Leonard Cohen explored the idea that a writer writes himself into existence. The more he creates, the more tangible he becomes. Sure, he exists but that shell, or body is just a housing. There is a truth, but it is not what you see, at least right now. Maybe that is what director Imtiaz Ali is saying in his new film, Tamasha. Ali's film has many layers to peel back to truly understand. Its complexity perplexes us all the more because the film's stars bring their own puzzle to the film. Where do Ved and Tara end and Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor begin? Tamasha suggests that only through shedding illusions, which we construct like walls, can we find ourselves; for the only true security is the greatest lie we can create.
But can you put trust of any sort in a message delivered by an art form that is built on illusion?
The main buzz about the film stemmed from the onscreen chemistry between lead actors Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor and the two actors lived up to the hype. They are magical. So much so that, as you watch the film, you really begin to believe the rumors that they are in a relationship with each other. Both are that much in tune with the other.
Ranbir Kapoor is brilliant as Ved. All the press he gets for his box office failures are an injustice and don't allow the audience to appreciate this very talented actor. Kapoor is in top form because of co-star, Padukone, as is she. It would seem that in some form or other, these two obviously belong together. The affection they share on screen is genuine.
As for Deepika Padukone, this sublimely talented goddess, according to reports is looking to come to Hollywood. She is in for a culture shock when she does finally come and finds there are no creative director's like Ali here. As Tara, Deepika is absolutely luminous and carries off her part with the usual Deepika panache.
Director Ali's first brilliant move was deciding to cast the two.
The plot is very simple. Ranbir and Deepika's characters meet and fall in love in Corsica. They decide they want to keep things simple, no strings, no emotional baggage, just fun. They want to rediscover laughter, but take an unexpected emotional journey where they rediscover life. It is a simple plot that is made sublime by Ali's direction and, of course, the performances of the two actors.
Ali had this to say about his film, "The working title of the film was 'The Window Seat'. It's that thought that crosses your mind when you are sitting by the window of a train and watching Ratlam go by and you think, what if I get down from this train? What life awaits me there? Outside the window, there is a mythical world where you can be anyone you want. That window seat allows you the chance to drop the story you are living and become a brand new person."
It is that potential that can keep us young, Tamasha tells us, but only if we are wise enough to keep our hearts and minds open. So, dip your toe in the wellspring of love, of beauty, and youthful optimism. When you see Ali's movie, you might rid tourself of some of the masks you carry around.
