The startling everydayness of KANK

[dangermousie]

Quote of the day is courtesy of Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna:

"Hello...Thank you...Nice to meet you...I love you dammit!"



That quote encapsulates why I adore KANK and why it's no traditional against-the-odds weeping romance that Bollywood is so good at.

I've seen comments on the net about how KANK doesn't show that Dev and Maya are soulmates, OTP, One True Love to End All Loves.

It's true, KANK has no grand romantic gestures. But it's clearly on purpose. SRK can romance in his sleep. Just watch Veer-Zaara (from 2004!) where he, as Veer, made my cry like a five year old, and where the movie broke my heart and made me forget to breathe and just swept me away in its romance.

And Karan Johar has clearly made swoonily romantic movies before, with SRK. The gazebo scene in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is still the most romantic scene I've ever seen in a Bollywood movie (even beating out Tujhe Dekha scene in DDLJ starring no one other than...SRK :P. And then there is Asoka) and that's a tough competition. In the last KJ movie, KHNH, the scene with Preity crying into SRK's chest 'why do you love me so much' as he can't help but hold her, repeating 'I don't love you. I don't love anyone...' has the ability to make me tear up just thinking about it.

So they clearly know how to do swooping romantic gestures. KANK lacks those on purpose. It's about every-day approachable people. It's not a grand epic star-crossed lovers romance a la Veer-Zaara. It's a very different look at flawed broken people finding love together, finding their jagged edges fit together. I bought the love between Dev and Maya, but it's shown in small, little, everyday things: the way he stops littering and she starts. The way his humor softens when he is with her. The way she unfreezes. These are not larger than life characters. They are people you might meet on a street-corner. It would have been completely off to have them have sweeping romantic gestures.

Comments

[lesbiassparrow.livejournal.com]

One of the things that I love about this film is that any gestures they do make are so clearly deeply bought by them. When Maya runs after him and says 'I like blue,' it's such a big move for her, because she is so emotionally reserved and also a little bit passive. Or when she carries his bag for him because of his leg and he doesn't have any pride about it.

And the proposal scene, sure he's grumpy and complains about the pain, but he still won't get off his knees until she says yes. I am quite mad about this film for reasons that I can't really explain. It's moving up into one of my favourites.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

It's a movie that the more I think about it, the more it grows on me. I'll try to see it again this weekend. It's my favorite of KJ movies. It really comes across as if he's grown up. The thing I've loved the most about his previous movies is that with all the grand weeping (OMG, how glad am I that he's toned it here) and outsized romantic gestures, there were those brilliant small real moments that grounded them all. And in KANK, he's actually dispensed with the usual KJ weaknesses and just made a movie about small moments.

One of the things that I love about this film is that any gestures they do make are so clearly deeply bought by them....And the proposal scene, sure he's grumpy and complains about the pain, but he still won't get off his knees until she says yes.

Exactly. I was reading discussions whether Dev and Maya would walk happily into the sunset. And people were saying they didn't see how they could have HEA. And I agree with that. I can't imagine them having a perfect life like a typical bolly couple. But I can see them having a real life together, with all the problems and flaws. They don't have a guarantee of happiness (and how real is that) but they have a much better chance of happiness together than apart. I just love that Dev says that he asks her to share his punishment with him.

In terms of that, I just love the three year gap. It made so much sense, story-wise. In all those years they haven't found anyone else to replace each other and they still loved each other. They are both flawed, difficult people. But they work for each other in a way no one else does. They are actually happy together!

And I still can't get over what a shock it was to have SRK, of all people, play this role. I loved it and it threw me at the same time: just as with the sex scene. Because I literally had to fight an urge to peek through my fingers. Not that there was anything in it by any Holly standards, but the fact that it's a sex scene! In a KJo movie! Between a couple who are protagonists committing adultery! And it's Shahrukh Khan! OMG!!!! Which I think was a brilliant move on KJ part: it really startled.

[lesbiassparrow.livejournal.com]

I can't imagine them having a perfect life like a typical bolly couple.

No, as you said they're not getting the castle in the sky ending. But it's awfully real and hopeful what they do get. And I think that as they've pretty much seen each other at their worst, without the rose-tinted romantic glances, what they are going to have will be truthful and lasting.

And I can't imagine that it won't be a lot better than both of them trying to deal with the complete unsuitability of their current partners. That scene between Rishi and Maya where he just lays it on about their sex life was just cringe inducing, because you know that one isn't going away. And I think that's why it was not her falling in love with another man that got him so much as the sex, because if he can say that she won't sleep with him because she is frigid, it's somehow a lot better than saying she won't sleep with him because she doesn't desire him in particular. Because frigidity is a flaw in her and would be there even if she were married to someone else, but then he gets it thrown at him that it's something between him and her.

That hotel scene was simultaneously horrible and hot. Because they look so beaten down and guilty when they're heading to the room. So then, the way they look at each other and the lighting! But all round this was much more explicit than any Bollywood I've scene - the scene in the ballet where Rishi is kissing Maya while Dev glowers from a distance was also rather shocking by Bollywood standards. (Not to mention when the whole discussion about their sex life which I talked about above.)

SRK as the adulturer was a clever move as you said, because Dev is pretty unlikeable, but SRK has such an underlying something that you buy that Maya could see something in him. And there are all the SRK roles swirling in the background too.

Sorry to leave such a long comment; I don't get that many chances to talk Bollywood!

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

You should never apologize about long comments. I live for them. I love discussing BW.

SRK has such an underlying something that you buy that Maya could see something in him. And there are all the SRK roles swirling in the background too.

Exactly. In fact, when I think of other actors as Dev, even ones I adore, like Aamir, I can't see any of them play it without making me really dislike Dev, but with SRK, there is always just a hint of whimsicality, of *something* and I find myself trying to understand Dev and where he is coming from.

That hotel scene was simultaneously horrible and hot. Because they look so beaten down and guilty when they're heading to the room. So then, the way they look at each other and the lighting! But all round this was much more explicit than any Bollywood I've scene

Oh yes, both on horribleness and the hotness. The very fact that they are drenched, sodden from the rain, both adds to the reality of it (and it really is sodden, no glamorous wet drapes for them as in a typical Bolly rain number) and to the atmosphere of sadness. The fact that Maya hides behind the curtain as he goes to get the keys tells its own story: she clearly doesn't need to, no one knows them in the hotel. It's her guilt.

And it's the most explicit that I've ever seen in Bwood too (though I've never watched skin flicks like Girlfriend so have no idea how that is) but what struck me about it that there was nothing vulgar about it (it wasn't sensasionalistic) and, more importantly, that is is one of a bare handful of sex scenes that is crucial to have for a movie. You really needed it there.

I also love the fact that it's not all beautiful and passionate or what not. The guilt is heavy throughout, but what strikes me is that even with the guilt and the shame they find fulfillment with each other (that shot of tear trickling out of Maya's eye and Dev kissing it is just...perfect. Seriously. Perfect).

In a way, I think the sex scene, in addition to everything else, solves something for Maya, unlocks something for her. As you said, for Rishi the sex is a huge betrayal because it means that he, Rishi, doesn't do it for her, it's not a frigidity thing. But that is true for Maya too! She finds dev physically attractive early on (as that scene with her imagining wiping his mouth demonstrates) but I think making love with him, and clearly both giving and recieving passion, for the first time in her life, demonstrates to her that she is not frigid, not some kind of a mutant, that the lack is not in her, but in the fact that she and Rishi just don't click. To use the cliche phrase, being with Dev makes her feel like a real woman, passionate and emotionally and physically involved, and it's something she needs to know about herself.

[ameyadevi.livejournal.com]

*watches the convorsation* I'm so bummed i missed this movie. Well, until the dvd. Same thing with krrish and i just got the dvd file (i thought it wouldn't be out for ages)..so i hope this comes out just as fast. or faster? A girl can dream.

i can't wait for this film. I've read so many bad reviews, but at the same time i've always known i'll fall in love with it.. and yous are convincing me :)

[srkfanatic.livejournal.com]

Hello...Thank you...Nice to meet you...I love you dammit!

I love love love this line. The best in the movie. I saw it again last night, and now I love it even more. The way Dev and Maya fall in love is perfect. Like you say, it's not grand, it's not over the top, it's real life. You can relate to it. Which is what makes KANK so great. Dev and Maya aren't perfect, but hey, neither are Rishi and Rhea. Everyone's flawed, and it doesn't make for the best relationships if you aren't willing to admit it.

[lesbiassparrow.livejournal.com]

I really wish I could make the trek to see the film again, but I'll just have to wait until the DVD.

The more I think about the lead into the hotel scene, the more clever I think it is, with the argument and the misery and how they just look defeated by everything. They're both flailing around in their own lives and the moment when their partners think they have clicked once more, is the exact moment when they realise that they're locked into these marriages with people they feel no love for. And it just tosses them over the edge.

BTW, I think it's tremendously interesting that we never see Dev's kid at that point or get the argument that he should stay with Rhea for the kid's sake.

In a way, I think the sex scene, in addition to everything else, solves something for Maya, unlocks something for her.

Oh yes. It's really interesting that the film starts with Dev telling her that maybe she shouldn't be looking for passion, and he's the very guy who shows her what is possible in relationships.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

I think it's tremendously interesting that we never see Dev's kid at that point or get the argument that he should stay with Rhea for the kid's sake.

In a way, I think a movie addresses this indirectly by showing that:
a. In his misery, Dev was a bad dad. If he had to stick around, it would probably be the same thing over again
b. Arjun was clearly affected by his parents fighting.

It really would be better for the kid (seems to say the movie, and I think it might be right) for the kid to have his parents divorce than to live in such a household as Dev and Rhea's when together.

It's really interesting that the film starts with Dev telling her that maybe she shouldn't be looking for passion, and he's the very guy who shows her what is possible in relationships.

Do you know, I didn't even think about that. Talk about dramatic irony. It actually works that way for him too. Going to Maya's place that day took something vital away from him (not just his career. Someone on BWhat pointed out that Dev is a man in pretty much constant physical pain), so it seems fitting that it's Maya that brings something new, happiness, into his life.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Oh, I agree, best line in the movie. And more moving than a lot of grand declarations, to m. It's an hour's drive each way for me to get to the theater so I can't go except on weekends, but it's so worth it.

I just love how Dev and Maya seem to get each other, be on the same wavelength, but in such small yet meaningful ways (I keep coming back to the scene where she measures her steps to his).

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Oh, I am so sorry you missed it. KJo movies are always polarizing, but this one, due to the nature of the topic, more so than usual. I hope you like it, but even if not, it's still something that has a lot of neat stuff and layers to think about...

[srkfanatic.livejournal.com]

(I keep coming back to the scene where she measures her steps to his).

I had been wondering who said that, about Rhea walking in front of Dev, but Maya walking with him. I should have known it was you. It sums up Dev's relationship with each woman so perfectly.

No movie has made me think, feel, and love as much as this one. Kudos to Karan. I hope he continues making his films like this, and doesn't take the bad reviews and criticism to heart.

[ameyadevi.livejournal.com]

It is against the laws of nature for me not to like a "KJo" (teehe) movie. The one i like the least actually is KKHH.. its just kinda okay and not particularly memberable, imo. I know i'm pretty much the only person on earth who thinks that though. heh

[annous.livejournal.com]

what pisses me off about the bad reviews , is that it's split into two camps, one camp are those people who wanted to go to a Kjo film and see the usual(k3gII), and are now furious that it's not, and those who want Karan to make Omkara II, as if he claim he made a different film , then God damn it, it better be 100% different. And then there are those, who I suspect opened their drawers, and pulled their old KKHH and K3G reviews, changed the name and published it.One reviewer complained that SRK was acting like a super star in the football match scene...I was like WTF? he is the star at that scene, or those who thought that he forgot to limp in Mitwa....and yes I am bitter, because KANK was such a departure for SRK and Karan, they alienated their family friendly crowd....life is not fair.


SRKfanatic reminded me of one line during the bed store scene, when Dev says to Maya, wow, yahan pe kitne saare bed hain. maya tum itni desparate thi, toh hotel mein kamra le lete hain'
"wow, there's so many beds here. maya, if you were this desparate, we could have rented a hotel room"

Now that's foreshadowing

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

It sums up Dev's relationship with each woman so perfectly.


I really think so too. I keep coming back to the scene near the beginning where Dev says fine, they'll go home, and Rhea just runs ahead while he sees she didn't wait. I think that really sums up their marriage and why I don't think Dev is the one most at fault in this marriage but they are both equally to blame.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Now that's foreshadowing

Wow, that's really cool. I didn't think about that at all. Brilliant!

Re: KANK reviews. I love Omkara and I greatly enjoyed previous KJ movies, but it PISSES ME OFF when people think it should have been one or the other. It's a nuanced, complex film (a lot more everyday than Omkara OR previous KJ movies) that is excellent in making oe think. I don't see what else it could or should or must be. Argh.

[lesbiassparrow.livejournal.com]

Dev may be a bad dad but his scenes with the kid are hilarious. As I find Bollywood's portrayal of children in films quite often coma inducing in their sugary sweetness (to the extent that I tend to avoid any film which has a kid in any central position), I very much approved.

[lesbiassparrow.livejournal.com]

No you're not the only person to think that about KKHH. I didn't realise until recently (I don't talk Bollywood with many people) that thinking this was heresy. As a matter of fact, I didn't even finish watching it...

[lesbiassparrow.livejournal.com]

Ps. please don't defreind me for the KKHH comment above. :) It's the kid in that one that drives me up the wall...

[annous.livejournal.com]

Add me to the kkhh isn't all that brigade:D, I don't hate it, I actually like it a little, K3g was my first BW film, and now I can see it's faults clearly, I can't trash it..it opened the door after all.
of Kjo films. KHNH was my absolute favorite, but now I have KANK!!..

can we talk more and more about KANK? I keep thinking about how deep the film is, and the more people translate the scenes for me( thank you SRKfanatic:)), the more I love this film ...it may actuallt take VZ place in my list of favorite film :O.
I have to say this, I never thought that anything will take the place of Main Yahaan hoon(VZ) as the hottest scene I have ever saw, but the hotel scene has taken over!! not only because it has my favorite jodi in it( and SRK shirtless looking buff..guuuh), but also the scene is devestating , it's sexy, sensual,and very intimate that I had to close my eyes at some moments, but also because both actors conveyed a range of emotions( desire, love, guilt, satisfaction, fear)...it left me shaken.

[lesbiassparrow.livejournal.com]

That scene in the hotel just killed me. Both for the sheer amount of human misery involved and the expressions on Dev and Maya's faces. They have this absolute quiet and desperate guilt written all over them which is the total reverse of the exuberance that we see with Rishi and Rhea. I agree with Dangermousie that they needed to have them sleep together, even if it breaks BW taboos because they both get something very important out of it. And the two actors do such a great job with it - I seriously think it's best adultery scene I've ever seen.

Not to mention that without it I don't think Rishi and Rhea would have broken up (Dangermousie and I were talking above about why this is so), so it really is integral to how the film works out.