When I saw this film last year, I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. Yet, I felt I will love it when I see the english version. Now, when I saw that version through dvd.. the whole opinion changed. Such a great film this is, in terms of emotions as well as creativity.

The character that move me the most are ofcourse Munna (Pratiek Babbar) and Yasmeen (Kriti Malhotra). Munna playing a dhobi, who gets some feelings for a NRI girl, Shai (Monica Dogra) .. becomes a sort of guide for her plus a way to get information about Arun (Aamir Khan) whom she likes after having one good night with him.

The reactions and expressions of Munna are so spontaneous, like the one where he is watching film with Shai and puts his arm along with hers on the arm rest, and feels like in heaven. Or the climax, where he at first thinks should he go and tell her address of Arun or not, and when he does so.. he returns with that feeling of, I did something good and feeling good inside, like removing a burden from heart that could had stayed if he opted not to tell her. The best thing about his acting is, that he always looked like a real dhobi, that hesitation those people have when someone talks to them, or when a beautiful girl like Shai gives that much of importance to them.. all those reactions was clearly visible in his character.

Arun is the toughest role for me in the film, a guy who likes to be away from social life. A painter who gets a room from where he could see the Mumbai from window. Troubled from personal problems, he leads a lone life. Watch, how much interest he shows when he watches those 3 letters of Yasmin on tv. Its like he is totally involved in her life, her happiness and then her sorrows strike him so much. His performance is kind of restrained, it was easy to attach to his lonely side, the difficulty in social party meets. I love the scene where he goes to the sea side, with the chain and ring in neck, or the one where he rewinds cassette to check the chair position as he lives in that same apartment now where she lived once. And then, the one where he gets emotional, looking at fan thinking the way she would had killed herself, and immediately changes the room.

Yasmeen's role is lovable because Kriti makes it very loving, sweet, a girl who seems to enjoy the post life after marriage despite a husband not so interested. The way she talks to the camera, while filming all cassettes to send to her brother, there is that feeling of joy in her eyes, like the way she gets happy to know camera can record video too. Or her way of describing Mumbai rains, or some famous places like gateway of India. We are loaded with her extra smile throughout 1st two letters, that when the sudden turn comes in her life leading to suicide.. it deeply moves us. As a debutant, she is really impressive in the film, and I feel she has that screen presence a actress should have.

Shai was the only character which I feel, was already very much Monica would be. But, acting was something she was new to. She was the best of the all, in terms of performances in the film. Though, her role has less emotions unlike Munna and Yasmeen. Plus, she looks so beautiful, I specially love the scene where she talks with a friend on phone about the last night with Arun, and the one where she accidently meets Arun on the road. And the conversation she has with Munna while eating at a restaurant.

Kiran Rao in her debut film, is at her creative best. How well, she connects 4 people's stories and describes a city i.e Mumbai with all the real locations of Mumbai, the last time I saw a film capturing Mumbai so well was in 'Aamir'. Also, the use of black n white scenes at places, plus the silent sequences, one of the theme of the film. And she kept the entire film quite real and not aiming for anything larger than life, bringing good natural performances from the actors.

Also, the various Mumbai montages she keeps bringing with the narrative. The editing is really good, the way shots are changed, arun smoking to, the Pesi smoking(friend of Shai). Music by Gustavo gives the film a further emotional appeal, be it the light moments or the rain sequence, or the silent scenes, while the main theme used in two parts, one in pre-climax and other in the last scene. Cinematography is superb! So many shots are so artisticly shot. And special mention to the lighting done especially in that rain sequence of Arun, when he is smoking and drinking.

That final painting that Arun makes, very much portrays the dark shades of Yasmeen's life which came out only in 3rd letter. Wish, I could read more into that painting, but I ain't so good in it.


DVD Details ---- 

If you check the Dvd, there are 6 deleted sequences. 1st one, Selva which would had made film as 5 ppl story, but since it was very much a silent character with just small dialogue piece, the narrative would had got little slow. But, its definately a good one, life of a worker at a building and the final shot of him going back to village, and a new worker entering Mumbai, looking at tall buildings, Perfect!  2nd one, is of Aamir at airport which Kiran describes as a cliche ending many people may have liked, Arun refusing to go with V to Sydney, instead wishes to go to Yasmeen's hometown, as he is too emotionally attached with her now.

3rd one, Aamir changes his mind should definately been part of film, we see Arun at seaside after that death thing of Yasmeen decides to throw the ring n chain in water. After throwing, he swims inside to take it back, because he realizes that he now can't let it go from him.

Rest three deleted scenes were quite apt, not to be taken in the film.

Also, check out the making that has various parts. 1st one is how the actors got chosen, Aamir wanted Kiran to do the Yasmeen role. While Aamir had to do auditions to make Kiran take her in Arun's role. Monica was a automatic choice, and Yasmeen looks cute in that audition scene.

Aamir living as Arun for few days to do shooting, yet another great initiative. Pratiek washing clothes, was something amazing. Also, watch the kind of dialogue classes, he had to undergo with Aamir, where he has to speak a dialogue in yelling manner... just to enter the dhobi kind of lingo.

Plus, the way they completed shooting aamir sequence in mohammad ali road with hidden cameras and people taking time to realize, its aamir khan walking along with them. Amazing!

Gustavo visited all the shooting locations, before working on the music. While, the people at TIFF screening were amazed with the film, and Aamir got worried 'yeh log whistle baja rahe.. mujhe doubt hai yeh film inhe pasand ayegi'.

Also, there is a Blind/LS version of commentary by a lady, just a description of what's happening in a scene. Nothing worth as such for general watchers.



Overall, Dhobi Ghat is a film meant for a audience who believe in creative film-making. I can't wait for Kiran Rao's next project, she totally surprised with the kind of direction talent she possessed. Easily, one of the best films of 2011. 

Verdict : Excellent