Exploring the life within several social strata of Mumbai, this film stands as one of the strongest cinematic stories within India’s new production. Three friends share similar dreams: student Arjun from a poor family who is expected to graduate soon, but fails; car mechanic Chabia who cheats by repairing expensive cars with cheap spare parts; and Rohit, a rich boy driving a BMW who is too weak to acknowledge his ordinary mates when he is among upper-class friends. Each of them feels an urge to reject the social perspectives predestined by their class, dreaming to get wealthy either by marrying well-off or working abroad. They are pondering over the dilemma whether or not to leave, while confronted with India’s complex social developments: booming globalisation, a huge tension between Hindus and Muslims and the Kashmir conflict calling more youngsters into military service. Hanging out together and drinking beer they discuss their passion for girls who are either unreachable because of their religion or their inability to provide a decent life for them, and the boys mentally hit a wall. Shot digitally, with a dynamic hand-held camera the film has a very fitting unpolished and raw image, edited in a rhythm that is absolutely in tune with the predominant mood of the story. (RS)
