Aligarh Review

Expectations

Director Hansal Mehta started his career by directing many TV shows in the early 90s era. He ventured into film direction with an off beat film 'Jayate' but got his first recognition in form of 'Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar!' starring Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role. This movie had an unusual theme related to the migrants in Mumbai city. He later made couple of stylish films which were inspired from international films out of which 'Chhal' is known for some mind blowing performances attached to it. He kept struggling with various genres only to find his true side in form of a small but hard-hitting film 'Shahid' followed by 'CityLights'. Both these movies which had Rajkummar Rao in lead role, were critically acclaimed and managed to win some prestigious awards also. Thus, the expectations were at its peak as Hansal teamed up with his current actor Rajkummar along with his first hero Manoj Bajpayee to narrate yet another hard-hitting film 'Aligarh', which is based on real life incidents. The movie was screened at various film festival and garnered excellent reviews.

Story

'Aligarh' is a biographical film based on Prof. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras (Manoj Bajpayee) who taught Marathi language at Aligarh Muslim University. A sting operation takes place on Prof. Siras while he was making love to a rickshaw puller inside his house. This leads to high level of humiliation and suspension from the university. A young journalist Dipu Sebestain (Rajkummar Rao) investigates this issue into details and brings out the real picture in front of the entire world. After which a top lawyer (Ashish Vidhyarthi) fights a case opposite the university against all the odds.

Positive Points

The story has been brilliantly adapted into its cinematic avatar by Apurva Asrani. He creates heartfelt moments in the film which makes you connect with the character of Manoj Bajpayee.There are many applauding scenes related to Manoj, Rajkummar and Ashish Vidhyarthi. Topping these scenes there are some masterpiece moments between Manoj and Rajkummar Rao which enhances the film to higher level.

Apurva Asrani's dialogues are of the key elements of this film as they manage to touch your heart. Old classic songs of Lata Mangeshkar are used to portray the mood and pain of Manoj Bajpayee in brilliant manner.

There is no doubt that ‘Aligarh’ is director Hansal Mehta’s best work till date but, also is the best film to be made under this genre. His approach towards this film makes you connect, feel and understand the feelings of his main protagonist.

Manoj Bajpayee slides easily inside the skin of this real life character and does full justice to it. He dares to do something which most of the actors from our country would never even dream to do. Rajkummar Rao is outstanding in his supporting role. Ashish Vidhyarthi, Dilnaz Irani and others lend good support.

Negative Points

The movie is bit slow in its narration and drags in the second half. Many scenes could have been trimmed down as they were perfect for the film festivals but not for the ordinary audience. There are few unconvincing scenes which dilutes the impact of the film, especially in its finale. Also, the movie tends to be bit preachy and repetitive in the second half making it look bit boring at times.

Two Line Review

Aligarh excels the level of Indian cinema. However it will cater only to certain section of audience. It might be hard to digest for all those who love soft candy floss types of love stories.