KHOYA KHOYA CHAND CATCHING UP BIGTIME!

Every Director worth his/her grey matter is taking the first bus out these days,to the land of monochromes and sepia.

Its not that its raising any eyebrows.

Its just that,at times,it looks a bit amusing.
OSO is still gallivanting around,Disco flares,over-the-top hamming,glitter and bellbottoms et al,cocking a snook at its equally publicised rival release,and here comes Sudhir Mishra with a super transporter to 50's ville.If you didn't get your fill of the 70's,my dear Constant Viewer,put on your tuxedos ,step into your Oxfords and try taking this trip,way down to the 50's and maybe walk back up.

And from what he has given us,right from Jaane Bhi do Yaaron,you can trust Sudhir Mishra to make that trip,memorable and worthwhile. Sudhir Mishra is no stranger to the art and craft of movie making.
From the dark political satire of Jaane Bhi do yaaron,Mohan Joshi Haazir Ho to the gritty Khamosh,and from there to the poignant Calcutta Mail,through Chameli(which made people sit up and take notice of Kareena Kapoor as a painted face which could emote too),and the epic Hazaaron Kwaishein Aisi,which yours truly thinks is one of the best movies that has come out in recent times in Hindi.

Sudhir Mishra is an acclaimed craftsman of his trade.

Its this confidence that he brings to Khoya Khoya Chand hitting theaters this week,along with Dus Kahaniyan ( Sudhir Mishra as Composite Director of the ten short stories).

Starring Soha ali Khan and Shiney Ahuja,Khoya Khoya Chand recreates the magic of the monochrome 50's and 60's through its main protagonists Zaffar,Nikhat and Prem Kumar ( Shiney,Soha and Rajat Kapoor respectively).
Based on the Hindi film industry(now,havent I heard that somewhere?),it tells the story of Nikhat,a struggling extra who hits big time(now,haven't I heard that too somewhere?hmmmm)with the help of the reigning power-broker cum villian Prem Kumar(Rajat Kapoor in a Vaseline and dinner jacket avatar),and how exploitation and power becomes the name of the game in the struggle to the top,and more of it to maintain the status-quo.

With a matching pedigree to boot,Soha Ali Khan effortlessly slips into the max-factor dreamy scenes and Black-on-white celluloid poetry,more at ease and poise than the graceful faces that charmed the 50's and 60's.
The music by Shantanu Moitra effortlessly brings out the forgotten charm of the monochrome world,with his eclectic mix of jazz and simple harmonies.

Well,thats where the movie as a product stands now,at the time of release.
it would take the collective wisdom of the constant fans to deliver its verdict on the Box-Office bounties for Khoya Khoya Chand,which wont be long.
And the prudent viewer,might in turn think of patronizing the other release around,which also brings out another facet of this talented filmmaker.

Either ways,its a win-win situation for Sudhir Mishra.
With a little help from lady luck and the discerning Constant Movie fans,this would mean another notch on his Creative Totem pole(no pun intended).
Even otherwise,it would be another of those "critical acclaim"sagas that the media likes to write about,post release.

The Box-office waits. A good story told in an engaging way always wins.Thats the simple truth.