Sometimes it just needs two players in a great partnership to string a memorable match-winning innings together – that’s exactly what the film ‘102 Not Out’ does, sans big sets, histrionics, fights, romance and the biggest surprise – no leading lady ( not even in the flashbacks ) !
What makes it work hugely is the sparkling screenplay ( somewhat in the nature of a two-act play),witty dialogues, hilarious situational comic scenes, a fresh musical score but above all, the incredibly stunning performances by two versatile, veteran actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor (not to forget the lovely cameo of a third character, played by a young Jimit Trivedi with the right amount of awe and innocence ! ) .
Big B is absolutely marvelous as he revels in another remarkable role ( after ‘Piku’ and ‘Pink’ ) this time of a 100+ quintessential character, a happy prankster, who’s perennially young-hearted and loves to spread good cheer all around but more specially to rejuvenate the life of his 75 year old, irascible son. In fact, Bachchan Sir does an ‘Anand’ (Hrishikesh Mukherji’s old classic of the 70s) here as he breathes life and joy and lights up the screen as he enters, countering all the despondency that comes with old age, sickness and inevitable loneliness that surrounds it.
Rishi Kapoor, as the disgruntled son who has accepted the futility of an old man’s existence, proves to be the perfect foil to his boisterous and chirpy Dad who’s always out to test his patience. In a heart-rending turn of events his character resurrects itself again and this Rishi does so effortlessly with all its nuances and poignancy of coming to terms with harsh realities of life.
It would be difficult to conceive of an appropriate end to such a fine inspirational father-son tale – yet what pleased many like me, was how the film leaves you with feel-good thoughts laced with a bit of poetic justice ! But to reveal that, would be depriving others of 100 minutes of happiness !
Working on Living 