Delhi 6 is a fascinating movie to say the least and even though NRI-coming back and realizing his ‘Indian-ness’ is anything novel but still the movie shines thanks to amazing performances by Abhishek Bachchan who plays the role of the protagonist, Roshan, Sonam Kapoor playing Bittu and Waheeda Rahman. The trio is ably backed by Divya Dutta, Atul Kulkarni and Om Puri. This directorial venture of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra shines more like a biography than a movie and the involvement of the raw and personal appealing emotion in Delhi 6 is what makes the movie shine brightly. This movie is about the journey within on the highway of self realization.

Music

AR Rahman happens to be one of the best music directors that Bollywood has got in a long while and he aptly justifies this enviable position. His music in Delhi 6 covers a wide spectrum of music and should definitely appeal to all sorts of people. Songs like Bhor Bhaye fall broadly in the classical genre while Masakali is indeed a musical wonder and showcases the globalized spirit of A.R.Rahman.’ Aarti (Tumre Bhavan Mein)’ is a beautiful song that is brought to life by the soothing voice of Rekha Bharadwaj while Genda Phool is a track that has amazing arrangements. Other songs like Hey Kaala Bandar, Rehna Tu and Arziyan are all amazing in their own rights.

However, there are many flaws in this fairly intricate and complex movie which scratch off much of the sheen. Cinematography by Binod Pradhan is superb and music by A R Rahman is in a different league altogether. But where Mehra fails, and that too big time, is in providing a plausible twist to the plot. The reason behind the communal feud is so incredulously frivolous that it detaches you from the story. 

Thankfully, it’s the story’s myriad characters (and their portrayal by actors) that saves the film. Abhishek Bachchan looks a bit rusty at places but delivers well in a role that has more facial expressions and reactions than dialogues. Sonam Kapoor is gorgeous and shows glimpses of fine acting. But it’s the supporting cast that takes the cake.

Om Puri, Rishi Kapoor, Pawan Malhotra, Vijay Raaz, Waheeda Rahman (an image of grace), Supriya Pathak, Deepak Dobriyal, Divya Dutta (watch out for her outburst against the cop), Prem Chopra (still leering), Atul Kulkarni – it’s an awesome ensemble that gives soul to the story.

Not to be missed in ‘Delhi 6’ is the character of a mad fakir who keeps showing mirror to people on the streets. It’s a character that says a lot in just the tiny screen space it occupies. It encapsulates the message of the film that God, like evil, lies within and not without. So if there’s any monkey that needs to be killed, it’s the one inside.