It truly pays off to take a break from big banners, established names and anticipated titles and take a plunge into the unknown. Personally the plunge into the unknown for me was last Friday’s release Aamras. The film looked appealing for many reasons such as the fresh faces on the posters, the intriguing title, a new director’s name in the credits and of course the ever so loved theme of friendship, which it boasts to promote. I entered the cinema hall with no preconceived notions about what was soon to unfold before me but instead just went in ready to enjoy a youthful piece of cinema about a relationship that is inherent to human kind, friendship.
Aamras in a nutshell captures that very special portion of our lives where we’re just about ready to spread our wings and take the flight into the outside world. That portion of our life when we’re unsure about whom we are and what to do. Although despite the fact that this intersection in our lives carries many life changing decisions, it also is one where the true test of ties happens. Such is the case for four friends Jia, Pari, Rakhi and Sanya. The four girls are as close as friends can get, however now with life taking a new turn, their friendship is put to the test when love lives, clashing socioeconomic classes and career choices come into the picture. How and when they emerge from these difficulties will not only be a life defining moment, but also one that will decide the future of their relationship.
You may be wondering how can a film about young teens and high school life sound so sober, well let me tell you, that it’s because of the fresh take that director and writer Rupali Guha has shown in portraying friendship and teens. The director attempts to not make it all fun and rosy, but also encompass some of the contemporary situations in which our teens find themselves today. Debutant director Rupali Guha had a steady vision and really went with her instinct with this venture. You can really see on screen the amount of thought that went into every part of the film, from the location, to the outfits and most importantly the characterisations of her leading ladies. Had it not been for such defined characterisation of each of the four friends, the film would not have been as appealing.
Of course a full proof characterisation needs to be met up with as flawless casting which she certainly achieved with the four leading ladies, Vega Tamotia, Ntasha Bhardwaj, Maanvi Gagroo and Anchal Sabarwal. In particular, the scene-stealer is Vega Tamotia who for a debutant simply outdoes herself. The actress is given the task to carry off quite a reasonable length of the film on her tiny shoulder. Plus she was handed over some very challenging scenes that most actors only attempt much later in their career, but Vega pulls it all off with ease and all due to her talent! The young lady is definitely someone to look out for. Ntasha Bhardwaj is very well cast as the spoilt rich brat who is yet to figure out the true meaning of friendship. Maanvi Gagroo is perfect in role of the supportive friend and puts on a very vibrant performance. Anchal Sabarwal received the least amount of scope in the film but also is well cast as Ntasha right-hand-gal! Apart from the girls the film doesn’t boast much of male talent however Lets Dance actor Ajay Singh Chaudhry does make a brief appearance and is delight to see in the small role that he had.
Sadly, the film is not flawless and does have a fair bit of room for improvement. Most of the improvement that needs to be made is within the script, which becomes somewhat very melodramatic in the post interval portion. While writer Rupali Guha managed to keep the situations and issues in the first half very contemporary, in the second half she fails to keep up the same style. This small flaw takes a large toll on the film, especially since up till the post interval portion it remained rather fresh and intriguing and held the audiences’ attention.
On a brighter note, music by Shamir and Tabun is unique and entertaining! More importantly it is very well placed throughout the screenplay. In particular the execution of the Kailash Kher number in the credits is sensational as it sets the picture of the film very well for the audience.
In conclusion, let’s just say that making the decision to dismiss all preconceived notions was the best one till date. While the film is certainly not perfect, it is fresh and boasts of such great talent that surely needs to be appreciated and promoted more and more! If not for anything else than watch it for the sensational characterisations, a trip down memory lane to your high school days and for the sensational ball of talent that is Vega Tamotia. In recent times nothing seems to live up to its hype which is why I encourage you all to catch this lesser hyped release in a cinema near you!
