TILL DEATH DO US PART
By Satyajit - Eye TV India Bureau
Critic's I-view
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"Marriages are made in heaven" but not for all as for some it culminates into complete hell. For many as they say "till death do us part" may come true but in a gruesome manner. RGV Films promises to be different and the experimentation continues in this crime saga too. The darker side of human mind gives dimensions to the multiplicity of characters, plots and narration. Filmmaker like RGV has traded such a plot with authenticity and maturity and his hits prove this. After critical acclamation for films like 'D' and 'Sarkar' this promises to be a cropper.
The film unravels the mental state of murderer as he plays hide and seek with the law. The film holds some similarity with the Telugu hit 'Madhyanam Hatya' in terms of plot and script. Jijy Philips, one of RGV assistant, has wielded the microphone this time and promises to be a prodigious director in future like some of his predecessors. Anil Kapoor has been the prize possession of conventional commercial cinema as he completes 25 working years. After doing some tiny roles he made his first strong impact in 'Woh Saat Din' and it was followed by hits like 'Tezaab', 'Ram Lakhan' and many more. 'My Wife's Murder' will be easily termed as path- breaking for him as he plays an offbeat character in an unconventional mould. To add sugar and spice to it, Anil co-produces this venture that comes out as another fine example of experimentation.Anil Kapoor can be easily termed as "Male Rekha" as he has rejuvenated his career, looks and characters, according to his age and style. Anil's last release 'Musafir' clicked at the box office and to metaphor with the character he has transformed his looks.
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This time he essays the character of Ravi Patwardhan, workaholic husband having troublesome matrimony. It is the first time that Ram Gopal Verma (RGV) has paired up with Anil in an offbeat family drama. RGV's films have been pioneering the darker side of human mind, and to cater multiplex this is the right stuff. 'My Wife's Murder' revolves around the middle class family of Ravi Patwardhan (Anil Kapoor) and his wife Sheela (Suchitra Krishnamurthy). Ravi has passion for his profession as he spends most of his time by editing films.
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The work holism of Ravi creates rift between him and his wife. Like any middle class wife Sheela suspects his husband's relationship with his secretary Reena (Nandana Sen). Reena has steady love relationship with Raj (Rajesh Tandon). One fateful day Ravi returns to his home much earlier than his scheduled time. Sheela sparks venom at Ravi and it culminates into verbal and physical confrontation. In a tug of war, Sheela's head hits the carving of a wooden bed.
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In a splash of seconds Sheela dies and her body is surrounded with pool of blood. Ravi repents and decides to call police for assistance but changes his mind later. Ravi is confused, as he doesn't decide about the next step. He decides to hide Sheela's body by throwing in the pond. Life looks hell for Ravi as Sheela's father files "missing" report with the police. Police Officer Tejapal Randhawa (Boman Irani) suspects Ravi's hand in Sheela's missing case.
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After some investigation Sheel's body is recovered and everyone points his finger at Ravi. Ravi decides to abscond along with his two children and then begins the cat and mouse game that finally ends in Ravi's arrest. Anil Kapoor's preparation for the character of Ravi Patwardhan has been professionally inspiring. While shooting for the film he would come on a bicycle on location with his Mercedes following him. He even bathed in one dirty room and not his vanity van to get into the skin of the character. A song less venture that relies heavily on actor performance amalgamated with powerful background musical score.
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Unlike many murder mysteries it forays into the mind of "accidental murderer" and does not simply revolve around plots and sub-plots. After some histrionics from Ketan Mehta's 'Mangal Pandey', it's a different war game on celluloid. Suchitra Krishnamurthty, wife of eminent director Shekhar Kapoor, returns to the silver screen after her debut in 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa' opposite Shah Rukh Khan. After trying her luck in Indi-pop with hits like "Dhoom Tara" she returns to her first love -- acting. Suchitra plays the character of nagging wife Sheela Patwardhan as she is always at loggerheads with her husband Ravi. The brief but important role has once again brought Suchita into spotlight despite her unpopular debut.
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Nandana Sen makes her third promising appearance in this unconventional saga. Despite her brilliant on-screen presence her Hindi diction is still imperfect. Bengali beauty looks perfect star material but she still needs to be groomed on many fronts. She holds the fort tightly as she plays a caring and obedient secretary Reena to bearded workaholic Anil Kapoor. The surprise package is ecstatic Boman Irani as he knocks out another fine performance. Boman has certainly fitted into the shoes of an eminent character artist like Anupam Kher. After playing "Dr Asthana" in 'Munnabhai M.B.B.S' he comes out as winner in the role of investigating Officer Tejpal Randhawa. The articulately efficient actor has coupled his acting skills with fine body and face.
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Boman's performance keeps you at the edge of your seat and brings out a fine entertainer at the end of the day. Rajesh Tandon and others have justified their characters very well. The child artists' performances are equally appreciable and needs to be applauded. In performance the film completely belongs to Anil Kapoor as he displays anxiety, fear and distress in his characterization. It proves why he is rated as "lambi race ka ghoda" (long war horse) and justifies it by delivering one of his finest performances. Atul Sabharwal's script brings out the new trend in scriptwriting that has been the trademark of experimental cinema. Amar Mohile's background score impresses and retains the impulse and punch of traditional RGV film. Overall 'My Wife's Murder' is tailor-made stuff for "city centric" viewers that crave for "zara hatke" entertainment. The film will find difficult to survive among biggies like 'Mangal Pandey' and 'Barsaat' but will be critically acclaimed throughout the country.
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