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We're just friends: With Priyanka Chopra, Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham, Dostana hits theatres today | Will they, won't they (treat the issue of male bonding with sensitivity)? That's the question gays all over the country are pondering as Karan Johar's film on a homosexual couple, Dostana, hits the theatres today.
While Dostana may not exactly be a Brokeback Mountain, activists of gay rights are hoping this mega blockbuster, the first commercial Hindi film of its scale to touch upon this sensitive issue, will portray them in a good light.
"It will be very disappointing if the gay issue is used as a tool for slapstick. But since it's a Karan Johar movie, I expect some maturity," said Goa-based fashion designer Wendell Rodricks, an out-of-the closet gay.
Agreed Delhi-based fashion designer Gaurav Gupta, who has always sympathised with homosexual causes. "It is encouraging that for the first time the theme is a part of a mainstream Hindi movie but I fear it hasn't been dealt with in a positive way. It's evident from the film's trailers that homosexuality is nothing more than a joke in the film. I watched one of the songs on television and found it cheap," said Gupta.
While many among homosexuals fear that their cause is being used as a publicity gimmick by Johar, some are enthusiastic that macho superstars like Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham have not shied away from playing gays. "If these two can pull off a hit by playing gays may be the society will start treating us with a little more respect," said a Delhi fashion designer, requesting anonymity.
"I am glad that such a big blockbuster film is dealing with the issue. With John and Abhishek lending their names to the cause, it's at least a good beginning. It's always easy to ridicule such topics and exaggerate the characters. I hope Dostana fares better," said Anjali Gopalan, founder of Naaz Foundation, an organisation that fights for gay rights.
The movie has at least given gay activists the apt opportunity to talk about their problems. The Mumbai-based organisation, Gay Bombay, held a protest Dushmani Hatao, Dostana Badhao on Friday to demonstrate their solidarity and focus on the fact that people with "unacceptable" sexual preferences still fear ostracisation in the society.
There is a strong current of fear as well that Dostana may do more harm than good. "A comical representation of a gay relationship is acceptable as long as it's handled with maturity. But derogatory portrayals like those shown in the film Girlfriend spread misconceptions about homosexuals. This is unacceptable," said Maya, the founder of Sangini, a lesbian support group in the Capital.
'Gay'ss what? This Dostana rocks!
Review by Pragyan Mohanty
What's it about: Sam (Abhishek Bachchan) a 'nurse' who wears shorts with stag prints and drives a PINK car and Kunal (John Abraham) a photographer with a dishy derrière who loves waking up wearing a hot speedo and reveals more than his models would ever do! The boys are house hunting and their search ends at Neha's (Chopra). The babas join the baby under the pretext of being gay lovers and end up falling for her. And they aren't the only ones. Neha's boss Abhimanyu (Bobby Deol), too, is vying for her attention!
What's hot: The film will not cease to surprise you. Just when you think the plot is getting predictable, a spin awaits you. The shock value you experienced during the promos is just the tip on the iceberg. And the climax proves exactly that.
Though deriving inspiration from Holly flicks Three to Tango and I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, debutant director Tarun Mansukhani earns full marks for adding the perfect desi zing to the movie. Glistening torsos, curves reading dangerous and bodies tantalisingly tanned Dostana is an unapologetic anatomical treat.
What's not: While Dostana was never meant to be a serious endeavour that follows the issue of homosexuality in a big way, the film doesn't take the elementary steps to put the message across. Though the gay humour isn't crass compared to what we have seen until now, it does get odd at times and touchy at others. And with the lead 'pair' (if, we may say so) resisting the idea of being branded as a gay couple, we don't foresee any great responses from the activists and the community.
What to do: Keep the thinker in you aside and watch Dostana purely for John and Abhishek's electrifying chemistry. Catch the fun with friends and for friendship. Trust us, you won't regret these 145 minutes. |
