Udaan Review

 There are no spoilers in this review.

PLOT: Expelled from his school, a 16-year old boy returns home to his abusive and oppressive father.


THE GOOD: Story. I think what I like about the story of Udaan is that it can be a story told from any family and any country. The movie comes from India and is set in Jamshedpur, a small, industrial town. Any male will probably be able to identify with the film in one way or another, but the majority of Indians and Asians might find it a little more familiar. Rohan Singh (played by newcomer Rajat Barmecha, and not to be confused by the realm in Middle Earth), who looks like he might be in the equivalent of high school, goes home after eight years in boarding school for disciplinary reasons. His father meets him at the train station and does not utter a single word. Immediately, the son is on the father's schedule. Wake up, go for a run, go to the factory to work, and go to school to become an engineer. Rohan longs to become a writer, but his father will have none of that in his family. Thus, drama occurs. The movie feels original and does not borrow much. However, there is a Lost in Translation moment at the end that I thought was effective. You'll know it when you see it.

ROHAN: "Would you like to hear another one of my poems, choo-choo?"

Vikramaditya Motwane. I don't follow Bollywood at all, so I can't compare movies or directors with other Bollywood films. What I can do is compare it to Hollywood and stereotypical Bollywood. I must say that it'll be entertaining to see where first-time writer and director Vikramaditya Motwane's future goes. Motwane has a gift of writing and storytelling. The movie stays quite down-to-earth and never dives into any type of fantasy-life that so many Bollywood films are known to do. No dance numbers here. I look forward to tracking this guy's future.

Actor. Rajat Barmecha plays our hero, Rohan, who looks a little like Seattle Sounders FC forward, Fredy Montero (see picture comparison). In his debut movie, Barmecha carries the film well and has some really emotional scenes. Most of which are intensified by Ronit Roy who plays Rohan's strict, abusive, alcoholic father. Roy's on-screen presence alone is uncomfortable. I feel like characters need to walk on glass whenever he's around. It feels like there's no escaping him. Aayan Boradia, who plays Rohan's younger brother from another mother that he never knew about, is cute and his relationship with Rohan is truly touching. Both actors who plays the kids seem to have this innocent look in their faces that makes you like them immediately, as well as feel sorry for them.

Music. There were only a couple moments when Amit Trivedi's music felt a little out of place, but overall, a great soundtrack. I really believe that Hollywood could benefit more from Bollywood musical artists. Director Danny Boyle seems to have recognized this having brought on the Academy Award-winning A.R. Rahman from Slumdog Millionaire to also compose the score for 127 Hours. Udaan won the trophy for Best Music Score at Giffoni.

Message. As I said, Rohan longs to be a writer. He's a great poet and storyteller. His rigid father wants him to be an engineer. In fact, he TELLS him that he's going to be an engineer. There was a time when I wanted to be a doctor and I started pursuing that course of education in my first year of college. I quickly realized my dislike for math and science, despite being very good at them, and eventually changed my mind. I remember my father being a little miffed about this. Now, he was no where near as intimidating or pressuring as Rohan's father and quickly accepted my choice, but my point is that there was a small disappointment there. I don't hold it against him or anything, but that's the theme of the movie that made me remember this. It's a theme that I think we are all familiar with. Our parents set some expectations for us; some want us to become doctors or scientists. I had classmates who seemed to have their whole life path already figured out by their parents. I feel bad for them and for Rohan. To pursue one's dreams are an awful risk. Few have successful stories, but then how should we measure success? The movie is very simple in delivering its message and it is appreciated in this form.

ROHAN: "I hate mirrors!"

THE BAD: Long. The movie feels too long for a family drama and coming-of-age story. Clocking in just under two hours and fifteen minutes, I thought about a lot of scenes they could have cut short or sequences that could have been taken out altogether. I can't help but think that if this movie was made in Hollywood, it would have been cut down more.


THE END: 'Udaan' literally means 'to take flight' and this film almost certainly does. It takes a while to get there, and therefore the impact might not be what it could have been, but it is definitely worth seeing. A couple other interesting things to note... the movie is the first Indian film in seven years to appear in competition at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. Also, Udaan won the Audience Choice Award at the 40th Giffoni Film Festival in Italy. It currently holds an 8.5 on IMDb. I recommend checking this movie out as soon as you can. Yes, it could have been better, but it is very good. You can see it now on Netflix Watch Instantly, or it is available on DVD. If India can produce more films like Udaan, it would make the movie industry as a whole a better place.


DISCUSS: What did you think of Udaan? What movies would you compare it to? Are there any Bollywood films you like?

MANINDER: "If your father kills you, can I have your stereo?"