Most importantly, this Abhishek Kapoor-directed film manages to score in narrating a story even when there is no definite story in the true sense. Instead, it could well be a film about the life and times of three friends who see a series of events, those internal to them and the ones that are controlled by external forces, bring in series of emotions that range from joy, pathos, bonding, conflict and forgiveness. All of this also means that for those who are used to watching their flicks unfold in a quintessential Hindi film format, the film may not turn out to be conventionally entertaining.
(Above): Amrita Puri in “Kai Po Che!”
Still, Abhishek Kapoor and Chetan Bhagat deserve credit here, as they manage to ensure that despite the film being episodic in its format, it never once takes the shape of an episodic narrative. This was one mistake that Pankaj Kapur’s
Mausam made, which had an almost similar manner of unfolding. The Shahid Kapoor-Sonam Kapoor-starrer was a romantic flick that had the story going through various real life events that had historical significance. Similarly
Kai Po Che! spans through 10 years and has its characters go through the events that had shook Gujarat as well as rest of the nation.
This means that for the three young men, Rajkumar Yadav, Amit Sadh and Sushant Singh Rajput (this is the order in which they are credited in the film), there are events like the horrifying earthquake, and then, the riots, that can never be erased from history. In the middle of all this, there is also this great cricket test match win of India over Australia that forms an integral part of the story. Meanwhile, with elections and Navratri thrown in, you do get a feel of a real life take being told.
However, it is surprising to see a young and budding cricketer form an extremely important part of the film. In fact, he could well be termed as the fourth main protagonist who is taken under his wings by Sushant and is coached effectively so as to aim for the highest order in the Indian Cricket team. While this does form an interesting part in the film, especially when the cricket sequences are on, one wonders if this episode could have been shortened and more focus would have been on the three main protagonists.
(Above): Amrita Puri and Sushant Singh Rajput in “Kai Po Che!”
Similarly, the case with the whole Sabarmati and the Godhra incidents that form a major part of the film’s second half. Again, each of the scenes is deftly executed and thankfully there is not much jingoism involved. Also, there aren’t clichéd tools used to convey this episode. Still, and that’s one grudge indeed, is that why those chapters, that have been a blot on India’s history, reopened? Of course, it is the prerogative of a filmmaker and Abhishek has all the right reasons to narrate a story that he wishes. However, when a film has been pitched to the audience as a take on three friends, this angle seems a tad unwarranted.
Nevertheless, and as acknowledged earlier, it is Abhishek’s handling of the medium that ensures that one doesn’t really look away even once. Moreover it is his actors who make the going enjoyable for all involved. One can’t (and should not) pick one character over another in terms of importance or relevance of effectiveness. Whether it is Rajkumar, Sushant or Amit, each of them is just perfect for the part and is more than just a value addition to the film.
What works best for each of them is that there is a sense of being natural which is conveyed in every dialogue being delivered and every walk being taken. Ditto for Amrita Puri whose presence is felt right through the film. Moreover, she does get the sweet and confident girl act just right. Also, the actor who plays Amit’s uncle is good. Thankfully, he breaks the stereotype of a politician that one is used to seeing on the screen.
(Above): Amit Sadh, Raj Kumar Yadav and Sushant Singh Rajput in “Kai Po Che!”
Technically, the film is top notch, right from the cinematography, background score, sound design and editing.
Commercially speaking, the film should do well at the box office, given its multiplex friendly content. This reasonably budgeted film has opened well at multiplexes and for the target audience there is decent meat to munch on. Though one can’t see the film creating unstoppable waves at the box office, its good opening as well as a promise of decent sustenance at theatres would ensure that it not just sails through but also makes decent profits.
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