The core story of the movie takes it inspiration from an episode in the Ram Gopal Varma shriek and laugh-fest DARNA MANAA HAI. John takes over Saif’s role while Paresh Rawal does Boman’s eerie part. But where that was a short story that was perfectly told in it’s quick 30 minute running duration, this stretches out across 2 hours which turns out to be a hindrance. How one wishes Kashyap had chosen a better story for what he was trying to do…
…When Kashyap recently said in an interview “It’s very Kafka-esuqe” my curiosity for the film built up more, and for some I instantly thought of Charlie Kaufman’s brilliant work in BEING JOHN MALKOVICH (1999) ADAPTATION (2002) and ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (2004), and perhaps I had my expectations too high. That Kashyap has understood the concept of making a “Kafka-esque” film very well is something I have no doubts about, however Kashyap’s story isn’t strong enough to hold the weight of his narrative. This is no doubt a very self-indulgent film from Kashyap and he hasn’t been able to keep a complete control over the excitement of directing the movie, the movie moves at such an incredibly fast-paced that it loses its audience (a desi David Lynch folks?....). Furthermore the movie does end up alienating a large part of the audience who seemed completely confused by the end as they simply didn’t click on to what Kashyap was trying to do here. The cinema I saw it in had a good mix of indian and non-Indian audiences and while most if the Desi audiences either left or seemed bored to the point they started making fun of the movie, the Non-Desi audiences stayed right till the end and seemed to have enjoyed it-the movie will no doubt evoke a mixed reaction!
It’s hard to compare NO SMOKING as a follow-up film to BLACK FRIDAY as the two movies are as different as chalk & cheese. While the former was a relentless thriller narrated as a documentary, NO SMOKING is a radically crazy film which requires the viewer to suspend all forms of belief. The climax comes across as a rude shock as the movie ends way too abruptly and like the recent NISHABD this flaw glaringly stands out. NO SMOKING is no doubt one of the strangest films I’ve seen come from Hindi cinema ( the John/Ranvir flashback sequence is absolutely priceless and made is worth the trip alone for me personally) and one that will no doubt be talked about (good or bad) in the days to come.
The performances in the movie are well done.
John Abraham delivers a convincing portrayal of a stereotype that fits him to utmost perfection. Playing the urban-centric metro sexual male comes easy to John, and like TAXI NO.9211 he fits in to the part with complete ease. The entire movie requires John to be in every frame, and he burdens the responsibility well making the best use of his strengths as an actor and a “brand”.
Paresh Rawal is a wonder to watch as always, though I would take Boman Irani’s quirky act in DARNA MANAA HAI any-day to Rawal’s rather loud performance.
Ayesha Takia plays her part well in parts. As the frustrated wife she is simply excellent and hits all the right notes, while as the sassy secretary she completely missed the mark and looks uncomfortable and out of her depth.
Technically the movie is outstanding. Rajeev Ravi’s camerawork is astonishing and captures the dark mood of the film to absolute perfection. The sepia toned affect works like a dream here and certainly elevates the movie a several notches.
The movie technically one has one song in it. Vishal Bharadwaj’s JAB BHI CIGARETTE JALTI HAI is unique, refreshing and addictive as always. Gulzar’s lyrics fit the gel with the mood and tone well. The PHOONK DE track comes across as well and strange as well given it comes on after the end credits have rolled!
All up NO SMOKING is an ambitious failure. The movie does try hard, and is no doubt worth a watch once as it is genuinely quiet different, however it also won’t connect with a huge section of the movie-going public. Despite the positive merits, the cons definitely outweigh the pros. Nonetheless I’m eagerly looking forward to your next venture DEV.D which again sounds like a complete departure from NO SMOKING.
A.Shah
Final Rating: * * ½
