How Old Are You

My review: How Old Are You

It is difficult to miss the similarities in its basic premise and the character arcs protagonist's family members with that of "English Vinglish". Just like Sri Devi tried to make a comeback, successfully at that with the former, "How Old Are You" (HOAY) is Manju Warrier's attempt at return to the big screen after a long sabbatical. But unlike "English Vinglish", HOAY is more down to earth and more realistic. There is hardly any over-the-top cinematic moment or a bid sermonizing in the end where the protagonist asserts her views on her family. This simplistic and minimalistic approach to the movie making and powerful yet effortless portrayal by the lead actors make this comeback vehicle a jolly good ride with enough food for the thought of the viewers, without remotely being preachy.   

As the vigour and courage of the youth gets submerged by the mundane routine of the adulthood, the ability of the mind to dream gets drowned in the ocean of stagnation. The threshold for emotional numbness reaches its peak, but when the threshold is breached then it can either lead to eruption of emotional volcano or mind regressing to the previous phase of development. Not everyone can fight the two and remain calm and composed to aspire for a new beginning and pursuing new goals at that age. Our protagonist Nirupama Rajeev exactly does that with a bit of help from her soul-mate who has seen her from close quarters as a doer rather than a passivist. Thus HOAY portrays the lives of millions of middle aged working women who loose their dreams in the midst of chasing the dream of their loved ones. HOAY is one of the best coming-of-age or a introspective movie that has graced Indian cinema. "Queen" and "English Vinglish" come a distant second. 

It is a terrific comeback for Manju Warrier. She could not have hoped for a better script for her return to the big screen. And her emotive skills are intact, in fact one must say has got polished with age. The subtlety and effortless emotive skills come to the forefront. Even after she makes a point, the body language and swagger of a demure housewife still stays but the new found confidence in her own abilities and pride of having accomplished something shows. It is difficult to bring about these subtleties in one's acting, but Manju has just managed it with flair. For her character to shine it need a perfect hard rock to polish it, Kunchacko Boban is exactly that rock. His rock solid performance and the actor's understanding of the script helps in magnifying the character arc of Manju. Kudos for him to play second fiddle to the female lead, that too a role with grey shades especially considering the purple patch he has stuck with his career off-late. Movie boats of power-packed performances  from all the support cast.

The makers have banked on the content more than technical wizardry. Movie is technically good. Gopi Sunder's musical score is a pillar of strength to the movie.

On the whole, "How Old Are You" is a must watch, cathartic for some, introspective for the others, thoroughly entertaining for the all. 

Bottomline: Brilliant and soulful. 

4/5