Khamoshi: The Musical (1996)

Director:

Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Writers:

Sanjay Leela Bhansali (writer)
Sutapa Sikdar (dialogue)

Release Date:

9 August 1996 (India)

Tagline:

When music shatters the barriers of silence!

Plot:

Goa based Joseph Braganza and his wife Flavy, devout Catholics, are both deaf and mute. He makes a living selling soap bars door to door...

Awards:

5 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Nana Patekar	...	Joseph Braganza
Salman Khan	...	Raj
Manisha Koirala	...	Annie J. Braganza
Seema Biswas	...	Flavy J. Braganza
Helen	...	Maria Braganza
Himani Shivpuri	...	Raj's Mother
Raghuvir Yadav	...	Willie

Runtime:

UK:159 min (DVD)

Country:

India

Language:

Hindi

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

UK:U (DVD)

Filming Locations:

Goa, India

Company:

Polygram Filmed Entertainment

Trivia:

Sanjay Leela Bhansali considered Kareena Kapoor for the lead role, but she was not into acting at that time.

Quotes:

Raj: [to Annie about her parents] They will not be able to hear you, but they will be able to feel you.

Beautiful, masterful, musical, powerful, poignant and heart-breaking/warming picture

Definitely Sanjay Leela Bhansali's first and finest, Khamoshi relates the story of a deaf couple and their relationship with their caring and loving daughter, Annie who is not deaf and whose greatest love is music. The film involves many conflicts resulting from this difference between Annie and her parents and her relationship with a young musician. The film's strength lies in the marvelous script, the exceptional performances, and the paradox of deaf parents whose daughter aspires to become a singer. Bhansali's direction is outstanding and evidently perfectionist; he pays attention to the smallest of details, he knows how and when to excite. This is one of the greatest first-time works by a director.

The dialogues are brilliant, the proceedings are unexpected and serious, the depiction is simple and realistic, and the narrative style is very good as well. Bhansali's way of portraying relationships is very impressive, whether it's Annie's relationship with her parents or her beloved Raj, whether it's her dad Joseph's relationship with her mom Flavy, or her family's relationships with close friends and neighbours like Marry and Willie. The film is filled with many great moments, many heart-breaking and many heart-warming sequences. It has romance, drama and even comedy, and most importantly, it has music. And what a music it is. Every song is pure magic and is effectively pictured on-screen. "Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hai" is beautiful and tear-jerking om-screen, "Aaj Main Upar" is happy and well sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy, and other songs are equally memorable. The background score is another integral aspect of the film's mood.

Bhansali extracts some of the best performances of each and every actor of the unit. The film belongs to Manisha who is astonishing and intense in one of the finest performances we've seen in mainstream commercial cinema. She carries every scene brilliantly and acts with great conviction. Striking a balance between restraint and temperamental emotion, she delicately lets us sense the struggle, the confusion, the pain and the suffering of a girl who is torn between her love for her parents and her love for music. One must note her breakdown when she is thrown off home by her father and starts a long monologue behind the door, screaming and using sign language, while her father can neither see nor hear her. I could really feel her pain and anger. It was sincere, heart-breaking and powerful.

Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas offer a credible chemistry. They really look like a loving married couple who go through the bad and the good just as it comes. Patekar is, once again, simply astounding as the proud, decisive, happy, kind-hearted and loving Joseph. Damn what a performance, so natural and real. He acts with much sensibility, power and humour. Biswas is nothing short of spectacular in this role. Her acting is superb, and she gives an excellently balanced, compelling and moving portrayal of a woman who suffers from her handicaps but still loves life. Salman Khan acts with much sincerity and spontaneity and lends some relief with his feel-good character and strong screen presence. Helen is splendid in a smaller role. She makes a remarkable impact with her lovely and frank Marry. Raghuvir Yadav provides great support as Willie. The girl who plays the young Annie is adorable, and boy does she resemble Manisha. Another proof to Bhansali's exemplary craft.

All in all, Khamoshi: The Musical is a must-watch. Made with simplicity, graciousness and artistry, it does not go overboard and does not try to overblow the subject, and that's the reason it is so touching, powerful and poignant. The film flows very well though it may not appeal to everyone as it's a bit dark and too cruel in some portions, but it will definitely be appreciated for its brilliance and remarkable emotions even by those who perceive it to be overly serious. I personally find it beautiful, crafted, light, optimistic, entertaining and unforgettable. A real gem.