Fashion 2008 Movie Reviews

For all who ever intended 'World of Fashion' is something about fun, glamour and ramp shows, Madhur Bhandarkar enlightens them. Rendering the best realistic themes in each of flicks, Madhur Bhandarkar had conquered the hearts of world-wide audiences. Of course, his top-notching directorial 'Fashion' surmounts our expectations and to define the film, it's 'Wordless'. Lots and lots of ramp walks, backstage happenings, photo shoots of alluring missies, kingpins of Fashion World and more than all, you have drearier slope of it unveiled. Uh-Huh! Blended with these aspects, Bhandarkar crafts a melodrama of three supermodels and their transcending lives. Indeed, the very tagline 'In the World of Fashion, You will have to give more than your morals' wins the applause. Famous philosopher Stella Blum quoted "Fashion is so close in revealing a person's inner feelings. It's really too close to the quick of the soul." These phrasings have a deep relevance with this film and obviously it is so close to everyone's heart.

In this trenchantly spelled piece of work, Bhandarkar has his galaxy inclusive of best star-casts who are so realistic in their performance. Despites filled with 'Glitz' n 'Glam', the film offers more on other quotients€¦ Where does the film lag behind? Not at many points, but Bhandarkar could have penned his screenplay bit precisely in the latter half.

The journey of the rise and fall and phoenix like re-birth of India's number one Supermodel. Set against the glittering backdrop of the glamorous but ruthless world of haute couture.

Fashion, this tells the story of one small town girl with a dream and the determination to make it a reality. Meghna Mathur (Priyanka Chopra) knew that she was meant to be famous. Ever ambitious and bright with stars in her eyes, even as a girl with a conservative background, she dared to dream of bright lights and the big city. The world of fashion - the clothes, the colors, the make-up, all of these form a part of the fascinating world that Meghna has longed to be a part of. She reaches the peak of her success and rises to walk the ramps for leading designers across India. The fashion world lies at her feet - the parties, the brand endorsements, the photographers, the models, the romance and of course - the shows, the shows, the shows!

However, karma catches up with Meghna as she slowly starts to pay the price for her fame and her journey to the top. Her attempt at a comeback was going to be a near impossibility but she was never a woman to turn away from a challenge. On the pars, the film focuses on other two models: A top-charting model Shonali (Kangana Ranaut), so hard-pressed in her life. Jannet (Mugdha Godse), an aspirational model who has to compromise certain things in her life and settling down with her marriage.

"Fashion" explores the world of style through the emotional personal journey of the key people that make the industry, the dream-weavers of that elaborate world of glamour: the models, designers, photographers, businessmen, agencies etc.

'Smart as a whip' - A perfect metaphor to fix the earnest work of Madhur Bhandarkar and grand round applause for hitting bull's eyes with a reality theme. It's so realistic and to make it so precise, watch out the sequence where Madhur himself appears on the screen where models says, "He's gonna make a film on Fashion". (Aae Logh Fashion World Ko Bhi Nahi Chod Sakthe).

Even the most minute factual has been picturized with crystal-clear modality. The egoistic nature of models, their frustrated attitudes (Kangana Ranaut), fashion choreographers as gays are so shocking for Indian audiences to accept. Reality really bites, isn't?

Priyanka Chopra spellbinds on her part without any flaws. A girl from small town and her varying colors of life: success and failures, innocence and arrogance; she strides rendering over-the-top performance on her characterization. It's not a long-drawn-out role that Kangana Ranaut dons, but her actions are mindblowing, especially in the latter part. Ditto to Mugha Godse; she does a decent job throughout the show.

Arbaaz Khan excels on the overall show while Arjan Bajwa does justice to his role. No words to describe the tremendous performance of Harsh Chhaya as gay designer. He carries off the show so perfectly on his part. Ashwin Mushran, Samir Soni and Kittu Gidwani tread with naturalistic approach breathing lives on their characterizations.

The auteur has picked in some of the most shocking facts; pathetic scenario of Kangna Ranaut and her wardrobe on the ramp. Was it a replica of what happened to Vikram Rathore's show before 3 months? You've got to ask Madhur about this.

The last few minutes of the flick may get you ungratified for the dragging screenplay, but everything is diminished in climax. Despites, prone to shocking news, the way how Priyanka acts to the situation once the lights are on are so prodigious.

Maybe, Madhur Bhandarkar hadn't focused so precisely on emotional quotients in his previous flicks of Page 3, Corporates and Traffic Signal. Over here, there are lots of those heart-melting sequences that'll let your eyes soaked with tears. Priyanka Chopra's care and affection for despaired Kangana Ranaut, parents' encouragement for forlorn Priyanka and friends extending their support; they are amazing.

Musical score by Salim-Sulaiman are magnificent and two numbers 'Jalwa' and 'Mar Jaava' grabs your attention. Signature theme of Fashion is played throughout the show in varying tempos and tones, but still they are electrifying your senses. Mahesh Limaye's cinematography is so detailed in each shot and if you are a great analyst of camera works, it's gonna be interesting for you. Niranjan Iyengar throws more life on each character with his dialogues. Of course, costumes and styling are grand fiestas for all€¦

Valuating 'Fashion' on the whole, it's strongly recommended for all the audiences. Madhur Bhandarkar has limned the real life drama of Fashion World that offer more surprises as well shocks. Not just in multiplexes, the film is sure to make high waves across other centres too. Hats off to entire team for a flawless and brainy show catering to all audiences€¦ Bhandarkar not just presents the drama, but there is something more educative over here.

Verdict: Madhur Bhandarkar €“ The Real Fashion Maker of Bollywood

Rating : ****