Trend and the New trend - 'Love Aaj Kal' a review.

Movies mean a lot to Indians. And those emerging from Bombay (or the formal Mumbai) are epitomes of thriving Indian generation. May it be the laconic silent ones or epics of Raj Kapoor or romantic extravaganzas of Subhash Ghai or macho Bachchan ones or crowd-pleasers of Sharhrukh Khan. Developing a list containing instances of movies representing an era is fraught with complexities of choices of the public. But all Hindi movie lovers have a collection of memories of films that are close to their heart- their way of life. Now Imtiaz Ali seems to have pioneered an epoch.

Jab We Met was expected to be yet another romantic-comedy. But it stuck chords of familiarity in many a young hearts. Love Aaj Kal is not only different but better. When you finish the viewing you realize a maturing director, for I still had stale remembrance of the climax of his previous film which appeared to be over-cooked compared to the rest of the movie. This time its sauteed to perfection.

The initial sequences are intriguing with spectator kept wondering for 10 minutes as to where in the story is he being introduced. The Aha moment comes soon enough. The film takes its route in two parallel tracks 28 years apart. With locations in England and India initially and later U.S. I have had a dislike to directors who wish to encase their ideas in foreign bottles. Stunning Alps for songs and Times square for awe. Imtiaz Ali shows no such tricks. Many would be familiar with Yeh Ishq Hai from Jab We Met which showed how craftily Indian scenery could be used. Here too he uses the quality of songs as his boost not the picturization which are mesmerizing nevertheless. Karan Johar and co. should make a note of that. Each song is placed perfectly and not a single one seems unnecessary by far.

Story is about love, obviously. But more its perception(or lack of) than application. Different idealized generations are used as accesories for it. Claims may be questioned for the idea of simplification of a generation but it is a movie after all. It shows what it shows. And does brilliantly in its part. Saif Ali Khan is extremely convincing in present and past roles. I realized Deepika could act, not only flash her dazzling smile, through this film.To describe the complete plot here would be ridiculous because then what is the fun in watching the movie?

Due to the director's penchant for characters with a strong opinion each actor excels on the screen. Words fail to describe the acumen of Rishi Kapoor who still does not cease to surprise us with another close to the heart performance. The supporting actors, especially lover of Saif Ali Khan of the 'past' storyline, needs to be applauded for their enacting of respective roles.

It is inevitable that Hindi movies are branching out through various paths. Stalwarts are emerging in different genres as the public grows liking for various tastes.And multiplexes supporting films for even small groups has only burgeoned un-aam movies.

I give for the movie.