No Smoking

In 2007, a gripping psychological thriller called "No Smoking" hit Indian cinemas. Bollywood's beloved hunk, John Abraham, surrounded by an fantastic supporting cast featuring Ayesha Takia and Paresh Rawal, flexed his acting muscles to portray an immensely complex character in this unusual, experimental, and darkly satirical film.

"No Smoking" tells the story of K (John Abraham), a self-obsessed, arrogant, and highly successful businessman. K is unapologetically addicted to smoking and considers it an essential part of his life, disregarding the protestations of his loved ones and the damage it inflicts on his health. Despite a flourishing career, his cigarette addiction becomes a bone of contention in his personal life, especially with his wife, Anjali (Ayesha Takia). The narrative takes a surreal turn when under pressure from his wife and his brother, K decides to quit smoking and zero in on a seemingly miraculous cessation clinic helmed by Baba Bengali (Paresh Rawal).

Baba Bengali's clinic, however, is anything but conventional. As the tough-as-nails Baba Bengali navigates through his radical smoking cessation methods, a chain-smoking K wades through a spiralling psychological landscape, delving deeper into the impact his addiction has had on his relationships and life so far.

"No Smoking" is directed by Anurag Kashyap, a name synonymous with offbeat cinema in Bollywood, known for his unique storytelling approach, real-life inspirations, and innovative narratives. Staying true to his trademark style, Kashyap turns the ostensibly simple plot of "No Smoking" into a labyrinthine psychological horror that presents a man grappling with his addiction.

John Abraham puts forth a laudable performance as the defiant, nicotine-addicted K. Abraham's character is quite complex: a man who seems to have everything yet is internally dissatisfied, shackled by his cravings for cigarettes. His portrayal brims with empathy for the character's struggle with addiction, fear, and loss, making it a role worth watching him perform.

Ayesha Takia, in her dual roles as Anjali and Anjali's friend, delivers a convincing performance, demonstrating her versatility and sumptuous screen presence. Paresh Rawal, as the eccentric Baba Bengali, takes the audience on a surreal ride with his unusually mysterious character, proving yet again why he is one of the most respected actors in the Indian film industry.

"No Smoking" is more of an experience than a straightforward narrative film, blending elements of suspense, thrill, and a mind-bending reality. Utilizing a strong cinematic language, the film delves into symbolism, metaphors, and a dream-reality narrative style to cleverly reflect upon the theme of addiction. This makes it much more than just a 'quit smoking' themed film; it explores the human mind, free will, and the terror and struggle that comes with breaking free from one's habits and compulsions.

The film's critical reception was as polarizing as its narrative, with some praising it for its bold storytelling and the others criticising it for being too confused and abstract. However, despite the mixed reviews, "No Smoking" stands out for its intriguing premise, commendable performances, and innovation in narrating a story around a mundane but dangerous habit of smoking.

Rajeev Ravi's phenomenal cinematography adds another layer to the viewing experience, transforming everyday landscapes into gripping, often chilling narrative components that elevate the plot's inherent tension. Amar Mohile’s background score further enhance the movie's ambiance, transporting viewers into this abstract, complex world.

Overall, "No Smoking" is an iconic movie in its own right. It's arresting, visually resplendent, and thematically rich, pushing the boundaries of conventional cinema and offering viewers a uniquely thrilling experience of what Indian cinema can achieve.