Kaminey - Movie Review

It’s a bad bad world out there where there are no good or gray characters... only Kaminey. This dark crime-drama plays in two parallel narratives which, at the onset, are as unrelated as twin brothers Guddu and Charlie (Shahid Kapoor) in the film. The siblings are not separated at birth but care a damn for other after their father’s death alienates them.

But as things get mean and mad for both, each one comes for the other’s rescue. Guddu is in love with Sweety (Priyanka Chopra) who is sister of aspiring politician and fundamentalist Bhope (Amol Gupte). Charlie is entangled between chest filled of cocaine and his lure for few crores. As these two stories intersect each other, things become more intense and interesting.

On second thoughts the narrative of Kaminey dominated by gang-war and drug mafia doesn’t sound absolutely innovative. But Vishal Bharwadwaj applies a complete different language of cinema to make the film look fascinating. The writing is erratic as it enters late into every scene and makes an early exit.

The story-telling involves a multitude of characters, none of them being conventionally introduced or established. You are expected to acclimatize with each of them on your own and learn their conflicts, as the story progresses promptly.

Technically the film is crafted skillfully. The cinematography by Tassaduq Hussain keeps you riveted as the camera sprints restlessly with the characters. Editing by Meghna Sen and Sreekar Prasad is effective. Bharadwaj’s music is a major highpoint with the ‘Dhan Te Nan’ track adding good momentum to the proceedings.

Shahid Kapoor comes up with a brilliant performance in both his characters. He doesn’t go over-the-top in either of the speech defects of his impaired characters. As Charlie he lisps effortlessly and as Guddu he stutters as naturally.

Priyanka Chopra in her chatterbox Marathi character is impressive. Amol Gupte shows good potential in his negative role. Of the character artists Hrishikesh Joshi, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Shiv Subramanium and Tenzing Nima are outstanding. The second half tends to stretch with too many twists in the plot to reach a customary climax. Otherwise Kaminey is long, dark and handsome.