CityLights

Director – Hansal Mehta

Cast – Rajkumar Rao, Patralekha

Do you remember the line ‘Yeh Bambai hai Mere Bhai....’? It was the crux of Raj Kapoor’s evergreen classic Shree 420. Mumbai is a city of dreams; where several dreams come true and many more are broken. Though acknowledged as a remake of BAFTA nominated film Metro Manila, Hansal Mehta has managed to create his own magic in City Lights.

An ex-army jawaan decides to relocate to Mumbai with his family upon losing his source of livelihood due to indebtedness. The villager and his wife have no idea about what is in store for them. But, one thing is certain - the adjustment to a new life in a new city will be a tough learning process.

Previously, Mehta’s directorial association with a Mumbai-centric theme failed when his film ‘Dil Pe Mat le Yaar’ bombed at the box office. This time he has managed to correct his flaws. The film moves at a rapid pace and does not have even a single subplot. However, there could have been a limit on the number of songs. Additionally, certain scenes desperately needed background music.

Banking on the success of Shahid, Rajkumar Rao delivers a fine performance. His command on the Marwadi dialect is terrific (Is he really a Delhiite?) Patralekha too, is charming as his supportive wife. The couple’s chemistry reminds you of Amol Palekar and Zarina Wahab in ‘Gharonda’ which also had a similar theme.

I am going with three and a half stars out of five for City Lights. Watch it to know more of life in the Maximum City.

This review was first published for CityShor Pune
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