this was my second viewing and i wasn't disappointed.No Smoking is a puzzle. It is a maze through the uncharted territories in Hindi cinema. Kashyap has donned a David Lynch hat this time. He unpacks a bag of questions on the screen for you which you have to find answers for yourself. And that, he backs up with excellent technical support from all other departments, so that you are not distracted in your search for answers.
I'll be honest. I did not really understand the film but I guess that is the way Kashyap wants it to be. He wants me to unravel the layers of the film as and when I have time.
a) Is cigarette a metaphor for all the things we lust for which only destroy us at the end?
Is Paresh Rawal's character actually God? Is he the villain because he does not let us pursue our lust and plays by his rules - rules which cannot be bent or broken? c) In the end, does someone always have to really loose his soul and conscience?
The film is a technical accomplishment. The camera work, the set designs and graphics are all top notch.Music is in tune with the film and Gulzar, as always, has written lyrics that are sign-posts in this maze. Kudos also to Kumar Mangat and Vishal Bharadwaj for having the guts to produce such a film.Paresh Rawal shines in his role. It was a relief to see him at some place other than a mindless Priyadarshan muddle.
The director, Anurag Kashyap believes that the Indian audience is 'spoon-fed' and looking at reviews and people's reaction to 'No-Smoking', its no wonder that everyone wants to stay away from it. They would rather remain 'spoon-fed' than grow up.
No Smoking, no doubt, is at par technically with the best in the world but sadly enough, it has very little conventional entertainment value. It may be one of the milestones that Kashyap had to cross in his path to higher glories.
Overall its a delight for someone who looks for more than a story or a perfect ending in a movie.
3.5/5
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