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Looking for some respite from the huge dose of high octane, violence and gore ridden action, espionage and horror films for something on far side of the spectrum – languid, serene and reflective, then catch ‘8 Am Metro’ as we did by chance yesterday evening ! The difference in this film’s genre(surely would’ve been classified as ‘Art’ as compared to commercial fare dished in 1970-80s era) but thanks to the variety that OTT offers, it’s so refreshingly real in essaying its principal characters. There are no baddies, only ordinary people with all their vulnerabilities & weaknesses but that purity of the soul that uplifts.
Only few films have ventured to use the backdrop of the train ride that throws up its own life and experiences. As the name suggests, it has two protagonists who’s fortuitous meeting on a particular Metro local leads to uncanny bonds and endearing moments of kinship, their common thread being love for the profundity of poetry, books and writers. That leads to a gradual revelation of their true selves, their unrealized strengths and to overcome fears that had stayed long with them as part of their psyche. No more spoilers. But, akin to Guy De Maupassant’s story-telling style, there’s poignant twist in the end !
The film could have as well been in the form of a beautiful play – full of pithy dialogues, light-hearted banter, short conversations with much depth and liberal doses of poetry between the two lead players as their association develops. All from the pen of none other than the incomparable Gulzar, who has written the lyrics & poetry with his own inimitable and indolent touches ! The film belongs to the amazingly dignified, realistic & heartrending performances of Saiyami Kher & Gulshan Devaiah, so moving for the film buffs and relatable to those commuters, who spend half their lives on local trains. There are also many interesting cameos that bring alive the various characterizations.
The film resonates on many counts in its handling of complex psychological issues and how friendships are forged when people travel together regularly. Both my Wife and I have an affinity for the ‘Metro’ and often use it. Director, Raj Rachakonda has done a great job with this fine, sensitive film. How about a sequel, with the same cast ?!
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