Being Freaking Cyrus

After watching DJ and team radio-guide a country by assasinating the defence minister in Rang De Basanti, I thought this indie-looking film would provide some entertainment.

This is the story of a dysfuctional Parsi family. One fine morning, the protagonist Mr.Cyrus walks into their lives, quite literally. Cyrus (Saif Ali khan) is a young man in his twenties and has no worthwhile aim in life. Other than pottery and lusting at 50 year old women and their assets, that is. The narrative is given by Cyrus himself reminiscent of The Wonder Years. Other cast include Naseerudin Shah, Dimple Kapadia and Boman Irani. So far so good.

Cyrus is back it seems, to exact revenge. Or maybe something which he feels like revenge in his twisted little head. However, with no tangible story, how can the characters pull everything together? Just like 80% of all hindi movies, half time through - the oft repeated and irritating question springs up in mind - Where the hell is this film headed to ? We see Dimple Kapadia trying to seduce a guy old enough to be her son. We see her adjusting her blouse so that he falls for her. Cyrus is portrayed as the special breed of freaks who'd get it on with anyone - age no bar. Kapadias cleavage is unintentionally shown in a sequence, and that too with the camera placed all to strategically. I absolutely hate it when actresses of her age are forced to do what their daughters are good at.

Naseerudin shah is totally wasted. He's mainly cast to look like a Parsi, not act like one. For an actor of his calibre, he shouldn't have demeaned himself. Kapadia hams throughout the movie. Every scene makes us wince, I think it's the language. Needlessly twisting and contorting her face, she's just not comfortable in English skin. Boman Irani stands out, he's one actor I always look forward to.

This is supposed to be a black comedy. Only that the dialogues are cliched, and every actor (save for Saif and Boman) are made to ham.

Yet another hyped movie, just because it's all in english. And thats where the problem is, we're yet to perfect the subtle nuances in the comic gestures which are best performed in hindi. Certain jokes remain best localised and this movie is chock full of it.

Sort of like Jay Leno nailing a punch line in Hindi. Frightening!!!