Ah, Bollywood! The land of glitz, glamour, and sometimes, the overlooked gems. Today, we’re diving into the world of an indie darling that’s been dusting off its shelf life—Raja Krishna Menon’s ‘Barah Aana’. Celebrating its sweet sixteenth, this film is like that hipster friend who was cool way before it was cool to be cool. Let’s see what the fuss is about and why the director is all about giving it a second chance.
So, here’s the deal: ‘Barah Aana’ is the kind of movie that snuck up on audiences like a quiet cat. With Naseeruddin Shah, the silent brooding driver Shukla, Vijay Raaz as the ever-ready watchman Yadav, and Arjun Mathur, the eager waiter Aman, this trio of North Indian migrants serve up a tale that’s equal parts humor and heartache. It’s the kind of film you might find sifting through the indie section, right next to some avant-garde flick about existential dread. 🎬
A Walk Down Memory Lane with Raja Krishna Menon:
Menon reminisces about his debut like it’s his first love—no budget, but all heart. "Barah Aana" was the indie dream, where every team member was a co-conspirator in bringing this heartfelt story to life. The casting was a stroke of genius. Naseeruddin Shah, the magician of subtlety, brought Shukla to life without breaking a sweat or saying much. Trust me, folks, Shah could make a statue cry with his expressions. 😏
Now, Vijay Raaz—what can I say? Effortless as a breeze on a hot Mumbai day. Watching him and Shah together was like witnessing a masterclass in acting. As for Arjun Mathur, he was the eager student surrounded by maestros. Italian star Violante Placido was the cherry on top, sandwiched between Italian hits and George Clooney. Quite the coup, right?
Did We Miss the Bus?
Menon reflects on how ‘Barah Aana’ was perhaps ahead of its time, but it did make waves internationally, especially at the Chicago International Film Festival. The film was like Lagaan’s little indie sibling that could!
Time for a Comeback?
Menon is all for a re-release, dreaming of a world where ‘Barah Aana’ gets the love it truly deserves. It’s like hoping your old school band gets back together for a reunion tour. 🎸
Nisha’s Nutshell:
In the quirky world of Bollywood, sometimes the quietest films are the loudest in impact. Who knows, maybe ‘Barah Aana’ will make a comeback and remind us that Bollywood isn’t all about dance numbers and melodrama. Sometimes, it’s about the little indie films that could. And remember, folks, in Bollywood as in life, timing is everything—unless you’re a timeless classic. 😉
Tags: Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Raaz, Arjun Mathur, Indie Cinema, Barah Aana, Raja Krishna Menon, Bollywood Flashback, Re-release Dreams
