the power to glue you to your seat. Farhan Akthar not only shines in acting but also successfully intones the film. But to me the film has discovered a new Arjun Rampal. I will definably declare him the best supporting actor of year 2008.

A Wednesday

When a common man takes responsibility to clean his house (read it as metaphor to city, state or country at large), the administration has nowhere to hide. The film is the 2008’s surprise blockbuster. Without any songs or dance or superstars, the film has appreciated by masses and classes, declaring it to be the best film of year 2008 by all the major movie critics and popular news channels. Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher handle the subject exceptionally maturely to their age. The film gives you no space to move out to Tuesdays or Fridays. It has a very clear message to communicate and has everything a thriller requires. In all A Wednesday is a perfect film and just right in time.

Welcome to Sajjanpur

Of the whole lot, this is my personal favorite. Why? Because it made me laugh, made me aware of the social issues and most important it has refreshing feel. It is an easygoing ride. The film has interesting small plots revolving around a letter reader cum writer. The intermingled stories are very nicely handled (by the director) with all the characters seem believable and enjoyable. The worried mousi, her determined daughter, the gangster cum politician, a male nurse, retired army soldier, etc., plotted in various issues like widow remarriage, caste politics, superstition, etc. makes the movie witty as well as wise. Shreyas Talpade, as the letter writer/reader - the sutradhaar of the film gives his career best performance as Mahadev. As Rajeev Masand comments, Shyam Benegal's Welcome to Sajjanpur is a sweet, simple story of life in a village and a bitter-sweet tale of human frailties. It is a small film with a very big heart.

The above mention six movies, for me, comprises of year 2008. But they are not great movies in comparison with 2006's classic Rang de Basanti, Lage Raho Munnabhai and Omkar or 2007's Taare Zameen Par and Chak De! India. These movies are now considered to be classics in India cinema. But in year 2008 not a single movie has surpass the boundary created by these movies. We still are great audience ready to appreciate and spend on quality cinema waiting for great movies to happen. Welcome 2009.