Bas Ek Paal

**JUVE_KURRI** · 27-09-2006, 10:32 PM

his directorial debut MY BROTHER NIKHIL, Onir picked up a theme that was inventive. The film looked at the HIV/AIDS issue in Goa in the '80s, when not much was known about the pandemic/virulent disease. Also, it was perhaps the first Indian film that threw light on a gay relationship without making a mockery of one's sexual preferences.

In his second outing, Onir takes a look at relationships and how the lives of five people get entwined in a moment of madness. Worthy follow up by the director? Not really!

Sure, Onir has climbed the ladder as far as handling complex relationships are concerned. The story is handled with utmost sensitivity, the performances by the principal characters are proficient, the film has its share of engaging moments… So where does it falter? The screenplay, of course! Besides a flawed script, BAS EK PAL unwinds at a lethargic pace. The story takes it own sweet time to reach the finale, thereby making the moviegoer impatient at regular intervals. And that only dilutes the impact of a film that could've been a rich emotional experience.

To sum up, Onir doesn't get it right this time!

BAS EK PAL - MOVIE REVIEW

BAS EK PAL is the story of five people bound inextricably by an incident that changes their lives forever. Set in the metropolis of Mumbai, the film explores the complexities of modern urban relationships. Each character has a secret. And each uncovered secret alters the dynamics of every relationship.

During one night of partying, Anamika [Urmila Matondkar] meets Nikhil [Sanjay Suri] at Anticlock Pub… The chemistry between them is instant and obvious from the moment they meet. However, she disappears into the night without even telling him her name.

Nikhil starts visiting the pub regularly, hoping to meet her again. Many nights of waiting later, on a night when Nikhil has gone to Anticlock with Rahul [Jimmy Shergill] and Steve [Rehaan Engineer], Anamika appears with her friends. An altercation takes place, leading to a scuffle… And in the scuffle a shot is fired.

Time stands still as Nikhil realizes that he is holding a gun in his hand, the gun from which the shot has just been fired… This moment would change all their lives.

BAS EK PAL unfolds in the most interesting manner. The sequence at the pub -- when Suri and Urmila meet for the first time -- sets the ball rolling. The bonding between the friends [Suri-Jimmy] is also well handled. The narrative keeps your attention arrested right till the shot is fired. But things begin to deteriorate thereafter.

Suri's portions in the prison and his 'rape' by another convict leave a bad taste. Agreed, incidents such as these could be real, but it looks completely forced in the story. Does it have shock-value? Not anymore, since the moviegoers did witness something like this in CHANDNI BAR years ago.

Later, when Suri is out on bail, he starts stalking Urmila and you actually start wondering, is Onir revisiting DARR [SRK hounds Juhi everywhere she goes]? Suri even reaches Urmila's bedroom and wants to make love… Maza nahin aaya, Mr. Director!

Then Juhi's past unfolds and her illicit relationship with Jimmy outside her marriage comes to the fore. They love each other, yet Juhi walks away from Jimmy and goes back to her husband [Rehaan Engineer], who continues to physically abuse her. In fact, Juhi, a woman of today, keeps talking of her failed marriage and has constant showdowns with Rehaan, so why doesn't she take him to task when he abuses her? Why doesn't she walk out on him to start with?

The climax is another sore point. At this point, you're confused: Does Urmila love Suri or Jimmy? If she doesn't love Suri, why does she visit him in the middle of the night? And why does Juhi develop a soft spot for Suri? Agreed, she cites the reasons, but to play the good Samaritan looks so very bizarre.

Onir is handicapped by a faulty script. The storyteller has treated certain portions well, but the screenplay [Irene Dhar Malik and Onir] has several holes that are difficult to overlook. Add to it, the snail pacing and things only weaken. There's not much scope for music in the film, but the song in the pub ['Hai Ishq Ye Kya Ik Khata'] is well tuned. Ditto for 'Tere Bin', a melancholic track with a haunting tune. Cinematography [Sachin K. Krishn] is inconsistent. Why is the lighting so dark at times?

Sanjay Suri excels in a role that suits him well. He manages to convey the pathos and anguish beautifully. Urmila is perfect, although this one's not in league with her work in BHOOT, PINJAR or EK HASINA THI. Jimmy Shergill is first-rate, playing a difficult role with precision. Juhi is admirable too, although, as pointed out above, the flawed screenplay takes away the sheen from her role. Rehaan Engineer is okay.

On the whole, BAS EK PAL is an uninteresting fare. At the box-office, the film has precious little to offer to the multiplex audience, but nothing for the masses. Businesswise, it will face an uphill task.

Taken from IndiaFm

Would you consider seeing this relationship movie peicelly after kabhie alivida nah kehna? If so what do you think will be different to it, also why do you consider it to be worth watching? Those that have seen it, when its out obv! what did you think of the movie?

Personally i want to see this, looks good n urmilla is one awesome actress and tends to act really good in all her movies whether they done poorly on the big screens but i love her acting.....I'll be watching this....also that atif aslam song `tere bin` wat a cracker...love it....

Luvli Janki · 28-09-2006, 10:56 AM

hmmmmmmm sounds good

Mukul · 28-09-2006, 10:58 AM

Looks like a classic masterpiece in the making and that song tere bina adds to the mood of the film i feel!

τεмρτаτїоπѕ · 28-09-2006, 11:19 AM

when is this movie coming out? really want to see it!

Mukul · 28-09-2006, 11:21 AM

According to India fm this has been released on the 15th September 2006.

*LaAli* · 28-09-2006, 11:56 AM

i wana see this! and i love the song tere bin mainly coz i think atif rocks

**JUVE_KURRI** · 28-09-2006, 09:55 PM

i doubt it will have a uk release...well thank god for southall n there illegal dvds!!

Just saw a trailor `speaking one` looks veery good, although i know the story! just have to see it acted out

τεмρτаτїоπѕ · 29-09-2006, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JUVE_KURRI

i doubt it will have a uk release...well thank god for southall n there illegal dvds!!

^^ lol... tru say!!!

**JUVE_KURRI** · 05-12-2006, 10:33 AM

watched this movie have to say its was excellent.

its not a typical bollywood movie, its very good.

its is a very slow movie, and can get borin in some places but its worth a watch

hunz_786 · 06-12-2006, 01:11 PM

^ o good if its not a typical bollywood movie should be 1 to watch...

i wanna watch this movie...got it on dvd at yard but am busy with disso...gonna watch in xmas holz...gotta love the track tere bina...

punjabi_doll82 · 06-12-2006, 06:10 PM

worth a watch.

**JUVE_KURRI** · 08-12-2006, 10:35 PM

its slow so b warned dat it may drag but worth it

covers sensative issues which no1 wood so well that is

MCR GAL* · 08-12-2006, 11:29 PM

i dnt like urmilla for some reason n i dnt like that title songg

**JUVE_KURRI** · 09-12-2006, 12:32 AM

urmilla is a very talented actress i love her work....

pinjar....she awesome, pyaar tune kya kiya, jungal, ek haseena thi shes rocks

but she might not b all attractive etc she noes how to act

τεмρτаτїоπѕ · 11-12-2006, 02:48 PM

finally had the chance to watch it last night... it was okay but i think that it could've been better.

DECENT KURI · 25-12-2006, 03:19 PM

i watched it today and yer i fort it was a gud film!! liked the twist kept the film mving!! not a typical bollywoood love story like ud expect it to be!!!! i reallly enjoyed it!!!

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27-09-2006, 10:32 PM	#1
JUVE_KURRI ~Mrs. Del Piero~ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Posh Endz Posts: 8,104 My Mood:	Bas Ek Paal his directorial debut MY BROTHER NIKHIL, Onir picked up a theme that was inventive. The film looked at the HIV/AIDS issue in Goa in the '80s, when not much was known about the pandemic/virulent disease. Also, it was perhaps the first Indian film that threw light on a gay relationship without making a mockery of one's sexual preferences. In his second outing, Onir takes a look at relationships and how the lives of five people get entwined in a moment of madness. Worthy follow up by the director? Not really! Sure, Onir has climbed the ladder as far as handling complex relationships are concerned. The story is handled with utmost sensitivity, the performances by the principal characters are proficient, the film has its share of engaging moments… So where does it falter? The screenplay, of course! Besides a flawed script, BAS EK PAL unwinds at a lethargic pace. The story takes it own sweet time to reach the finale, thereby making the moviegoer impatient at regular intervals. And that only dilutes the impact of a film that could've been a rich emotional experience. To sum up, Onir doesn't get it right this time! BAS EK PAL - MOVIE REVIEW BAS EK PAL is the story of five people bound inextricably by an incident that changes their lives forever. Set in the metropolis of Mumbai, the film explores the complexities of modern urban relationships. Each character has a secret. And each uncovered secret alters the dynamics of every relationship. During one night of partying, Anamika [Urmila Matondkar] meets Nikhil [Sanjay Suri] at Anticlock Pub… The chemistry between them is instant and obvious from the moment they meet. However, she disappears into the night without even telling him her name. Nikhil starts visiting the pub regularly, hoping to meet her again. Many nights of waiting later, on a night when Nikhil has gone to Anticlock with Rahul [Jimmy Shergill] and Steve [Rehaan Engineer], Anamika appears with her friends. An altercation takes place, leading to a scuffle… And in the scuffle a shot is fired. Time stands still as Nikhil realizes that he is holding a gun in his hand, the gun from which the shot has just been fired… This moment would change all their lives. BAS EK PAL unfolds in the most interesting manner. The sequence at the pub -- when Suri and Urmila meet for the first time -- sets the ball rolling. The bonding between the friends [Suri-Jimmy] is also well handled. The narrative keeps your attention arrested right till the shot is fired. But things begin to deteriorate thereafter. Suri's portions in the prison and his 'rape' by another convict leave a bad taste. Agreed, incidents such as these could be real, but it looks completely forced in the story. Does it have shock-value? Not anymore, since the moviegoers did witness something like this in CHANDNI BAR years ago. Later, when Suri is out on bail, he starts stalking Urmila and you actually start wondering, is Onir revisiting DARR [SRK hounds Juhi everywhere she goes]? Suri even reaches Urmila's bedroom and wants to make love… Maza nahin aaya, Mr. Director! Then Juhi's past unfolds and her illicit relationship with Jimmy outside her marriage comes to the fore. They love each other, yet Juhi walks away from Jimmy and goes back to her husband [Rehaan Engineer], who continues to physically abuse her. In fact, Juhi, a woman of today, keeps talking of her failed marriage and has constant showdowns with Rehaan, so why doesn't she take him to task when he abuses her? Why doesn't she walk out on him to start with? The climax is another sore point. At this point, you're confused: Does Urmila love Suri or Jimmy? If she doesn't love Suri, why does she visit him in the middle of the night? And why does Juhi develop a soft spot for Suri? Agreed, she cites the reasons, but to play the good Samaritan looks so very bizarre. Onir is handicapped by a faulty script. The storyteller has treated certain portions well, but the screenplay [Irene Dhar Malik and Onir] has several holes that are difficult to overlook. Add to it, the snail pacing and things only weaken. There's not much scope for music in the film, but the song in the pub ['Hai Ishq Ye Kya Ik Khata'] is well tuned. Ditto for 'Tere Bin', a melancholic track with a haunting tune. Cinematography [Sachin K. Krishn] is inconsistent. Why is the lighting so dark at times? Sanjay Suri excels in a role that suits him well. He manages to convey the pathos and anguish beautifully. Urmila is perfect, although this one's not in league with her work in BHOOT, PINJAR or EK HASINA THI. Jimmy Shergill is first-rate, playing a difficult role with precision. Juhi is admirable too, although, as pointed out above, the flawed screenplay takes away the sheen from her role. Rehaan Engineer is okay. On the whole, BAS EK PAL is an uninteresting fare. At the box-office, the film has precious little to offer to the multiplex audience, but nothing for the masses. Businesswise, it will face an uphill task. Taken from IndiaFm Would you consider seeing this relationship movie peicelly after kabhie alivida nah kehna? If so what do you think will be different to it, also why do you consider it to be worth watching? Those that have seen it, when its out obv! what did you think of the movie? Personally i want to see this, looks good n urmilla is one awesome actress and tends to act really good in all her movies whether they done poorly on the big screens but i love her acting.....I'll be watching this....also that atif aslam song `tere bin` wat a cracker...love it....

28-09-2006, 10:58 AM	#3
Mukul Wassssssuppppp Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cambridge Posts: 8,692	Looks like a classic masterpiece in the making and that song tere bina adds to the mood of the film i feel! Visit Mukul

28-09-2006, 11:19 AM	#4
τεмρτаτїоπѕ CrazY.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: N.W. Ends... Harrow Posts: 2,500	when is this movie coming out? really want to see it! my release of anger is in front of me, too bad i cant see it im blind wit fury, patience waits at its own time to cure me maybe i should follow a new path where few wrath people possess different features, but the presence of excellence we do have

28-09-2006, 11:21 AM	#5
Mukul Wassssssuppppp Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cambridge Posts: 8,692	According to India fm this has been released on the 15th September 2006. Visit Mukul

28-09-2006, 10:56 AM	#2
Luvli Janki Wassssssuppppp Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: LONDON Age: 25 Posts: 724	hmmmmmmm sounds good

28-09-2006, 11:56 AM	#6
LaAli Pink Join Date: May 2003 Location: lost... Age: 23 Posts: 7,057	i wana see this! and i love the song tere bin mainly coz i think atif rocks

28-09-2006, 09:55 PM	#7
JUVE_KURRI ~Mrs. Del Piero~ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Posh Endz Posts: 8,104 My Mood:	i doubt it will have a uk release...well thank god for southall n there illegal dvds!! Just saw a trailor `speaking one` looks veery good, although i know the story! just have to see it acted out

05-12-2006, 10:33 AM	#9
JUVE_KURRI ~Mrs. Del Piero~ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Posh Endz Posts: 8,104 My Mood:	watched this movie have to say its was excellent. its not a typical bollywood movie, its very good. its is a very slow movie, and can get borin in some places but its worth a watch

06-12-2006, 01:11 PM	#10
hunz_786 Wassssssuppppp Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: london Posts: 1,913	^ o good if its not a typical bollywood movie should be 1 to watch... i wanna watch this movie...got it on dvd at yard but am busy with disso...gonna watch in xmas holz...gotta love the track tere bina...

06-12-2006, 06:10 PM	#11
punjabi_doll82 Still Learning Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: London Age: 28 Posts: 42	worth a watch.

08-12-2006, 10:35 PM	#12
JUVE_KURRI ~Mrs. Del Piero~ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Posh Endz Posts: 8,104 My Mood:	its slow so b warned dat it may drag but worth it covers sensative issues which no1 wood so well that is

08-12-2006, 11:29 PM	#13
MCR GAL* Wassssssuppppp Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ??? Posts: 3,752	i dnt like urmilla for some reason n i dnt like that title songg *Never take for granted any person* *close to your heart, coz u might wake up one day and realize* *you've lost a diamond cos you were too busy collecting stones............*

09-12-2006, 12:32 AM	#14
JUVE_KURRI ~Mrs. Del Piero~ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Posh Endz Posts: 8,104 My Mood:	urmilla is a very talented actress i love her work.... pinjar....she awesome, pyaar tune kya kiya, jungal, ek haseena thi shes rocks but she might not b all attractive etc she noes how to act

11-12-2006, 02:48 PM	#15
τεмρτаτїоπѕ CrazY.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: N.W. Ends... Harrow Posts: 2,500	finally had the chance to watch it last night... it was okay but i think that it could've been better. my release of anger is in front of me, too bad i cant see it im blind wit fury, patience waits at its own time to cure me maybe i should follow a new path where few wrath people possess different features, but the presence of excellence we do have

25-12-2006, 03:19 PM	#16
DECENT KURI Wassssssuppppp Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: london - sLoUgH Age: 24 Posts: 2,858	i watched it today and yer i fort it was a gud film!! liked the twist kept the film mving!! not a typical bollywoood love story like ud expect it to be!!!! i reallly enjoyed it!!! »»JåTTï ß¥ NªTù®è«« BIG UP TO MY SEX BOMBS jatti AND SIKH_SHERNI LOVE U BOTH MWAHH U ALWYAS THERE FOR ME WHENEVER I NEED YA - THANX