Being Cyrus

Being Cyrus is a compelling psychological drama, somewhat of a rarity within the landscape of Indian cinema. It was directed by Homi Adajania in 2005 and showcased some of the most powerful performances by the renowned and respected actors, Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia, and Saif Ali Khan. The narrative, a richly woven tapestry of intrigue, explores the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of a dysfunctional Parsi family. The movie explores themes of identity, ambition, deceit, and the universal quest for happiness.

The film is predominantly set in the picturesque landscape of Panchgani, a hill station in India, and juxtaposed against the bustling metropolis of Mumbai. This serves as a perfect metaphor for the contrasting characters and their lives in Being Cyrus. Naseeruddin Shah and Dimple Kapadia play the aged Parsi couple, Dinshaw and Katy Sethna, living in a disarrayed colonial bungalow in Panchgani. Saif Ali Khan plays Cyrus, a young drifter drawn to the Sethna family under the guise of being an apprentice of Dinshaw, who was once a renowned sculptor.

Director Homi Adajania meticulously creates a multi-dimensional and murky world of the Sethna family. A world which Cyrus walks into, and then gets embroiled with. As the story unfolds, characters reveal their true colors and the line between villains and victims starts to fade. Dimple Kapadia, as the eccentric Katy, brings a sense of vulnerability and catastrophe, whereas Naseeruddin Shah pulls off the role of an introverted, seemingly helpless old man with ease. Boman Irani plays the sceptical and near-paranoid Farrokh, brother of Dinshaw, trapped in the concrete jungle of Mumbai.

Yet the enigmatic presence throughout the movie is Saif Ali Khan as Cyrus. With his calm demeanor and inscrutable smile, Cyrus is a catalyst who changes the dynamics of the Sethna family, in ways beyond imagination. The presence of Cyrus unveils deep-rooted secrets, hidden ambitions, and dormant fears of the family, eventually spiraling their world into chaos. The performances are understated yet powerful, bringing forth a raw and authentic exploration of human psyche and its underlying darkness.

The screenplay of Being Cyrus reflects a sense of deep introspection and has a lingering sadness that stays with you. While the narrative weaves an intricate plot, exposing one surprise after another, it also gives enough arcs for the characters to evolve or disintegrate. This multilayered approach to storytelling is the real strength of Being Cyrus – it creates an ambiance and leaves an impact that transcends the immediate plot.

While primarily being a dark psychological thriller, Being Cyrus is also layered with understated humor arising from the absurdity of the characters' lives and actions. There is a tragic-comic sense infused in various scenes, which enriches the texture of the narrative. Homi Adajania expertly uses this to showcase the paradoxical nature of human existence. The film is also infused with aesthetically appealing visuals, the hauntingly beautiful scenery of Panchgani - the dilapidated mansions, the misty hills, the rains, serving as a perfect backdrop for the intriguing narrative.

Simone Singh’s role as Tina, Farrokh's wife, remains somewhat peripheral yet vital, and her act adds to the overall enigma of Being Cyrus. The movie is boldly unconventional in its storytelling, drenched in melancholy and tackling themes seldom touched upon in conventional Indian cinema.

Distinct from mainstream Bollywood, Being Cyrus is for those who appreciate meaningful cinema. It is an intricately woven film with stellar performances and a storyline that leaves viewers thinking. Being Cyrus is not just a movie – it is an experience that provokes thought and lingers on in the viewers' mind long after the credits roll. It is a must-watch for lovers of the offbeat cinema who appreciate an excellent mix of suspense, emotion, dark humor, and striking performances. The movie is a rare gem that successfully transcends the regular boundaries of cinema by effectively addressing universal themes through its poignant storytelling.