Khoya Khoya Chand Movie Review

One thing ‘Khoya Khoya Chand’ succeeds in doing is transporting you to a different world. Now, whether you like that world is another question. It is a beautiful rendition of emotions which are complex, ego and power tussle between man and woman. A very subtle portrayal indeed which the mass audience may not understand. This movie is a genre apart.  It is very close to heart and everyone can attach some part of their lives with this movie. We all have gone through ups and downs emotionally and can relate to it.

It is about a fragile girl’s trials and tribulations. It is about how she breaks down amidst the backdrop of an era of Indian Cinema before it became Bollywood.An era where emotions governed cinema,and was ruled by debauchery and was very incestuous yet deep rooted.

Looking at it holistically,it does not have a story to tell [it has many which perhaps dont come together as well you would like], but is more of a reflection of many lives of that era.When the film begins you see Nikhat (Soha) as Suraiyya and Nargis, then she goes on to be Waheeda and finally ends as Madhubala and Meena Kumari and her affair with Zafar (Shiney) transcends many lives of that era.The film gives us showbiz in all its splendor and sordidness.The showmen become brittle when the lights go on and yet no one quits,because you can check out any time you want from Showbiz but you can never leave.This is a world governed by creative passion, lust and greed. Betrayal, failure, alcoholism and tragedy inevitably follow.

Though simple, the film’s story has a strong emotional undercurrent arising out of conflict between love and ego, between affection and ambition.

The problem with ‘Khoya Khoya Chand’ is that instead of giving us a few glimpses of what Mr. Mishra calls the “golden times” of Indian cinema, it floods us with too many insider tales, anecdotes, and incidents from that era. While not all of us may be able to pick every one of them out, there are strong parallels that can be seen with some of the celebrities or artists of the 50s. Zaffer’s breaking down while shooting a scene and forgetting to say ‘cut’ is a clear reference to a legendary director of that era.

The thing is, ‘Khoya Khoya Chand’ is a work of indulgence. It is Mishra’s grateful tribute to the times he loves. For his passion and for his meticulous attention to recreating that era, this movie deserves more than two points.