Viruddh
welcomes you to the warm world of retired couple, Vidyadhar (Amitabh Bachchan)
and Sumitra Patwardhar (Sharmila Tagore).
Their
only son Amar (John Abaham) is studying in London. Like all anxious
parents, the couple looks forward to his long-distance telephone
calls at a specific time each week.
As
the story unfolds, we learn how the couple blend with each other when carrying
out their daily routines, may it be banters at the dinner table, jogging, laughter
therapy, shopping or the afternoon siestas. But
soon, they get a surprise visit from Amar who decides to come home to celebrate
his birthday. He also brings with him his London based girlfriend (Anoushka).
The
old couple waste no time in accepting their new daughter in law who tries her
best to learn the Hindi language with hilarious consequences.
But
tragedy soon strikes this closely knit family when Amar gets killed
(by the Home Minister's son) while intervening in a fight.
It
is then that the real trial begins for these people and in the court of law.
But
justice doesn't prevail as political power raises its ugly head.
Determined
to prove his son's innocence, Vidyadhar eventually takes the life of the killer
and is acquitted by the court.
Director
Mahesh Manjrekar has brilliantly portrayed the characters' transformation
as the film enters the second half, post interval.
The
initial part shows how Sumitra is the dominant of the two while
in the second part, as tragedy strikes this couple, it is Vidyadhar
who decides to take over.
Both
Amitabh and Shamila make a great on-screen pair. They compliment each other to
say the least.
John
Abraham is excellent. He has a great screen presence. Anoushka makes a great Bollywood
debut. She
plays her part as the London born Asian with great ease. Can
someone explain what a great star like Sanjay Dutt was doing in this film? He
was totally wasted.
But
having said this, Viruddh takes an emotional and moving look
at the lives of an old couple who lose their only son.
The
film does touch that sensitive chord, up to the extent of conjuring
a tear or two! Best Bollywood film around at the moment. A must
watch.
Reviewed
by Manish Gajjar 麻豆官网首页入口 Shropshire Bollywood
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