|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of human bondage We live in turbulent times. The rock solid superstructures of the past are giving way to social and economic upheavals of today. Doubts about the relevance of age-old belief systems are impacting the very foundations of that sacrosanct social institution called marriage. Self-gratification or commitment, compromise or self-assertion? These are the horns of dilemma that are shaking up the institution’s entire structure today. How does one cope with the ever-increasing demands of modern life even as one caters to marital responsibilities? Perplexing posers these, for sure. No one has answers, only more questions. Karan Johar has addressed these in his latest offering Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna – a multi-starrer featuring the father-son Bachchan duo Amitabh and Abhishek, Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Rani Mukherji. Fidelity forms the bedrock of all relationships, more so the marital one. But, complexities of married life can test one’s patience, beliefs and loyalties to the utmost. Johar points out in a note, "`85seemingly simple bonds between people can amount to so much and cause such upheaval that lives change drastically with a minute change in their equations." In the movie, the happy go lucky Samarjit (Big B) cares for his daughter-in-law Maya (Rani Mukherji) and son Rishi (Abhishek) who lead a passionless married life. Unable to bear children, Maya becomes a nursery teacher while her emotional complexities bemuse Rishi who loves her passionately. Then there is another couple Dev (Shahrukh) and Rhea (Preity) who too finds that their marriage is in doldrums. Dev’s cynicism and acerbity do no good to the already weakening bonds. Soon enough Maya and Dev meet each other and strike up a friendship based on mutual sharing of pain and phobias. Their empathy impels them to have a relook at their respective life-partners – in fact the entire gamut of relationships, setting off a chain of reactions that has unpredictable consequences for all the main characters. While Rishi, at least outwardly, appears content with his life, he falls to pieces when he learns of this new reality of his married life. On the other hand, Rhea is made of sterner stuff and does everything to save her marriage even as she copes with the low self-esteem of her hubby. Caught in the vortex of self-doubt and emotional churning, suddenly, each one of them is left to his or her own devices to deal with the unfolding situations. The flamboyant, fun-loving Samarjit shows the tough – almost brutal – side of his character, while his cheerful son Rishi turns somber. The confident Rhea learns that one can’t take anything for granted where relationships are concerned. How do the new equations emerge and how each protagonist faces up to them forms the staple of this mind-gripper.
|
||
|
|
||
