Film review: 'Udaan' upholds the best traditions of Indian cinema

Film: Udaan
Cast: Ronit Roy, Ram Kapoor, Rajat Barmecha
Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
Rating: * * * ½

This is a film that upholds the best traditions of Indian cinema. It
is a simple story, touchingly told. A slice of life story of 17 year
old motherless boy,  Rohan(Rajat Barmecha) who is expelled from Bishop  Cotton boarding school following indiscipline and is forced to return  home to  his businessman father (Ronit Roy) residing in Jamshedpur.

The father is strict, uncompromising and controlling and he expects his son not only to address him as ‘Sir’ but also follow his every dictat blindly. Rohan, having experienced freedom at boarding school for eight long years finds it difficult to reconcile himself to his new reality. His father’s lack of love and affection for him or his step-brother Arjun(Aayan Boradia), makes it even more difficult for him to accept. As a result, he expresses his angst in the only ways he knows how- writing poetry in his spare time and visiting bars, stealing out for late night drives in his father’s car, and indulging in the regular vices. His soulful cry for acceptance and love comes across from the poetry he recites but his father ridicules him beyond endurance and Rohan has no alternative but to make a choice between conformity and freedom.

Motwane’s narrative takes us through the many high points in the story with ease. Throughout, we exprerience the pain and torment of the young lad on the cusp of manhood and empathise wholeheartedly with his situation and choices.

The bitter expectation tinged relationship between father and son is well established. Ronit Roy pulls off a difficult performance as cruel dad to terrific effect. The growing bond between Rohan and Arjun is also convincingly played out. Trendy youthful numbers playing in the background add strength to the overall mood and atmosphere.  

Rajat Barmecha is perfectly cast. His expressive performance is just one more reason to see this film. This film is a gem. Do watch it!