Imagine a 102 year old father wanting to send his 75 year old son to a senior citizen home because his son's 'old' attitude is keeping him from becoming the oldest man in history. It's a genuinely novel plot that one doesn't come across often. I enjoy gentle movies and for the most part '102 Not Out' is charming enough to keep a smile on your face during its relatively short running time.
The story, as you've already gathered, is about Dattatraya Vakharia who refuses to die until life is ripped from his body. He's a young at heart father who believes in living life to the fullest and his grumpy 75 year old son, Babulal, is the only thing standing in his way. They're joined in their daily squabbles by a young shop clerk who cannot seem to get enough of the duo's banter. It's a simple tale of years lived and forgotten, hearts broken and mended, and life as it was and as it is. The first half is a delightful breeze with Vakharia Senior trying to infuse some excitment into his sour son. Humor is aplenty and you'll laugh out loud at several occasions. Post interval things take a turn for the serious and go down Baghban lane. Feelings are on the emotionally manipulative side and what started off brilliantly becomes a tad routine. Nevertheless, there's enough to like in this film largely due to its terrific leads.
Amitabh Bachchan is excellent as the joyous father who believes in keeping things light. Mujhe marne se sakht nafrat hai, he says mischievously. Mr. Bachchan continues to surprise and impress. The years have only made him better. Is there anything he can't do? Rishi Kapoor is perfect as the ill-tempered son who, as we learn, has many reasons to be bitter. It's a nuanced and real performance. The two actors share a remarkable chemistry that's proof that talent can outlive everything.
Umesh Shukla's direction is crisp and keeps the film from dragging. He's helped immensely by Saumya Joshi who has written this as well as the original Gujarati play the story is based on. Some clever dialogues, particularly the ones in the love letter scene, are hysterical. The music is easy on the ears and flows nicely in the narrative. Bachche ki Jaan Loge Kya is a hoot! The biggest winner, still, is the concept. Full points for originality, Mr. Joshi.
This is a soft spoken movie that'll tug at your heartstrings. Some forced tears aside, you'll cherish your time with these old folk who'll make you laugh, cry, and remind you to live while you can. Life is short...even if you're over a century old. https://stuffiwatchblog.wordpress.com/
The story, as you've already gathered, is about Dattatraya Vakharia who refuses to die until life is ripped from his body. He's a young at heart father who believes in living life to the fullest and his grumpy 75 year old son, Babulal, is the only thing standing in his way. They're joined in their daily squabbles by a young shop clerk who cannot seem to get enough of the duo's banter. It's a simple tale of years lived and forgotten, hearts broken and mended, and life as it was and as it is. The first half is a delightful breeze with Vakharia Senior trying to infuse some excitment into his sour son. Humor is aplenty and you'll laugh out loud at several occasions. Post interval things take a turn for the serious and go down Baghban lane. Feelings are on the emotionally manipulative side and what started off brilliantly becomes a tad routine. Nevertheless, there's enough to like in this film largely due to its terrific leads.
Amitabh Bachchan is excellent as the joyous father who believes in keeping things light. Mujhe marne se sakht nafrat hai, he says mischievously. Mr. Bachchan continues to surprise and impress. The years have only made him better. Is there anything he can't do? Rishi Kapoor is perfect as the ill-tempered son who, as we learn, has many reasons to be bitter. It's a nuanced and real performance. The two actors share a remarkable chemistry that's proof that talent can outlive everything.
Umesh Shukla's direction is crisp and keeps the film from dragging. He's helped immensely by Saumya Joshi who has written this as well as the original Gujarati play the story is based on. Some clever dialogues, particularly the ones in the love letter scene, are hysterical. The music is easy on the ears and flows nicely in the narrative. Bachche ki Jaan Loge Kya is a hoot! The biggest winner, still, is the concept. Full points for originality, Mr. Joshi.
This is a soft spoken movie that'll tug at your heartstrings. Some forced tears aside, you'll cherish your time with these old folk who'll make you laugh, cry, and remind you to live while you can. Life is short...even if you're over a century old. https://stuffiwatchblog.wordpress.com/