Zubaan

Directed by Mozez Singh, Zubaan is a 2015 Indian musical drama film, serving as a coming-of-age narrative set against the vibrant backdrop of contemporary Punjab and the glittering facade of Delhi. The film stands out due to its soulful music and a compelling storyline that is paradoxically simple yet profound. The main actors are Vicky Kaushal, who previously gained fame with his exceptional performance in Masaan, Sarah Jane Dias, a seasoned actress and former Miss India, and Raaghavv Chanana, who delivers a standout performance.

The film begins with the childhood of Dilsher (Vicky Kaushal), who hails from a humble background in Punjab. He grows up enchanted by the riches of a business magnate, Gurucharan Sikand (Manish Choudhary). Despite his modest origins, Dilsher is ambitious, deeply driven, and aspires to climb up the social ladder into realms of power and wealth. His own desires are intertwined with a stuttering problem, which he tries to overcome throughout the movie.

On his journey, Dilsher crosses paths with Gurucharan's estranged daughter, Amira, portrayed by Sarah Jane Dias, who awakens in him a love for music. An enchanting singer, Amira, adds multiple layers to the story. Their initial encounter sets off a chain of events that eventually reveal the profound effect that music has had on their lives. Through the shared common love for music, Amira helps Dilsher to realize a new angle of life.

The movie carries the essence of self-discovery, and the plot thickens as it sheds light on Dilsher's inner struggles and speaks eloquently about his path towards self-acceptance. His friendship with Gurucharan's son, Surya, portrayed by Raaghavv Chanana, brings out the harsh truths about the corporate world and highlights the hard challenges that Dilsher faces.

The film also sketches a vivid portrait of the protagonist's transformation from an innocent and aimless village boy into a hardened and ambitious businessman who later evolves into a self-aware individual. Zubaan explores opposing facets of life, such as greed and generosity, power and humility, ambition and contentment, creating a beautifully complex and human story.

Zubaan's musical score, composed by Ashutosh Pathak and Shantanu Moitra with lyrics by Varun Grover, deserves noteworthy mention. The film incorporates music as a pivotal plot-point, crafting an audible journey that resonates with the viewer as much as the visual one. The songs, imbued with elements of Punjabi folk and contemporary indie music tracks, enhance the different moods and emotions portrayed in the film, adding an immersive depth to the narrative.

Moreover, Zubaan's narrative style is unique and engaging. It explores complex themes such as the clash between traditional values and modern aspirations, and the search for identity amid the cacophony of society's expectations. It does not rely on mindless drama or exaggerated sentimentalism; instead, it makes use of smart symbolism, thought-provoking dialogues, and well-etched characters to forge a connection with the audience.

The cinematography of Zubaan deserves a special mention. Beautifully shot frames bring to life the landscape of urban Delhi and rural Punjab in all their glory. The film uses the visual narrative effectively to depict the stark contrasts between these two worlds.

The performances of the actors, especially Vicky Kaushal and Sarah Jane Dias, elevate the overall impact of the story. Kaushal's performance is nuanced, encapsulating the various emotional hues of his character, while Dias leaves a lasting impression with her portrayal of a complex individual.

In conclusion, Zubaan is a beautifully crafted musical journey that combines a compelling narrative with endearing performances. It is a film that delves deep into the introspective journey of a young man, engaging the viewer in his pursuit of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and the powerful and transformative role of music in our lives. Overall, it's a prime example of how cinema can stir, enlighten, and still entertain.