Highway - Movie Review

by Padmaja Iyengar-Paddy

“Monsoon Wedding” and Stockholm Syndrome
Have been combined to effectively drive home
The story of ‘Highway’ through a lorry ride
With emotions swinging from side to side...

The protagonists are a rugged kidnapper
And his victim, a rich man’s daughter –
Both with a damaged and scarred soul,
That has of their psyche taken toll.

Veera with Vinay, all set to tie the knot,
Needs a breather and he drives her out.
They are accosted by a dacoits’ gang
Spewing venom, cusswords and slang.

Veera is kidnapped amidst this chaos
By Mahabir, their leader and the boss.
All Veera’s attempts to escape are thwarted
Her efforts to communicate too are aborted.

Mahabir has an unpleasant past,
And hardly any emotions that last.
Veera senses in her captivity freedom,
Away from her rich family’s fiefdom.

Veera and Mahabir are thrown together,
On a road trip through rough weather...
The terrain changes from harsh to serene,
As out of their pasts, they come clean.

Alia Bhat lives the role of Veera without restraint;
Randeep Hooda essays Mahabir without constraint.
The portrayal of their characters is very nuanced,
Whether Mahabir screamed or Veera just danced...

Full marks to the Director Imtiaz Ali
For handling such a complex story,
That is both brilliant and quite dark,
In a manner that’s straight and stark.

Rehman’s music compliments film’s mood
Ranging from shock, abandon and brood.
Anil Mehta’s camera work is outstanding -
Reflects his command and understanding.

Imtiaz Ali’s Highway takes you on a journey
Wheeling you along like a patient on gurney.
The ride is bumpy and slow but enjoyable.
So, just relax and absorb the fare delectable.

With the discerning, this movie will stay awhile
And drive them to brood, introspect and smile.
Whether the movie’s a hit or not, I don’t know,
But to Imtiaz Ali’s talent, I respectfully bow.

(Highway is a 2014 Bollywood drama film written and directed by Imtiaz Ali and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. Randeep Hooda and Alia Bhatt play the lead roles. Music has been scored by A.R. Rehman. Cinematography, that is a specially key ingredient in the effective telling of this film’s story, has been handled by Anil Mehta. It was screened in the Panorama section of the 2014 Berlin International Film Festival.)

24-Feb-2014

More By : Padmaja Iyengar-Paddy

Views: 1515 Comments: 6

Comments on this Poem

Thanks Dr. Madhavi!

Padmaja Iyengar
26-Feb-2014 12:01 PM

What a nice poetic review!

Madhavi
26-Feb-2014 10:59 AM

Thanks a ton Kulbir! Your encouragement always spurs me on to keep attempting...

Padmaja Iyengar
25-Feb-2014 22:44 PM

Padmaj,

I give your review:

*****

Thanks for your creation!

Kulbir
25-Feb-2014 12:55 PM

Thanks Rupradha! Yes, the movie is worth a watch.

Padmaja Iyengar
25-Feb-2014 10:49 AM

that's a wonderful review..can't wait to watch the movie..

Rupradha
25-Feb-2014 10:09 AM