Connect with us

Top News

‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’ – old-fashioned tragic saga

Published

on

Film: “Hamari Adhuri Kahani”; Language: Hindi; Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Vidya Balan, Raj Kumar Rao, Amala Akkineni, Suhashini Mulay and Namit Das; Director: Mohit Suri; Rating: **1/2

Director Mohit Suri’s “Hamari Adhuri Kahani” is an anachronistic, tragic romance that touches an emotional chord, yet, makes you dismiss it as a regressive piece of art. The direction appears confused, with a present-day setting, while the treatment of the plot and characters belong to a bygone era.

The story, with its verbose, melodramatic and regressive dialogues, along with outdated metaphors and symbolism, fits into the 1970s’ mould perfectly. Sadly, the audience today will not relate to it.

An intriguing tale nevertheless, it is all about love. An engaging story of a married lady bound by the shackles of society, yearning for true love.

The dramatic prologue lays the foundation of the narration. It is 22 years that Vasudha (Vidya Balan) has left her husband Hari (Rajkumar Rao). Upon learning of her death, Hari, steals the urn as he is adamant about immersing her ashes in Bastar and not in the Ganges, to enable Vasudha attain salvation.

Hari’s truth — the story of his life is unravelled through a diary that he leaves behind for his son Sanjh to read.

Mahesh Bhatt has penned this semi-biographical convoluted saga, with well-etched characters which are intense and complex. High on emotional quotient, he leaves his imprint with the well-structured, tight and intelligently-woven script. But it is the cliched, archaic and effusive expositions that nail the narrative.

Recounted in a non-linear manner and packed with back stories, what holds your attention are the potent performances given by the ace star cast. Those are undoubtedly the key reason to watch the film.

Emraan Hashmi delivers a sensitive performance, quite contrary to his usual image. As Arav Ruparel, the sauve and successful businessman who owns 108 hotels and is emotionally drawn to Vasudha, he is convincing.

Vidya Balan as the protagonist, Vasudha, brings out the pathos of a distraught mother and abandoned wife seeking true love, through an emotionally intense portrayal. She does justice to her character, but expectedly so. Your heart bleeds for her at the treatment that fate has meted out to her.

With a broad spectrum of emotions, ranging from a possessive husband to a harassed victim of circumstances seething with anger to the subdued psychotic, Rajkumar Rao wows you with his power-packed and nuanced performance as Hari. He is a natural before the camera.

The other noticable character in a cameo is Apurva, Arav’s friend-cum-man Friday. With his spontaneity, tone and sense of timing, he lends a fresh perspective to the sardonic lackey, eliciting many a laughter at his “flight delay” dialogues.

Yesteryear’s actor Amala as Rohini, Arav’s mother, is a huge disappointment. Although the character allows her ample opportunity to perform, she offers nothing to make it memorable.

Technically, with excellent production values and decent music, the visuals by cinematographer Vishnu Rao are vibrantly brought to life by his meticulous framing.

Watch this one if you are moved by sad love stories. The good performances are an added bonus.

Top News

Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

Published

on

By

World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

Continue Reading

Trending