Sorry Bhai (2008)

Superb and absolute refreshing movie. Family should watch it together.Beautiful location and nice scripting as well.Acting was also too good.Path breaking film for Indian society. Great film. I saw it after Kapoor & sons. Still I believe this is much better.Without any 2nd thought go for it.

It's too vague a title to convey much, which is why, I'm guessing, not many would have seen it. And those that have, haven't taken too well to it. Reason? Tad too unconventional for a Bollywood film! I happened to pick up the DVD only recently. But unlike my fuzzy scattered thoughts on it, the film came as a pleasant surprise. It's different, its fresh (save a few scenes, I didn't mind ignoring) with a subject that's been dealt with, unctuously. The film revolves around chalk-and-cheese brothers - Siddharth (Sharman Joshi), who rejoices in the simple pleasures of life, Harsh (Sanjay Suri), a freakin' workaholic; and Harsh's fiancée Aaliya (Chittranghada Singh), a character that appears practical and level-headed initially but enigmatic, later (for most part of the film). Harsh, who leaves home years back, to work abroad (in Mauritius) is now ready to tie the knot with Aaliya. He calls Dad (Boman Irani), Ma (Shabana Aazmi) and his bro Siddharth, to be part of this 'very special day of his life' to Mauritius. As Aaliya spends time with Harsh's family, she realizes this is not how she'd pictured her life to be. What ensues is to watch out for! The characters aren't white or black (somewhere, there's a mystifying aspect to each of them). Sharman and Boman (yes!) steal the show here. Sharman's mama's-boy-evolves-into-a-man-who-dares-to-defy act is on the ball! He play a scientist (out of all the professions!) who's out there to prove a classic (read: nonsensical) theory. When he's not breaking his head over this theory, he indulges in his saxophone. His other interests include Jazz. Sharman, as an actor, is brilliant. His subtle expressions convey more than his dialogues. He is one underrated actor in the industry. Boman, with a cheerful disposition, is a sweetheart! He lightens up the screen each time he appears, with his mischievously hilarious repartees, directed mostly at his dear wife. He and Shabana share a great on screen presence (I enjoyed watching them in Honeymoon Travels!) At 54 and 59 (Shabana is six years older), they heart-warmingly :) justify the word 'chemistry.' The film is not without its flaws, but it's certainly a one-time watch. Don't be misled by the wishy-washy title. It's a sweet lil film! Go watch it! Find me on http://eatpraylovemovies.blogspot.com/2010/08/sorry-bhai- 2008-hearty-entertainer.html

I love that Onir includes novel themes in his movies and wonderfully presents them through the story rather than preach like he did with his first two films 'My Brother Nikhil' and 'Bas Ek Pal' (both are movies that I love). Similarly, 'Sorry Bhai' too has something new for the Indian audience. However, this time Onir fails to meet up the level of his other films.The main problem is the script. There's not just enough meat and the pacing is too slow in the beginning. The relationship between Harsh and Aaliyah is poorly portrayed. They have been together for five years and yet she chooses not to tell him about her feelings towards Sid and ends up cheating on him with his brother. At the same time, Harsh seems to have forgiven them too fast and too easily. The writer seems confused with the characters and the ending appears rushed. The cinematography is inconsistent because some scenes are shot from poor angles while others are okay. The music is mostly alright and easily forgettable.Mauritius has never looked more beautiful on the Indian movie screen. Onir takes full advantage, not only of the beach locations but also the wildlife reserves and other locals. Mauritius looks much greener than it ever did. Now that was a treat to watch.Sharman Joshi somehow does not fit the part. His acting isn't bad (although he does look a little too confused sometimes) but he is simply miscast. Chitrangda Singh is another treat to watch. She is bedazzling and turns in a decent performance. Shabana Azmi is splendid to watch and Boman Irani too impresses after a long time. Sanjay Suri suffers from bad characterization.Overall, the film is by no means horrendous but it could have easily been a lot better. 'Sorry Bhai' has some shining moments, a few fine performances, eye candy like Mauritius and Chitrangda and some good dialogues but it is Onir's weakest film to date.

Firstly, after "Bas Ek Pal" this is another movie from director Onir, with its inspiration from the West. The plot is quite similar to "Dan In Real Life" (2007) and it is too bold and a strange choice of topic by the director.Secondly, the story is indigestive and unacceptable both in our part of the world and in the West too. Because still the viewers haven't gone broadminded to this extent that they can accept such kind of story all in the name of LOVE & EMOTIONS.Thirdly, even in this controversial plot there are performances worth watching and worth praising but they all may go un-noticed due to the non availability of viewers.About the story, think about a younger brother falling in love with the fiancée of his elder brother, just before 5 days of their marriage. Then as the marriage gets postponed for few days, they cannot resist, make love to each other in a garment store's changing room. After knowing the truth the mother of the boys strangely allows the couple to have a live in relationship leaving the elder brother alone.This is not out of the box thinking or innovation of any kind. In my opinion this is simply wrong choice of plot and looks like deliberately chosen to create a controversy and get the extra attention. And the most debatable part is the climax and the solution given to the unexpected problem. It looks like Onir was not able to decide how to end this unconventional plot and he settled with whatever he could think of. I simply couldn't understand why the mother suggests his younger son and the girl to have a live in relationship. And why does she want them to get married (post her death) after 11 years and that too when they have got two children out of their live in years. Also absurdly the elder brother remains witness to all this and even is shown celebrating their marriage. The last half hour is completely confusing and nonsensical.As I see it, the love making scene was not required at the first place and was totally avoidable. This gave a complete new and blind turn to the movie. On the other hand, the plot should have used the love angle only as an infatuation. This situation can arise in real life too and it is quite possible. We all do get attracted towards many persons we come across in our lives, but we cannot start an affair with anyone we like. And that too with the lady who is going to be married in 5 days and we are there invited to attend her marriage only. In my opinion, if the characters were made to control themselves and accept it as a healthy and friendly infatuation then the movie could have been a milestone for Onir. But instead he decided to mould it in an unethical way which was a drastic mistake.Now if we just keep the story out of mind and emphasize only on the performances, then there are worth watching acts by almost all the characters. Among the top on the list are Shabana Azmi and Chitrangda Singh. Shabana gives another milestone performance of her career. She is more than perfect in the role of mother of the family and she was the only one who could do justice with this role. Chitrangda has the beauty out of this world. She simply lights up the screen with her presence. In fact you cannot watch any other person sharing screen presence with her as she never allows you to take eyes off her. She was rightly compared to Smita Patil in her first film as she has got the talent and beauty both in the right measures. She stands at equal heights confidently with the veteran Shabana Azmi and makes her presence felt in front of her. Moments where Shabana and Chitrangda are together on the screen are brilliantly directed and give you back the worth of your money.Boman Irani is so cool as the father. Though Shabana & Boman together remind you of "Honeymoon Travels", but still they look as a perfect couple and Boman Irani provides the required comic relief to the movie. Sharman Joshi as the younger brother impresses and his magical smile says a lot. But Sanjay Suri is OK as the elder brother. He also does not get enough attention post interval. Musically the songs sound soothing while watching but a song worth remembering is missing. The movie is mostly shot outdoors in Mauritius and the beautiful locations are canned superbly.In short, the story in unconvincing and the script is indigestible but you may watch the film only for the superlative act by the leading ladies, Shabana Azmi & Chitrangda Singh. You will love them both.