Writer: Janak

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: “Jab We Met”, “Border” & “Veer-Zaara”

"Mausam" ("Seasons" translated in English) tells a simple story of a Muslim girl name Ayaat (Sonam Kapoor), who meets and falls in love with a Punjabi boy name Harry (Shahid Kapoor), when she comes to stay with her aunty in his village. Due to unforeseen circumstances of war, Ayaat leaves the village without notice and a heartbroken Harry joins the Punjabi Air Force. Few years down the road, they meet again in a different country and love sparks, but unfortunately, Harry has to leave for military duty without notice. Their distanced love brings them together yet again for the last time, but whether they will finally end up together lies in the story.

For Shahid Kapoor, the film represents a major leap forward as an actor, as he traverses his portrayal as a lover to a soldier with a wide acting shades and confidence. It won't be erroneous to state that Shahid surpasses all his previous performances while Sonam Kapoor still has a long way to be an experienced actress.

Pankaj Kapoor who is mainly in front of the camera for many offbeat films, finally decides to take his role behind the scenes. The film's political context remains largely in the background, but yet the director generally succeeds in weaving the harsh reality of the Hindu-Muslim hostilities into his hush style and sensitivity. The director's well-honed direction serves to ensure that the film never loses its grip even when its narrative flow is told. The first half's pace was good, but rather unconvincing in the second half though.

The cinematography of the film must surely be praised. From the shots of Punjab, Switzerland to Nepal and Agra, was captured so beautifully that one wonders if such places do exist in reality. The ever-changing seasons that were captured gave the film's background an additional focus. It also helped the story move forward easily.

"Mausam's" soundtrack is a fantastic album with a many hits. While "Sajh Dhaj Ke" by Mika Singh and Pankaj Kapoor will be an instant chartbuster, "Rabba Main Toh Mar Gaya Oye" by Shahid Mallaya and "Ik Tu Hi Tu Hi" by Hans Raj Hans are superbly melodious. There is no real bad scores as the filler tracks are equally created with care and there is something for everyone to love.

Overall, the film can be best described as a wonderful blend of offbeat and mainstream cinema with full of charm and elegance. Pankaj Kapoor's directorial debut gives an old-fashioned story of love a revolution in the cinemas. Lead actor Shahid Kapoor deserves acclaim as the film is certainly worth watching.

Cinema Online, 27 September 2011