Review of Kai Po Che! (2013) by Radhika R — 08 Mar 2013

Kai Po Che is definitely a step towards a turning point from "old-school" Bollywood. Its lack of gimmicks, plot devices and over-powering sound effects are what makes it a great film but at the same time denies it from being "mass-based".

It is no surprise that the majority of the Hindi-film audience don't find Kai Po Che as palatable as other films (say "3 Idiots"). However, this film leaves some of us truly entertained.

Never in Bollywood have I seen such a true depiction of middle-class India, bringing out the complex realities of the nation. A big aspect of it's beauty lies in its portrayal friendship, often affected by societal functions in terms of religion and politics.

The characters form a metaphor of the capitalistic, political and emotional qualities of India and how they relate to one another. The 3 lead-actors suited their roles well as it was refreshing to see a more varied and new cast, rather than a typical formulaic cast.

Impressive, how this narrative story was justified and back-sourced by real and key events of the century such as the Gujarat earthquakes and riots.