Kiran Rao brings in the poetry of Mumbai, the trauma, the turbulence, the aloof yet friendly, harsh still beautiful Mumbai as the fifth protagonist of the film that talks about the lives of four people Munna (Prateik), Shai (Monica), Yasmin (Kirti) and Arun (Aamir). But as the audience one needs the patience to let the film grow into you.‘Dhobi Ghat’ is a film that will either make the audience fall in love with it after it ends or make them sigh in relief that it’s over. The first half an hour of the film is too problematic and slow as Rao develops her characters. Moreover, Aamir Khan seems to be burdened with being part of an art-house film. The fine actor catches on a different pitch for performance which is not in semblance with the others.
Prateik on the other hand is the eye catcher of the film whose makes you ache for Munna and debutant Kirti is bright enough to outshine others. The music of the Gustavo Santaolalla, the Academy Award winner just adds that needed zing to the story if the film.
There are some rally awe-inspiring and breathtaking small moments in the film that gives one the idea to eye of detailing that the debutant director has. With cinematographer Tushar Kanti Ray, Kiran Rao just creates the collage of Mumbai where the city becomes the primary character overtaking the actors of the movie.
For those who have the eye and the patience to be part of a film that is different, it’s a worthwhile watch.