Queen

Vikas Bahl's Queen is a refreshingly sensitive film, which gives us a story which is raw, simple, and highly involving. The film tells the story of Rani, an innocent and demure young woman whose fiancé calls off their upcoming wedding all of a sudden just a day before. Heartbroken, she decides not to cancel their pre-booked honeymoon and embarks on a journey to Paris and Amsterdam all by herself. How this simple, unassuming girl, who never left her city let alone her country, will manage all alone abroad is what this film is all about. The interesting people she meets, the lessons she learns as she reflects back on her past life, make it a fascinating ride.

The film is wonderfully developed, and it works as a true dramedy, a positive one at that, where we are shown there's something good out of everything. Rani's story is inspiring and touching, and clearly a true queen emerges out of her struggle. Needless to say, nothing would have worked as well without Kangana Ranaut, whose charming, relatable and authentic performance is a portrait of vulnerability, strength and resilience. She really manages to capture Rani's naivety, innocence, and particularly her growing maturity and sense of independence. That this film is so good is mainly to her credit, as she is the heart and soul of the entire enterprise.

Queen addresses many important themes and conveys social messages which could inspire many young girls, or everyone in general. But above all it's just a very entertaining film, with hardly a dull moment. The story might seem a little simplistic on paper, but the writing makes it much more profound than it could have been. It just feels so real and simple and devoid of redundant clichés. Bahl's excellent direction makes it a moving experience, producing an uplifting coming-of-age picture infused with moments of strong drama and heartwarming comedy, right to the exhilarating conclusion. If you haven't seen it yet, you should.

Wanna experience a hot air balloon ride? If not literally, Vikas Bahl's 'Queen' will surely give you the feel! This one too takes off after fire of strife but gradually zooms up in the air higher and higher, all liberated from the shackles of earthly rules and grief. 'Queen' is a journey of discovering oneself. Simply put – "When things go wrong, cry not; gather your guts, not just move over but fly!". A more detailed analysis follows:

• Plot: The plot resembles Gauri Shinde's 'English vinglish' in its theme but it is the execution and premises which makes 'Queen' more exuberant. While the former was poised and mature, this one is raw, yet sensitive, sensible, effervescent, all at the same time. How an otherwise banal story on paper could become so entertaining on-screen, only Bahl can tell. He injected the same positivity in his debut venture 'Chillar party' earlier. Another endearing fact is the handling of 'haww'-type (by Indian sanskriti standards) cheeky humor gracefully enough to make it watchable with family. Dialogues by Anvita Dutt and Kangana (yes, she has contributed here too) are pertinent. Despite lot of French and little Japanese here & there (with no subtitles), you don't mind as the situation and emotions say it all. Dilliwali Punjabi lingo, though, adds credibility. Heartiest congratulations to Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane for shelling put money for such a cinematic delight!

• Cast: It is out and out Kangana's film, with all others in supporting role. Bahl is believable in saying he penned Rani's role keeping only her in mind. No other actress would have better lived the vulnerability, innocence, craziness, elegance and emotions of Rani, the way Kangana did. This movie will definitely mark as a milestone in her career and give all reasons to other filmmakers to look beyond her fashionistic persona. Donning demure, no make-up, plaited look and wearing kurti with sweaters, she looks perfectly the Indian girl next door. At the climax too, she looks glamorous not out of the dress but the confidence she wears! Full marks to casting directors as all actors play within the skin of their respective characters, be it the confused Rajkkumar Rao, Rani's family (Dadi is esp. lovable), sensuous smart Lisa Hayden or Rani's endearing firangi friends.

• Cinematography: On Rani's canvas, you get to move from rues of Lajpat Nagar to the majestic Eifel Tower to the picturesque bridges of Amsterdam! Kudos to Siddharth Diwan and Bobby Singh for the awesome camera work!

• Music: Amit Trivedi is a winner all the way. Already hit "London thumakda" gives way to "Ranjha", classical pop 'Badra bahaar' and 'O gujariya'. However, it is the remixed "Hungama ho gaya" from 'Anhonee' (1973) rendered emphatically by ever boisterous Asha Bhosle, which stays with you even after you leave the theatre. Songs are nowhere a speed- breaker in this flick.

• Flaws: I failed to find any. :)

The film ends with a confident rejuvenated Rani thanking her betrayer for giving her the opportunity for self-awakening; we as audience thank the director for infusing optimism into the minds and hearts of esp. female watchers. Go ladies, this one's the best Woman's day gift you can give to yourself. Men too will surely enjoy it for all its youthfulness. It's a movie for all. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

My rating: ****1/2 (my favourite in the last 1 year)

P.S.: Ending credential FB ishtyle are not to be missed!

Its not every year (or sometimes even years) that you come across a bollywood flick that stays with you for days after you watched it. Queen is one such film that will make you want to watch it again.

The story is similar in theme to English Vinglish (Yet another masterpiece) but stands out in execution and story telling.

Kangana Ranaut delivers her career best in Queen no doubt.

I was actually there on location in Amsterdam sometime in September 2012 when they were filming the last scene where she runs down the bridge to meet her friends at the rock show. The simplicity of the set and all involved was an indication of a good film which i later found out was to be named 'Queen' Watch it right away and you will leave the hall with a smile.

Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the Joyride that Kangana a.k.a. Queen takes us through. However, the ride wouldn't be same without the supporting characters; all of them detailed really well. The ride wouldn't also be same without the Rocking music of Amit Trivedi. And How can I not mention Vikas Bahl here? Quality Direction;Quality Screenplay. Too many names; too little space. With Big names such as Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane involved in Editing and Production as well; the product had to be Top Notch.

A movie that would require the audience to connect with the Lead Character; eventually got me connected to all the characters, including Vijay played by Rajkummar Rao. I am sure most guys (at-least in their heads) can relate to that lad.

Some scenes were executed perfectly. Some Punchlines were too good. Kudos to the whole Team.

Kangana gave it all in this movie. She was immersed deep in the character. Her dialogue delivery;her posture;her expressions. One of the finest performances I have seen by any Bollywood Actress in Long time.

From the right perspective; you can see that Queen has many messages. Highlights the issue that women do face in this country. Don't tell me i am wrong ; THEY DO.

Overall; A MUST WATCH. Salute to the QUEEN.

This film is a good example of Director's clarity of mind regarding characterization, mood of scenes and way of approach. Director Mr Vikas Bahl work is fantastic. In spite of very thin story line he projected this movie in a very unique, interesting and entertaining way. This movie speaks less and shows maximum. Screenplay is average. Dialogues by Anvita Dutt and Kangana Ranaut are very good. Even very average scenes are so good just because of expression and the way of taking the scene i.e When Rani goes on stage for dance, she copies other dancers and removes her sweater, rolls it like them but in spite of throwing it like them she keeps it in her bag. The way she struggles with the bag snatcher that this average scene comes out a laughter riot. Director inserted some flash back between the scene, which enhanced the scene very well and also projected some different emotions. Even the small characters are minutely observed . In a scene Rani goes to meet her family friend in Paris but that family ladies discuss about the money given to her just for a good luck or rituals. They minimize the amount because Rani is a distant relative. When Rani lives in Paris with her wonderful room mates, in this complete sequence Rani is wondered so director chose a T-shirt for Rani with quotation Alice in wonderland. This quotation clearly reflects Rani state of mind. Director never goes over board and never let the actors go over board. So, interest and entertainment remain intact. Of course Director has been supported by fantastic performance of actors. Kangana Ranaut is out standing. No one could have have performed better than her. Raj Kumar Yadav is OK. Lisa Haydon as Vijaylaxmi is fantastic. All actors are very good including Rani's Paris room mates. Music by Amit Trivedi suits the mood of film.