"October" is one of the most underrated films of this year and Here's Why!




The short window for availability of films on Digital Mediums is a blessing in disguise. While analysts may claim that it disrupts a reasonable share of the film's box office revenue, I believe that it promotes Indian Cinema while broadening its reach to audiences who wouldn't pay to watch certain kinds of films in theatres.

The very recently released, Lust Stories an anthology bringing four veterans of the craft with a not-so-mainstream yet a very talented ensemble cast bears a testimony to the fact that good cinema doesn't always need a big screen . ( I haven't watched the movie, but I've heard favourable reviews from trusted sources)

October released a couple of months ago and due to my end semester exams I couldn't enjoy the theatrical experience of another Shoojit Sarkar masterpiece. So, I was more than elated to watch it in less than two months when Amazon Prime decided to bring it to my 13 inch laptop screen. I am sure most people reading this haven't watched the film so I strongly suggest that you do. This is one movie that is perfect for a rainy day when you are snugged into your blanket with a cup of coffee.

The story traces the  journey of an ordinary young boy who is a hotel management trainee, Dan played by Varun Dhawan whose life is all over the place. Struggling through the quotidian chores of his day, his carefree attitude only makes ongoing matters worse . As unperturbed and detached we think Dan to be, a turn of events takes him on an extraordinary trail unleashing undying love, unflinching faith and unwavering emotions.  This is a coming-off-age like no other Bollywood film and Varun Dhawan delivers the finest performance of his career. (Yes, he has bettered his act in Badlapur). It is a delight to watch him channelise his man-child innocence into a non-comical set-up. where the vulnerabilities are so endearing that you immediately begin to empathise with the character.
Taking a cue from Ranbir Kapoor, irrespective of the fate of his films on the box office Varun should break away from his Govinda type roles and use his nepotism-luxury towards more content rich cinema.

October is  not your quintessential boy-meets girl love-story but a story about love, off the unlikeliest of bonds that cement in the situations never anticipated. The screenplay demands to be strongly felt ,therefore the director creates a narrative that unfolds at its own pace, sometimes testing the audience's patience. There are overtones of melancholy intensified with the naturalistic yet gorgeous cinematography. The background music tugs the strings of your heart as it juxtaposes melody and tragedy. The acting performances of the supporting cast especially Geetanjali Rao is natural and easy on the eye. Newcomer, Bantita Sandhu who despite lying on a hospital bed for the most parts, brings out the theme of the movie, LESS IS MORE. October is not for the faint-hearted.There are scenes in the movie that are so-real that you'll lose consciousness of the fact that you're viewing fiction.

October wasn't aggressively promoted and despite the brilliant reviews, it underperformed at the box office. There is so much more I can say about the film dissecting every scene, character and dialogue but now that it is available for FREE ON AMAZON PRIME, I strongly suggest that you watch this. It may not be your regular popcorn entertainer but it definitely is skilfully crafted story-telling in the most sublime form.

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