An October by Shoojit Sircar

“It is sweet, genuine, generous, subtle and an absolutely heart-touching story.”

When I watched October [the film by Shoojit Sircar], I was completely swayed by the whole film. I am not saying this because I went through a similar traumatic experience in my life or have a similar fondness for the Harshringar flowers, perhaps because of the memories attached to them.

I loved October for many reasons. One is the sweet story of human bondage, another for the subtle treatment, and the third may be the beautiful art of storytelling without many foo-fraws.

Here are my top reasons as to why I loved this movie and why it deserves all the accolades and is award-worthy-

1) The unassuming story:

October is the story of a warm, responsible Shiuli, a hotel management intern at Radisson Blue, and Varun, another hotel management intern who is irresponsible, rude, and often difficult to handle. Unlike the contrasting lead of the regular Bollywood potboiler, they share no common interest, no love angle, and absolutely no starry connection whatsoever.

2) The actors and their characters: Aside from the lead actor Varun Dhawan, the movie had all fresh faces, fitting in their respective characters to the T. Whether it is Gitanjali Rao playing the IIT Prof, mother or the hotel management or hospital staff, everyone looked their role and did a great job.

The movie had all the characters required by the story and befitting actors too.

3) Beautiful portrayal of relationships: This was the most striking point of the film. There was no relation between the lead protagonists, yet a bond was formed sans songs, sans girl-meet-boy moments. There was a scene when Varun’s disappointed mother came to meet him at the hospital.

4) As Real as it Can- From the tedious [shaking] processes at the hospital ICU, the urine bag, the dew-swept corridors of Delhi, the plug-pulling members, and the hotel ambience, the movie touched upon all the props that were necessary for the storytelling without dwelling in the realms of escapism.

5) The subtle humour- If you hear the storyline, it may have a depressing effect on you. The movie went through many ups and downs of emotions, but it had control over you. You may have many parallel thoughts in your mind about the climax, and yet the movie keeps you engaged and guessing

PS: This is a long overdue review, making its way out of drafts, cause some films are worth watching. Have you seen it?