Kya Dilli Kya Lahore

When it comes to India versus Pakistan we tend to get slightly jazbati- be it a cricket match or a movie. Speaking about movies, there are quite few films from Bollywood that centers around patriotism. However, it's very rare that you get to see a film, which very subtly illustrates the Partition of India or nationalism.

At close to two hours, 'Kya Dilli Kya Lahore' is slow paced and might not interest those who want lots of action and love roller coaster ride through the story.

You know exactly how it's going to end, you know this is technically a partition story set within the simplistic confines of a low-budget (anti) war drama. Yet, it is riveting to witness their body language, their lapse in ideologies, when facing the wrong end of a smoking Rifle. These are two artistes at the top of their game, engaging us in a battle that is not theirs to fight.

The idea behind Kya Dilli Kya Lahore is to once again point out the futility of war as well as highlight why human comes before being. And Vijay Raaz accomplishes that to a reasonable extent in his first filmmaking effort.

The story is arresting, but one wishes actor-director Vijay Raaz's direction was as strong as his performance. The storytelling is clever but falters on the pacing. As it is, the film gives us only two central character and two peripheral ones. The location remains essentially the same. It is then up to the editor and director to make each scene striking.

One of the finest things about 'KDKL' is Gulzar's poetic prologue. Without the usual trappings of filmi fanfare, this story has its heart in the right place - pure and undivided. Like pre-partition brotherhood.

Kya Dilli Kya Lahore is not only well-intentioned it is well made too. Certainly worth the 100 minutes.

KYA DILLI KYA LAHORE is a one-time watch mainly for its offbeat storyline.

The setting is right, so is the intention. But alas, the film doesn't really go anywhere, and that's a pity.

The film Kya Dilli Kya Lahore directed by Vijay Raaz himself witnesses fine performance by both Vijay and Manu while, the story though slightly stretching is capable of hitting the heart straight.

With a better script and a better storyline the film would have been able to make a better impression.

Vijay Raaz makes his directorial debut with this movie and while his intent of getting behind the steering wheel of an off-beat film needs to be applauded, his content and execution needs questioning. Even if it had to be a story about the partition and its aftermath, things could have been spiced up with more characters, instead of seeing just four performers in all for the duration of over 90 minutes.

...deserves to be watched, but the filmed version is still a gem that needed a little more polish. The producer, Karan Arora, would do well to think about backing a stage adaptation of the same story and touring the country with the same cast. All he needs to do is fire Shandilya.

Kya Dilli Kya Lahore may be a slow film but its climax will certainly touch you. Its poetic optimism will stay with you for long. Watch the film for Gulzar's poetry, the performance of its lead pair and an amazing climax. Avoid it if you love pace and action. This one offers neither a fast-paced story nor is there any blood and gore.