Vivaah

Life can boast of many first times ... the first book, the first job, the first boss, the first bad decision, the first goof-up, the first date, the first kiss, the first altercation, the first time you spilled coffee at the most inappropriate time, the first skid off the moped, the first sight that didnt turn into love, the first tear in public, the first guy and among many other firsts, the first time I watched the movie Vivaah... if I can attempt to use one word to define this ageless saga is anachronism.


There was a time when there was a clear division among the movies that were recycled from the bollywood movie-manufacturing industry. Tut tut, did I say Bollywood... Purists of this industry please forgive me for the blasphemy. I heard of late that someone did not like Bollywood being called "Bollywood"... argh pbbht!!!

Coming back to where I had started, I scoffed at the folks who had watched the movie. I was not sure what impetuous was needed for someone to watch the movie. Sarcasm was evident in my tone whenever I spoke to someone who had bore the videographic tome for 3 hours. Alas, I can scoff no more.

The first time I watched it, I was surprised to receive the world neatly wrapped in a glossy wrapping paper, with a red satin ribbon tied round it. Perfect and boring... My friend Dipti had put in the CD and was watching it in rapt attention. Nothing could shake her from there. She even knew the dialogues by memory. I was amazed by her taste. Of course, I did not appreciate what was unfolding on the screen, reel by reel. This is was my memorable reaction to the near-perfect-family-minus-a-bad-mother movie.

The second time when the movie was playing, I realised that I need to put aside my prejudices and watch the movie with an open mind. It is then that I saw the innocence portrayed. The spirit is so palpable. The emotions are so evident in each moment.

Simplistic depiction of the story. It does not force the right or wrong of characters. For example, the protagonist's aunt is depicted as a shrew. Except in one scene, where her husband berates her for her behavior, there is no animosity slung towards her. The movie does not preach, neither precribes. Well, none of the Barjatya movies have. My friend stated, " The movie should have been premiered a decade ago. It would have been a mega money grosser then. We have lost the innocense to appreciate such narration." How right... We have lost the sensitivity take notice and applaud this effort.

I thought the director let us down this time. But, Am glad to be wrong. I just needed to grow up to like the movie. Am grateful to have given myself a second chance.