Film: October (Romantic drama)
Critics Rating: 4/5
Cast: Varun Dhawan, Banita Sandhu, Gitanjali Rao
Direction: Shoojit Sircar
Duration: 1 hours, 56 minutes
Language: Hindi (U)
Story:
Danesh Walia (Varun) is a bratty but lovable intern at a five-star hotel in Delhi. Shiuli Iyer (Banita) is his colleague. A life-altering incident changes the way they look at each other. And, also how Dan begins to view life.
Review:
Some films are a breeze, others are a balm. October belongs to the latter category. It talks of a life situation none of us ever want to be in, but you never know what cards you get dealt with.
The film begins on a routine note dealing with the mundane lives of young hotel interns, who have to strive hard. On another note, it is a window to the tougher face of the hospitality industry and it compels you to rethink your tipping habits. However, that’s not what October is about.
After introducing us to the two lead characters and their group of friends, the film subtly hints at a camaraderie between the quiet, diligent Shiuli (named after a flower) and the precocious Dan. Nothing is pronounced, yet there is a hint of love between the two who are diametrically opposite by nature.
Without really giving out the plot, one can only reveal that when Shiuli meets with an accident, Dan metamorphosises. His devil-may-care attitude gives way for a responsible, caring one; a friend who is determined to see to it that Shiuli gets a chance at life again.
Shoojit (of Vicky Donor, Madras Cafe and Piku fame) is a sensitive and masterful storyteller who manages to get his audience to invest completely in his cinema. Even this time around, it is no different. Before you know it, you are fully engrossed in the world of the lead pair and though the pace is too indulgent (even 1 hr, 56 minutes seems way too long), you wait patiently for the next turn to unfold because your faith in Shoojit’s cinema is unshakeable. His favourite writer Juhi Chaturvedi (Vicky Donor and Piku) is also a great motivating force. She keeps her lines real and at the same time, delivers enough punches to make you ponder and laugh.
Avik Mukhopadhyay's camera work is A-grade. Whether it’s the Delhi fog, pollution or the autumn greenery, he allows his lens to capture each detail with so much love.
In the performance department, Varun is a revelation. The actor, who is often spoken of as the ideal successor for Salman Khan's Judwaa-type movies, shows you how capable he is of delivering a nuanced performance. He did that earlier in Badlapur, he does it again here. He makes you laugh, cry and love him unconditionally. And by the end of the film, you want to take Dan home to meet your mom.
Banita shows spark and with some nurturing, she could be poised for big things in Bollywood. The supporting cast deserves praise too, especially Shiuli’s mother, Professor Vidya Iyer (Gitanjali).
Verdict:
If you’re the sort who doesn't give up on life easily, you should watch October. It’s got passion and more importantly, it’s got soul.
