Readers Write In #618: The Rhyming Review, of a Rousing Drama / Gadar 2 Is Pure-Old, Hindi Cine Masala

By Vishnu Mahesh Sharma

Father and son meet, somewhere in Pakistan Mother feels the breeze, happily in Hindustan. Innocent Indian fugitive, finds some “dana-pani” In the house of a gold, hearted Pakistani. The fugitive addresses Pakistani, as his “Masi” The old school Hindi filming, at its very massy. A helpless Sikh father, prays at a “majar” The next moment we hear, “ekbetekipukaar”. A man is forced to choose, the life or the scripture This is echoed well, in a grand climactic fixture. The first half really tries, to infuse emotional heft I am happy to report, it’s a successful attempt. The drama never matches, its towering predecessor But as a standalone, it is a worthy successor. Tighter could have been screenplay, at some places The action never matches, rousing dramatic clashes. Writer-director duo’s, conviction is unflinching So is unrelenting the star’s charismatic acting. Music is as old school, as old school is drama A “ghazal” is used as, ‘pehalepyaarkanagma’. Recall the song “Ae watan mere watan” from film Raazi Same sentiment is delivered but through a “dialoguebaazi”. Meghana was sure with,Raazi’s subtle affair About this rousing drama, Sharma is well aware. Well-written scenes, flawless dialogue delivery Jarring action sequences, that is really a pity. Legacy of the original, never taken for granted Though the craft here, not that so well rounded. Decent are 3 hours, of patriotism, family and jazbaat Uncompromised masala outing, “Hindustan Zindabaad”.