Queen

My review: Queen

First things first. Vikas Bahl's "Queen" is undoubtedly the movie of the year although it is too early to tell but I doubt any movie will come close to challenge the claim. Written and directed by Vikas movie is a fine example of how masterful restrain in writing as well as performance might elevate a movie to greater heights. Notwithstanding the brilliance of the script which unfolds on screen seamlessly, adept direction keeping the viewers interested without any facade of emotional exploitation and exceptionally power-packed performance from Kangana Ranaut, it is this almost monk like restrain that pervades through the movie that makes this an enriching movie watching experience.    

To the best of my memory I have not watched a movie that has the heartbroken heroine snubbing the overtures of her sleightful fiance in such a decent and subtle manner yet hard-hitting all the same. She just says "thank you" after returning his engagement ring and walks away nonchalantly as if a huge weight has been lifted off her shoulders. This is one of the best written scenes you would get to watch in a Bollywood movie where opulence of emotions and words rule the roost. That two words and few shots following it convey voluminous emotions more than any number of dialogues or condescending would have. The maturity with which Vikas as handled the script is exemplified by that scene. 

But it is not an isolated occurrence for movie has far more number of such instances of excellence. Enumerating each one of it would kill the thrill of watching it on screen. One thing I can vouch for it is that in numerous occasions you would fell ecstatic seeing Rani unlearning and keep rediscovering herself through her "honeymoon" trip.  

No contemporary Bollywood actresses could have managed to do this role with precision, maturity and restrain as Kangana Ranaut has done. She carries the whole movie on her shoulders by her superlative acting. Be it her predicament in the aftermath of her fiance breaking-up with her or her nonchalant yet endearingly non-offensive rebuttal in the climax, she once again prove how precious and exquisite a talent she is. The gradual transformation of her self-discovering herself that happens through the narration is a treat to watch it unfold on screen. The minute of expressions, slight differences in the body language and non-verbal communications are all mark of a born actor.  Though it may sound cliched it would be apt to say she lived the life of Rani on screen. 

Kangana is supported by power-packed performances from splendid support cast which include Lisa Haydon, Rajkumar Rao, and all those lesser known actors. Amit Trivedi's music is yet another pillar of strength for this movie.

Vikas Bahl has shown that in order to make a hard-hitting female oriented movie one need not indulge in loud and lengthy sermonizing and demonizing of the male characters yet deliver a meaningful at the same time entertaining movie. As the "Queen" Rani rediscovers herself one can't but help noticing the ripple effect that can be felt in the viewer's mind. 

On the whole, "Queen" is one cathartic experience everyone should go through. Kudos to its maker Vikas and its soul Kangana. 

Bottomline: A superlative effort 

4.5/5