More than just a wedding. These are not seven sacred circles, but seven and a half. On April 29, it was exactly three years since Irfan Khan, beloved by all Hindus, died, and these three days I watched his films (two films a day, one in the afternoon, the second at night). "Lunchbox", "Puzzle", "Thosenames", "Bill", "Pica", "Almost lonely" - whatever genre of the film was, even comedy, I still had tears in my eyes and my heart was compressed with pain, from the realization that I can only see the film in the past. But, in each of his roles, he is flawless, whatever he does on the screen, even if he just stands, and looks away, it is impossible to break away from him.
As it turned out, I have already written reviews for all of his films. And yet I found a movie that not only I, but no one else has written. Yes, the film is not the best, even I would say average, with a rather primitive plot, but with such actors as Irfan and Juhi Chavla (how long I did not watch anything with Juhi, for more than a year I probably even missed her, my beauty and smart girl), the film attracts and attracts to the screen. And even here, when in fact Irfan just fools around on the screen, and laughs hilariously, I still could not look at him without tears.
The film "Seven and a Half Circles" in 2005 can be called the pearl of Indian cinema, which fascinates the viewer with its unique atmosphere and exciting plot. This drama about love, betrayal and restoration of relationships is one of the best films about marital relationships, although it is shot in a comedic context. Juhi and Irfan play the main roles in this hilarious Hindi film about the phenomenon of reality TV.
The story revolves around the ambitious aspiring director Asmi Ganatra (Juhi Chawla) and the boyfriend Manoja Joshi (Irfan Khan), who may become her possible ticket to fame. Her job is to make a reality TV documentary about a family wedding. The only problem is there's only one such wedding in Mumbai this season. In front of the audience, the biggest family we've ever seen together. It so happened that this family is the family Manoja. With the help of Manoja, Asmi manages to make a show at the wedding of his niece. A reality show that will be filmed with a hidden camera and will be shown all over the country (something like our own show Behind the Glass). However, this idea leads to consequences that turn into serious trials for this family. The family initially agree to have their lives filmed and turned into a TV show, but later scrap the deal. Irfan's character then secretly strikes a deal to have the family's lives recorded on a hidden camera without their knowledge, and in the process a host of ugly misdeeds surface. A complex story about libertine uncles, the secret love of the bride, a funny cat, and the hidden relationship of some family members with others.
With a length of 155 minutes and just two short songs to help pass the time, this is an unusual production for Hindi cinema. But the film is different in an interesting way. This is a story about lost love, unrequited love, family life and the sacrifices that people sometimes have to make.
The plot is quite sincere, which was not previously in Indian films. Irfan and Juhi are fun and they have wonderful chemistry. Juhi again shines with his divine comedic talent. This time, her funny character has shades of gray. Irfan easily plays a little strange, but cute Manoja.
Directing could have been better, but Ishan Trivedi deserves credit for bringing Irfan and Juhi together for the first time and touching on a new topic. One of the funniest moments in this regard comes later, when Manoj wants to reassure Piu and describes its future. And even when the whole family is watching a series about love, and everyone is crying in three streams over the fate of the characters, and even the men of the family, stealthily wipe away tears.
Juhi is still beautiful and absolutely charming. Irfan, one of the most talented and interesting actors of Bollywood, can safely play a dull and slow guy. It is unlikely that any mainstream actor would accept such an unprofitable role, and Irfan deserves credit for it, but, nevertheless, he is damn charming.
However, if you want to watch a real quality film about the complex feelings and relationships between people - "Seven and a Half Circles" is the right choice for you. This is a film that leaves a deep mark on the hearts of the audience. Its strong cast and unique atmosphere create an indescribable impression. I highly recommend to all film lovers!
8 out of 10