Phir kabhi

Moser Baer; Rs 99.

The just-out Phir Kabhi is the first Hindi film to release direct on DVD, and opens a welcome new avenue in the film-viewing experience. Till now, a brand new film was to be had only in theatres. Now, you can bypass the over-salted, overpriced popcorn, and watch it at your time, at your place.

Who will come to a multiplex to watch a Mithun Chakraborty- Dimple Kapadia- Rati Agnihotri film, even if it is hot off the presses? Especially in hyper-marketed times, with stars whose names do not end in Khan and Kapoor? Phir Kabhi is a ‘mature’ love story, which in Hindi cinema terms could mean anyone over 25 years of age. Mithun has a full head of grey hair, not just streaks. So do Rati, and Dimple, who also dare to show a wrinkle or two. Would you go for a one-time, one-person Rs 200 ticket for this trio? Unlikely. But a DVD, for multiple viewings, at Rs 99? Why not?

The film opens with Mithun coming to terms with the loss of his dearly beloved wife (Rati, making a quick exit), and discovering, quite by accident, a long-lost love (Dimple, resplendent in handspun cottons). There’s a great deal of flashing back (the two as high school kids, frolicking by the river), and catching up at a re-union.

What stands out in this fairly ordinary story, told fairly ordinarily, is the relationship that re-ignites between Mithun and Dimple. He left her because he didn’t have the courage to stand up to his authoritarian father; now he’s about to abandon her again because of the disapproval of his daughter-in-law. His perky granddaughter shows the old man the way, and love—is umar mein bhi—wins out. This could have been a better film, but the more important fact is that it actually exists. The music, by Shantanu Moitra, is lovely, though. Close your eyes, and listen.