Reference Auto

Response: Dhobi Ghat, Aamir Khan’s wife Kiran Rao’s debut film as director, has managed above average response with the movie earning almost Rs 9 crore during the opening weekend. While the film earned almost Rs 3 crore on Day One (Friday), it grossed Rs 3.2 crore and Rs 2.7 crore during Saturday and Sunday.

Aamir said, “Dhobi Ghat has evoked varied responses and I had expected this. Kiran and I tried to say that the film was not for everyone. But those of you who have liked it, I would like to say thank you for your overwhelming response. It was rewarding. We’re happy that the film deeply connected with some of you.”

Film type: Drama

Cast: Aamir Khan, Prateik Babbar, Kriti Malhotra, Monica Dogra, Kitu Gidwani, Danish Hussain, Jehan Manekshaw, Ashok Varma, Sanjivani Oagle and Aasha Pawar

Director: Kiran Rao

Time of movie: 1 hour 40 minutes

Story: Dhobi Ghat is about four different people with varied backgrounds. Aamir Khan plays Arun, who is a talented painter who comes in contact with a non-resident Indian investment banker Shai (played by Monica Dogra) at his exhibition.

They spend a night together but part ways with a feeling they will never meet again. Shai turns friendly with Munna (played by Prateik Babbar), a dhobi who desires to become an actor.

Munna discovers Shai’s photography skills and wants her to shoot his portfolio and vows to show her the city in return. They develop an unusual bonhomie and Munna falls in love with her.

Meanwhile, Arun is busy with the video-taped story of Yasmin (played Kriti Malhotra), the former occupant of his house. The story of Dhobi Ghat revolves around whether the four can find what they are looking for in a strange and diverse city.

Review: Based on the lives of four different people, Dhobi Ghat is an average movie with an above-average response. Although an offbeat movie, the conclusion is unnecessarily dramatic. One of the high points of the film is its Aamir connection.

But Kiran Rao builds on her characters splendidly. The film throws light on the life of the ambitious urban youth, who in order to pursue his dream finds little time to catch up with neighbours or friends in an always-on-the-move city.

While Aamir as usual can get a perfect 10 for his reticent role, Prateik, Kriti and Monica perform commendably. Not a typical Hindi film though, it is a movie where the plot isn’t pivotal but the characters are.

Rating: 3.5/5