Aaja Nachle (DVD) (Bollywood Movie / Indian Cinema / Hindi Film)

Review by H. Bala for Aaja Nachle (DVD) (Bollywood Movie / Indian Cinema / Hindi Film)
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In 2007, after five years of doing that hiatus thing, Madhuri Dixit returned to Indian cinema with AAJA NACHLE, a nice film fueled by that good old “Let’s Put On A Show” formula. Just don’t expect this to be as lavish and epic a production as Devdas (2 Disc Set). Most of the lavish in AAJA NACHLE is saved for the musical play staged near the end, which doesn’t at all alter the fact that this is a pretty good film.

“Art doesn’t need the city, the city needs art…” is one way to summarize this film. After eleven years abroad, Dia, a New York dance instructor and divorced single mom, flies back to India with her daughter, back to her tiny hometown village of Shamli, to pay last respects to her dying mentor. But, Dia and daughter arrive too late, as her “dada” had already passed away. But he does leave behind a deathbed message via film projector, charging Dia with saving and reviving her beloved Ajanta theater, which used to be the town’s cultural hub but now slated for demolition (to make way for – what else? – a shopping mall).

Dia decides to honor the request, and convinces the town official to grant her two months to demonstrate the theater’s viability to the community. Dia has it in mind to stage a classic play, but the caveat is that she has to cast it solely with local talent. But convincing the reluctant villagers to participate looks to be a daunting thing. As we learn from an extended flashback segment, Dia eleven years ago left Shamli under a cloud of shame, having eloped with an American and so disgracing her parents that they were forced to leave the village. So, yeah, biiig cloud of shame, and a big, big task now ahead for Dia.

There’s no doubting that she’ll succeed, of course. And that, along the way, she’ll heal old wounds, salvage torn relationships, and even influence a romance or two. It would’ve been nice, though, if Dia herself had her own soppy love story in which to wallow. As it is, there’s a certain detachment to Madhuri Dixit’s character. In a weird way, she reminds me of Clint Eastwood’s The Man With No Name, who rides into town, cleans up the mess, and then rides off into the sunset. Although, if you stick with the closing credits, there’s a final moment which hints that Dia may have some romance blooming, after all.

Me, I liked this film. And I wasn’t sure I would, not being that into Madhuri Dixit. AAJA NACHLE (meaning “Come, dance with me” or “Come, let’s dance”) is both contemporary and traditional, as embodied by the main character herself. The movie does well in chronicling Dia’s (at first dismal) attempts to win over the inhabitants of Shamli and to recruit actors for her play. Naturally, Dia’s overcoming of her shady rep is linked with the gradual rekindling of the townspeople’s passion for the Ajanta theater.

Madhuri Dixit is quite good and very self-assured as the lead, and her dancing, as ever, remains exquisite and expressive. But she’s bolstered by a nice ensemble of supporting actors, whose little stories weave into the main narrative. Three supporting actors stand out to me. Konkona Sen plays the fiery tomboy long in love with the local goon (who, by the way, turns out to be the leading man in Dia’s play). I do admire Konkona for being unafraid to look coarse and initially unattractive (man, she wipes her nose a lot). Meanwhile, the film seems to set up Ranvir Shorey’s humble teashop owner as Dia’s romantic interest and, whether that plays out or not, Shorey is unassuming but very likeable in his small part. The third standout is the actor playing Dia’s officious landlord who fears he is too boring for his wife and, to impress her, asks Dia for a part in the play. In one of the film’s highlight moments, old dude gets a chance to show off his new skills as his wife sits in the audience during the play itself.

Speaking of the play, since this is a “Let’s put on a show” film, naturally it culminates with the extravagant presentation of Dia’s musical stage production in seemingly its entirety, taking up over 20 minutes of the total running time (which, by the way, is two and a half hours long). The showstopper number, though, happens earlier than that, in the title song itself, with Madhuri proving that she can still strut her stuff. Since this is Bollywood, take my advice, it doesn’t do to dwell on certain things, such as just how in heck is Dia able to afford all the plush wardrobe and sumptuous set designs? I say, fuggetaboutit, chalk it up to one of Bollywood’s constant idiosyncracies. Bollywood musical numbers will always, always be opulent stuff. Just recline on that comfy sofa… and go make believe.

Review by LINDA VANTASSELL for Aaja Nachle (DVD) (Bollywood Movie / Indian Cinema / Hindi Film)
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“Aaja Nachle” reminds me of the American movie, “Honey,” with the main premise being to save a dance/cultural arts center. Madhuri Dixit is wonderful. The singing, dances, costumes are all a veritable feast for the eyes and ears. A must see!

Review by U. Balu for Aaja Nachle (DVD) (Bollywood Movie / Indian Cinema / Hindi Film)
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This is the story of an Indian dance instructor living in the US. She goes to India to pay respects to her dying guru and eventually save his favorite theater, which otherwise would have been converted into a shopping mall.

An admirable theme with many careless holes. No wonder it was a flop in India. Madhuri’s character comes out to be a know-it-all, stuck-up ego-maniac throughout.

Would an Indian dancer trained in authentic dance run a Westernized dance school in the US like she does, or proudly run a school of Indian dance? When she goes to a rural area or small town in India, will she wear tight jeans and low-cut tops? Wouldn’t she be proud to be an Indian role model, especially because she is the mother a young girl?

The best aspect of the film is the title song and dance, which saved the show somewhat. The singers’ voices in all of the songs are very effective.

One good dance will not save a movie.