No Smoking
No smoking can be considered as one of the most abstract films released in
hindi cinema. There can be multiple interpretations of the movie, and that’s the beauty of
this film. No smoking is neo-noir psychological thriller released in 2007,
directed by Anurag Kashyap and produced by Vishal Bharadwaj, starring John
Abraham and Paresh Rawal. It was based on short story Quitters Inc. by Stephen King. At the time of its release, it
was criticized by viewers because of the unusual concept but over the years it
has received a cult following. The story is about K (John Abraham),
an arrogant chain smoker who agrees to quit smoking after his wife Anjali
(Ayesha Takia) threatens to leave him. He reluctantly signs up a course to quit
smoking with Baba bangali (Paresh Rawal) who has absurd and unconventional methods which involves severe punishments. Soon after signing up
for the course, series of bizarre events starts happening in K’s life. Soon it became a
battle of two ideologies. First of all let me tell you that the film has
nothing to do with smoking, it has been used as a metaphor in the film. It is a
battle of an individual’s rights versus censorship. Dark humor, surrealism and symbolism works for the film.
As a
director and writer Anurag Kashyap did an excellent job. His direction is
polished, slick and stylish, the camerawork topnotch and the background score
is perfect. Art direction is excellent and it truly creates the theme it wanted
to create. It is a visual treat for viewers.
On acting part, this film belongs to Paresh Rawal. His acting and dialogue
delivery is a delight to watch. Especially all the conversations between John
and Paresh are well crafted and well shot. John Abraham also did a pretty good
job as an arrogant and wealthy businessman. On the final note No Smoking is not
at all a “leave your brain” at home movie. It offers something fresh, something
different and something unconventional.
Rtr. Mayuresh Gokhale
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